Richard Arimado’s works for “The Happiness Spectrum” actively call for the involvement of the viewer as he uses his medium for the transference of nostalgia and the recollection of celebrated Filipino events which forms his narrative. Arimado’s paintings of distinct local scenes and his subjects’ intrinsic smiles are as much an indication of his skills as a dedicated observer as they are of his skills as an artist.
Painting is Richard Arimado’s way of remembering and interpreting the beauty of Filipino culture. He begins by depicting a day-to-day scene composed of a myriad of characters, objects, and architecture, meticulously observing the way people live their daily routine.
Arimado, however, does this with difference — he is an on-looker par-excellence but an on-looker from above. The subjects are observed by the viewer where they stand but from overhead. He tries to capture the relationship between perceiving the landscape — reminiscent of local venues close to Filipino’s hearts as a community such as churches, farms, even a basketball court — and observing the feelings and emotions from people that comprise it. Usually they are smiling and brimming with positivity.
Richard Arimado’s “The Happiness Spectrum” generally reflect the creative energy found in rural areas that acts as an undercurrent to the aesthetic sensibility and authenticity of the local folk. Each work is a complete narration in itself, giving the audience a glimpse of the past, which has been kept alive by talent and devotion of Arimado. The artist’s visual narrative depicts elements associated with a more leisurely life and are in direct contrast to nature. Ordinary and mundane occurrences are featured, but the works are meant to engage scenes of life that transcends the everyday.
Richard Arimado (b. 1970), Born and raised in Manila, has always had strong artistic inclinations. He studied Drafting Tech at the Technological Institute of the Philippines, and Advertising at the Panday Sining Art Study Center. This early, Arimado has already developed a masterly style and his own artistic signature by painting birds-eye views of pedestrians and their commutes.
“The Happiness Spectrum” by Richard Arimado will be on view from November 9 – 20, 2021 at Galerie Joaquin Podium. The Galerie is located at Level 3, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
