Waking Life

Amidst the plentiful interpretations of the classic Filipino tropes we often view in genre art, visual artist Sonny Palles offers a refreshing set of eyes on the essential conditions of human existence and living. His Cubist take on scenes of the ordinary awakens a spiritual connection in us viewers, interpreting yet revitalizing a way of life that amasses a wave of sentimentality visualized through familiarity and recognition.

“Waking Life”, Palles’ first solo exhibition with Galerie Raphael, introduces a set of figures that act as role models as they are immersed in traditions of the norm. Noble and amusing acts such as shopping at the fish market, playing tumbang preso, or flying a saranggola are excellently dispositioned in renditions of his classic cubist style in lively color and texture. In particular, Palles’ intentional rough strokes and outlines reveal a compelling form of artistic palette that reveres and pays homage to the art genre it references.

Deeply inspired by Filipino pioneers of Cubism such as Ang Kiukok, Vicente Manansala and Cesar Legaspi, Sonny Palles’ portrayals of everyday acts and people invigorate the spirit of living life in prudence and simplicity. Essentially, Palles’ visual language is dynamic and exciting, yet remains true and loyal to its traditional roots and customs – proving that we have yet to see new and impressive forms and styles of the classic, timeless themes of Filipino life.

Sonny de Leon Palles is a visual artist hailing from Calamba, Laguna. A Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate with a Major in Painting at the University of Santo Tomas, he spent most of his years working abroad until returning to his homeland, intending to retire and fully explore his terrain into the arts. Now currently seated as the Culture and Arts Director at the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Sonny actively practices his splendid technique and wit for the arts as a passion-turned-career.

Palles’ artistic style exceeds the boundaries that its commonly predisposed to. He explores the genre of Cubism, yet further surpasses its rules and technicalities by applying bold strokes, enlivened colors, and diverse palettes of texture onto the canvas. As result, Palles uncovers an oeuvre that is recognizable yet exhilarating to the viewer, leaving a sense of liberty and reintroducing itself as a revitalized form of the classic Filipino tropes and genres.

“Waking Life” by Sonny Palles will be on view from April 20 to May 1, 2023, with the Artist Reception scheduled on April 25, Tuesday at 5 PM. Galerie Raphael U.P. Town Center is located at the 2/F Phase 2, U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Ave., Diliman, Quezon City. For inquiries, contact Galerie Raphael U.P. Town Center at +632 8247 1109 or email galerie.raphael@gmail.com.