PROPERTY FROM THE JOSE ZAIDE COLLECTION

Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist

ABOUT THE WORK

Acclaimed for his method of abstraction, Hernando R. Ocampo was regarded as an artist who used an intellectual approach in his masterpieces. He was able to create novel imagery and symbolism through the alchemy of paint after he abandoned his pre-war and post-war figurations. His art is described to be "abstract compositions of biological forms that seemed to oscillate, quiver, inflame and multiply," like mutations. A remarkable illustration of his revered mode of abstraction are these two pieces done in oil on board. Organic symbols find their way into these works of Ocampo, adding to the complexity of the surface meanings of the canvases. However, the said details are more than just ornamental marvels and are considered a personal and substantial reaction to the stimuli and environment that the artist engaged. Still, despite his habit of drawing inspiration from his surroundings, his art is anything but derivative. In Ocampo’s works, colors take the center stage. The chromatic scale gradually moves from one tone to the other — hues of yellow, the color which he personally calls his “life force,” and orange are carefully balanced with the darker shades. His interlocking forms and distinct color palette have given rise to a unique visual language that is notably and completely Ocampo’s. (P.I.R.)