Discover the beauty of woven memories through the exquisite watercolor paintings of Kyle Fortu-Legaspi. Her latest solo exhibition, titled Woven Memories, is a visual tribute to the strength and resilience of women who maintained harmony and sanity during the lockdown. Each of the 26 pieces in the exhibit tells a story of solitude and silence, portrayed through floral, portrait, and still life watercolor paintings.
Kyle's artistry is rooted in her passion for textures and colors, which she honed while studying at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines. She became a commissioned portrait artist, and her works have been exhibited internationally. What sets her paintings apart are the delicate Philippine textiles that she incorporates into each composition. Her art is a visual memoir of the blues and stillness, which will soon fade into memories.
‘I want to start putting Philippine fabrics (on display) in the international scene so that someday, people can tell that this painting is from the Philippines.’
The “Of Art and Wine: Woven Memories” exhibition, which runs until May 27 at Conrad Manila's Gallery C, features Kyle's mastery of light and reflection. Her paintings capture the essence of flowers, fruits, and vegetables, as well as the curves of drapes and the shadows cast by the light. Her works are breathtakingly realistic, and each piece exudes a soft and light scheme that evokes tranquility and calmness.
Combining elements of still-life, portraiture, and textiles, Legaspi's pieces capture the beauty and nuance of everyday objects and moments. In "From Thy Bounty," for example, she arranges an assortment of fruits and flowers on a plate, surrounded by a textured textile that snakes around the scene. The shadows of the branches are depicted with such skill that they seem to elongate and curve just as they would in real life.
Legaspi's watercolor portraits are also noteworthy for their ability to capture the innocence and wonder of childhood. In "Underneath," for instance, she features her nieces and nephews as willing models, their eyes reflecting the quiet solitude and beauty of their surroundings.
Ultimately, "Woven Memories" is a visual memoir of the pandemic, a reminder of the solace and beauty that can be found in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. As Legaspi herself notes, the exhibit is a tribute to the women who helped maintain harmony and sanity in their homes during lockdown, showcasing the strength and resilience of these unsung heroes.
Celebrate International Women's Month by witnessing the beauty of Kyle's paintings that honor and celebrate the strength of women. Conrad Manila is proud to host this exhibition and showcase the brilliance of Filipino artistry through Kyle's exquisite watercolor paintings. Come and see the Woven Memories exhibit and be captivated by the beauty of Philippine textiles and the strength and resilience of women.
Art has always been a powerful tool to convey messages and spark discussions, and in this case, it highlights the importance of women in our society. Through different styles, techniques, and mediums, artists create pieces that not only showcase their talent but also inspire and empower women to continue to strive and break barriers.
Support Kyle Fortu-Legaspi and her art!
View the full collection here: https://bit.ly/OAAWWovenMemories
The artworks are available individually for purchase.
