Oct 32 min read

Chiqui Rodriguez: Sudden Flight

In the hands of some artists, abstract art becomes a type of language. On these occasions, the

discourse formed is oftentimes complex; unlike conventional language where conveyance is

effective when concise and specific, the visual dialogue stands to benefit from open

interpretations. When abstract forms and color become the mediums of metaphor, only cultural

similarities (between artist and audience) and maybe the collective unconscious for some, can

deliver the message spot-on. This intricacy however, does not necessarily undermine the value

of this medium as a language because it makes resonance with the artwork even more

valuable.

Chiqui Rodriguez’ body of work, “Sudden Flight,” speaks of the woes of Diaspora and the joy of

sacrifice’s worth. The artist’s expressions are subtle, as she intends for the paintings to speak

for themselves. But perhaps to some it would be evident from the collection’s name and the

individual pieces’ references to love that between the vibrant hues of acrylic and the canvas lies

a narrative of the Overseas Filipino Worker’s plight. “Sudden Flight” traces its origin from

Rodriguez’ unexpected encounters with Filipino workers in Brussels in 2013. It was there and

then that she took to heart the stories of their difficulties and even more so the solace they

found in knowing how the families they leave behind benefit from their sacrifice.

Inspired by the experience, she visualized her emotional responses through a process that

began with an electronic sketchpad and lead to expressions, that according to the artist,

referred to layers of meaning – sudden bursts of happiness, excitement as reaching out lives of

far-flung Filipinos extending compassion, moments of bliss. She gives life to these concepts

through unique color-blending techniques that include what she refers to as “advection,”

wherein gem-like impressions are formed via displacement of paint either by force or gravity.

Chiqui Rodriguez is a Filipina abstract painter who explores the abstraction of ideas in culture-

specific contexts. Altromondo Gallery presents 19 works selected from her series “Sudden

Flight.” The whole series, comprised of over 100 pieces, will be exhibited in Zurich later this

year. Coming from a corporate background, Rodriguez has been actively painting since 2004,

participating in shows both local and abroad. Aside from her artistic practice, she continues to

research on cultural entrepreneurship in developing countries like the Philippines and remains

active in various social causes.

Article written by:

-Ian Carlo Jaucian

ALTRO MONDO  AT THE PICASSO

119 L.P. Leviste St. Salcedo Village, Makati

CHIQUI RODRIGUEZ®