Provenance: Acquired directly from the artist by Miguel Romulo

ABOUT THE WORK

Lee Aguinaldo’s paintings exhibit a distinct quality in terms of color perception and the tactile nature of paint. Color, for Aguinaldo, becomes a tangible presence that stands on its own. Through meticulous arrangement on the canvas, it invites the viewer into an objective and analytical exploration. Emphasizing the removal of brushwork and any trace of human touch, Aguinaldo aims for a uniform and flat surface of pigment, preserving the picture's integrity. The deliberate geometric framing, defined by right angles, establishes an orderly and consciously rational composition. For Aguinaldo, excessiveness in spatial embellishment, color abundance, or narrative overtures could undermine the artwork's potency. The square format, favored by him for landscape paintings, is not coincidental or for convenience. Instead, it imparts a sense of logic and purity, enveloping the subject in a sphere of rationality. His Green Circulation series draws from the influence of his earlier Linear works. The piece titled Green Circulation exemplifies the series' primary objective: to investigate the inherent interplay between the color green and its diverse shades and levels of luminosity within the context of color field painting. At the heart of this artwork, various shades of blue morph into gradients of green. These are complemented by spaces in vivid emerald green. By presenting contrasting variations of the same color, with the center unfolding as a spectrum and the flanking sides as a solid mass, Aguinaldo brings forth the essence of visual experience. This effectively underscores the notion that singular elements often attain full appreciation when juxtaposed with their counterparts. (Jed Daya)