IN “JUST A LOVER”, his first solo exhibit currently running at Mamusa Art Gallery in Casa Emperador of Megaworld Iloilo, artist Barry Matthew Namo has reinvented himself in style… and in name. These days, he just wants to be known simply as NAMO.
A series of seven acrylic-and-aerosol paintings (“Voyage to Nirvana”) illustrates the development of a human figure in reddish shirt — the Lover, who emerges like a plant from a green pot in front of a blue and black background; his growth encouraged by sprinkles of pink hearts and what look like water droplets.
“After working on photo-referenced paintings for years, I have decided to explore a new direction by painting with cartoonish lines and pastel colors,” Namo explains. “I like that I can paint faster by creating my own ‘characters’ and make them move as I like.”
At the opening reception on June 14, the artist was joined by friends and fellow Ilonggo artists in a simple repast.
“Why Love? Well, maybe because I am in love. But also, I want to give more joy, and more love to the world through my art,” Namo shares with a smile.
Just a Lover the exhibit is free to the public, and continues until July 8./PN
