ABOUT THE WORK

The abstractions of Norberto Carating, a force in the Philippine abstract art scene with over four decades of fine artistry under his belt, are widely celebrated for its compactness, coherence, and elegance of texture. He is also known for his works that show the shades and moods of celestial bodies such as the moon and sun. The circle and square also function as his predominant motifs. Masterfully rendered in layered slates of metallic pigments on canvas, the pieces display symbols of eternity in captivating colors and distinct textures. This piece titled New Moon and Golden Sun, created a year before his 2014 show Last Full Show, is among Carating’s gestural abstractions in which he achieved elegant compactness and alluring texture with his familiar shapes set on an engaging field. Mesmerizing and magical, also conveying a quiet yet imposing presence, this work also shows his masterful use of metallic acrylic. Carating studied at the UP College of Fine Arts under the foremost Filipino abstract expressionist Jose Joya, and he has exhibited his works in Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, Germany, Cuba, Canada and the U.S.