Coloratura

“Coloratura” is a musical term referring to a rich and ornate range of singing. Vocal performers, more known as “sopranos”, apply this style of singing in order to showcase an abundance of emotion, depth, and field to a musical performance. This term is akin to Jo Balbarona’s latest series of works, showcasing a visually-captivating world where chaos and peace reign true.

Thousandfold paper cranes stand tall in all their grace and glory, ranging from a multiverse of forms and designs to an alluring backdrop of unabashed brush strokes.

Unafraid to take the Senbazuru principle to the next level, Jo Balbarona unfolds her paper cranes and transverses dimensions. In this exhibit, we see her signature origami figures in multifaceted vantage points in which style and substance are brazenly displayed; layers on top of layers of paper cranes flock around and towards the canvas, flying freely as they unveil beautiful colors, patterns, and textures.

The exhibit aims to retain the concept of paper cranes in Japanese culture, as the bold illustrations grasp notions of peace and longevity in life amidst the peaks and valleys it naturally possesses. In essence, “Coloratura” is a visual poetry of life’s modesty, encouraging the viewers to embrace the peace and chaos that lies within our experiences.

Joan Antonio Balbarona (b.1977) is a self-taught artist from Hindang, Leyte. She studied Food Science and Technology at UP Los Baños. Joan has worked as a 3D animator and video editor and now is a full-time artist. In 2013, she had the chance to study at the Art Students League of New York, under the tutelage of the well-known abstractionist Ronnie Landfield. She was one of the finalists in the non-representational category in the 2017 GSIS national art competition for her abstract “Ang Pagtangis ng mga Ibong Pipit”. She was also a finalist in the 2017 Metrobank Art and Design Excellence for her sculpture entitled “The Colony”.

“Coloratura” by Jo Balbarona will be on view from June 17 – 28, 2023, with the Artist Reception scheduled on June 23, Friday 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.