Circle of Life | Kenneth Montegrande

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Text: Ricky Francisco Layout Design: Carlo Abello Cover: Noy Bedaña

CIRCLE OF LIFE

KENNETH MONTEGRANDE

In “Circle of Life”, each abstract work is inspired by quotes from leaders and other respected personages whose wisdom, passion, and overall success tell us that they are worth emulating.

They have made the most of their lives as their achievements prove. It is in this train of thought, for example, that Montegrande created the work “It Goes On” based on Robert Frost’s quote “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.” Or for that matter, Jack Kerouac’s “Keep calm and carry on,” is translated to a painting that has the same exact title. But not all are as directly corresponding as these, for example Frank Lloyd Wright’s “The Longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes,” is transformed by Montegrande as an artwork entitled “Grateful in Everything.” And Mario Fernandez’s “Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine” into Montegrande’s “Rise to Shine.” Using inspiring quotes as a trigger for painting has been one of the ways that the artist made some earlier works. And the confidence and maturity show in the bold strokes and impastos that mark the abstract works for this exhibition.

Quite noticeable is the conscious effort to present the works on a circular canvas. Associated with fullness, abundance, and eternity, Montegrande chose the format to highlight the idea that though life can be seen as a cycle of giving and taking, of beginnings and endings, of constant changes, there is one thing that can be relied on, the unending and constant love of God, from which Montegrande attributes all good things as blessings, including this year added to his life.

The three cloud-and-sea scapes, which Montegrande is also known for, also symbolize his optimism and faith, that despite the darkness and uncertainty, the constant presence and love of God allows us to remain steadfast. Following the tradition of JMW Turner of the dramatic landscapes, combined with chiaroscuro influenced by Rembrandt, Montegrande’s seascapes invoke vastness and leave viewers with a feeling of smallness in relation to the greatness of the Divine. For Montegrande, these works are a constant reminder for the need to center ourselves, and to see the Divine in his daily life.

“Circle of Life” is Kenneth Montegrande’s first solo exhibition which starts his second decade in art. In the exhibition we see a maturity in his art coupled with a commitment to move forward in his art. We see an optimism born of experience, as well as a deep-rooted faith as the anchors of his artmaking.

Rise To Shine 66 x 66 in Acrylic on Canvas “Rise above the storm and you will find the sunshine.” — Mario Fernandez

Top - Bottom My Inner Strength I 9.25 x 12.25 in Acrylic on Paper My Inner Strength II 9.25 x 12.25 in Acrylic on Paper

Top - Bottom My Inner Strength III 9.25 x 12.25 in Acrylic on Paper My Inner Strength IV 9.25 x 12.25 in Acrylic on Paper Desire 9.25 x 12.25 in Acrylic on Paper

My Inner Strength V 12.25 x 9.25 in Acrylic on Paper

My Inner Strength VI 12.25 x 9.25 in Acrylic on Paper

Fearless 12.25 x 9.25 in Acrylic on Paper

Every Morning Is A Fresh Beginning 48” diameter Acrylic on Canvas

Greatest Pleasure 36” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “The greatest pleasure of life is love.” — Euripides

Beauty Flows In You 24” diameter Acrylic on Canvas

Life Is A Flower Of Which Love Is The Honey (Series 1) 48” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Life is a flower of which love is the honey.” — Victor Hugo

Life Is A Flower Of Which Love Is The Honey (Series 2) 36” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Life is a flower of which love is the honey.” — Victor Hugo

Live In The Sunshine (Series 1) 36” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” — Hellen Keller

Live In The Sunshine (Series 2) 36” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” — Hellen Keller

Keep calm & Carry On 48” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Keep calm and carry on.” — Jack Kerouac

Keep Going And Keep The Faith 30” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” ~ Nelson Mandela

It Goes On 36” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on. — Robert Frost

Life Is A Great Gift 24” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “The purpose of life is to be happy.” — Dalai Lama

A Beautiful Perspective 60” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.” — Robert Louis Stevenson

Shine On You (Series 1) 30” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Turn your wounds into wisdom.” — Oprah Winfrey

Living A Life Of Simplicity 36” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself. “ — George Bernard Shaw

The Bright Side Of Life 36” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Life imposes things on you that you can’t control, but you still have the choice of how you’re going to live through this” — Celine Dion

Life Is A Beautiful Journey 48” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” — Buddha

Shine On You (Series 2) 48” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Turn your wounds into wisdom.” — Oprah Winfrey

A Beautiful Perspective Series 2 30” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant.” — Robert Louis Stevenson

After All Life Is Beautiful 30” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be.”—Douglas Adams

Trusting His Process 30” diameter Acrylic on Canvas “Live for each second without hesitation.” — Elton John

GALERIE JOAQUIN ROCKWELL