LANDSCAPES ON PAPER

The OWG Creative Centre presents “Landscapes on Paper”, an exhibition of unique folded paper creations by visual artist Cathy Lasam. The exhibit features abstracted landscapes inspired by Philippine landmarks painted on paper textured using Lasam’s signature style of paper folding.

Lasam describes the creation of her “paperworks” as a highly intuitive process that is initially based on but ultimately deviates from the principles of origami. My work deviates from origami’s mechanical model-making process,” she explains, “because the final form is wholly dependent on my active creative decisions of the movement; creating one-of-a-kind works.”

After the surface of the paper is completely redefined by the initial folding, it undergoes a second transformation as Lasam proceeds to simulate texture through painting. Lasam’s body of the work has evolved over the years from purely non-representational pieces to sculptural forms that suggest images such as folding fans, Christmas Lanterns or “parols,” waterfalls and parts of the human body.

In “Landscapes on Paper”, Lasam’ paperworks enter a new dimension of representational imagery as she uses her by now trademark folded paper textures as ground for the depiction of Philippine panaromas. By folding the paper into repeated forms to create a sculptural relief, the paper becomes not just a surface for painting but an image in itself that shines through in the final work. “The landscape and patterned ground work hand in hand to create a unique visual effect, “Lasam elaborates, “with the folded paper mirroring the final painted image.”

Lasam is a multi-awarded cum laude graduate of the College of Fine Arts of the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. Her paperworks have been featured in major solo exhibits at the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the OWG Creative Centre, as well as group shows mounted here and abroad.

Cathy will be on view from October 24 to November 24, 2007.

One Workshop Gallery is located at Ground Floor 2241 La Fuerza Plaza II, Don Chino Roces Avenue corner Sabio St., Makati City. (Walking distance from Magallanes MRT and Mazda Showroom) Gallery hours are from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

For more information, call 8105094, fax 8192074, email owgallery@yahoo.com.