: Suspended Animations by Patrick Esmao

“Suspended Animations” by Patrick Esmao at Galerie Joaquin Collective 

Text by Mikai Francisco

The fluid and translucent effects of watercolor give rise to a unique dimension within the oeuvre of Patrick Esmao. Known for his meticulously threaded acrylic paintings, the free-flowing nature of watercolor seems contrary to his calculated praxis. This mini-exhibition features works that display his deft manipulation of this medium with his signature precision and draftsmanship.

“Suspended Animation” is a series of Esmao’s explorations into the elements that make up the third dimension. Form and mass are abstracted into their two-dimensional base components such as shape, space, tone, value, and texture. Esmao furthers this by utilizing various principles of design to craft interesting compositions that play with the concept of motion and stillness. He creates the illusion of movement or the lack thereof with the clever use of visual hierarchies to guide viewers’ eyes across the elements of his works. From precisely lined up squares to precariously stacked shapes — the artist toys with the comfort in stillness and unease in motion.

This series of visual permutations breaks down form, movement, and stillness into their key parts to create a diversity of abstractions. As viewers navigate through this mini-exhibition, they are invited to build their interpretations about space and movement with the essentialized elements the artist illustrates. Moreover, while challenging one’s perception of three-dimensionality, Patrick Esmao simultaneously reveals the different facets of his artistic practice across genre and medium.

“Suspended Animation” by Patrick Esmao will be on view at Galerie Joaquin Collective from August 10 - 18, 2024. We are located on the 3rd Floor of Greenbelt 5, Legazpi St., Makati City. For inquiries, contact or email us at galeriejoaquinonline@gmail.com.