Tuesday, November 28, 2006 Painted Truths By Ritchie Landis Doner Quijano
THE pictures he paints are the most vivid images and scenes of simple and humble lives because he has seen it for himself.
Jun Impas paints a world of earth-bound beauty of the lives of folks in their daily routines—in their work and pastime.
They may be people doing honest living or in their pastoral and parochial landscape as ordinary folks.
The painter’s realistic renditions of earthly activities and scenes are representations of the truth, and nothing more than that.
He paints in the genre of realism where these seemingly mundane everyday scenes are given life by crisp and clear detailing, and forms made solid and voluminous that can be achieved only in the proper use of highlight and shading. This is Impas’ third major solo exhibition. It will be held on the 29th of this month at the newly-finished retirement home of priests along Juan Luna Boulevard.
The paintings are clearly a labor of love, each with a character of intricacy; he sees beauty in serenity, order in the visual tranquility of the landscape, and peace in contentment as seen on the faces of the painter’s lowly subjects. The paintings of Impas are renowned for their character, endemic and very Filipino.
They’re a positive visualization of humble lives and beginnings. These paintings are local scenes close to his heart. The artist in him recognizes the value of passing moments, hence he wants them frozen on canvas.
Aside from figurative works, landscapes and countless still lifes, Impas has produced during his many years of practice in the art profession he, too, has become noted in portraiture.
A notable example is the recently-completed portrait of Cardinal Vidal that will be hung at the main reception area to highlight this exhibition. The third one-man show of Jun Impas coincides with the blessing and inauguration of the Cardinal’s retirement home. Part of the proceeds of the exhibit will benefit the Cebu Archdiocesan Foundation.
