Tatong Recheta Torres’s work has been described collectively as both disturbing and beautiful. One look at his pieces can make you proclaim exactly that. Though his works seem surreal at times, they impart a strong sense of familiarity–common everyday scenes and situations presented by Torres’s out-of-this-world interpretations which are undeniably fascinating and, at times, frightening. There is something about his images that never fail to draw you in. Strong, moving, and exceptionally crafted, his work is most especially exciting.
Working with mediums such as oil, watercolor, and charcoal, Torres mounts his sixth solo exhibition at Silverlens SLab 20 Square titled Glutted Vertebrates. The show’s name, which is simply another term for stuffed toys or stuffed animals, extends to its theme which was inspired by a bad experience the artist had while growing up–let’s just say, it involved a lot of teddy bears. Not exactly the best playthings for a young child allergic to a lot of things, including fur.
Glutted Vertebrates features oil paintings whose subjects are grim creatures and things made completely of hair–beings that unquestionably fit right in the artist’s perception of an alternate world. Each and every subject of the much-awaited collection is covered in fur. From humans to objects, to cityscapes to the sky, even the frames for the paintings are upholstered with fur. Strangeness, a common premise present in many of his pieces, is very much evident in this collection as well. Each artwork imparts a stunning obscurity that will haunt and intrigue you–mysterious meĢlanges masterfully crafted that result in fantastic works of art. “The whole idea of the show is like a night terror, if you’ve ever experienced it,” shares Torres. “It’s characterized by frequent episodes of intense crying and fear during sleep.” Though daunting at first glance, it’s not entirely right to liken this collection to a night terror, a sleep disorder experienced by young children, because unlike the terrors, which are completely forgotten the following day, Torres’s artworks remain unforgettable.
With a background in architecture and no formal art education, Torres continues to explore different mediums and subjects. He refuses to be boxed into a certain type of artist. “I will never just stick to painting,” he reveals. “I wish more people such as art collectors and art enthusiasts will open their mind to the idea that art is not just paintings and sculptures.” When it comes to style, Torres humbly proclaims, “I don't really know what my style is. I don't like the idea of labeling my art as like this or like that. I just do whatever I want to do with my art, I don't stick to one medium or subject.”
Aside from focusing on his art and participating in numerous significant group shows, 32-year-old artist also teaches drawing and has worked in the production team of a local horror movie.
Glutted Vertebrates by Tatong Recheta Torres opens on September 28, 2011 simultaneously with Incarnate by Isa Lorenzo at silverlens and Cloud Country by Patricia Perez Eustaquio at SLab.
