Filipino artist Carillo to exhibit in New York gallery

Virgilio Carillo’s “Bakod” AGORA GALLERY

NEW YORK CITY – The original work of Philippine-born artist Virgil Carrillo of Bergen County, New Jersey will be featured in “Pathway to Abstraction,” an exhibition mounted by Chelsea’s Agora Gallery.

The exhibition opens on December 23 and runs until January 15, with a reception on January 8. The public is welcome to attend “thought-provoking artworks and meeting talented and interesting artists,” said the gallery’s press statement. 

Artist Virgil Carrillo makes use of cake icing tools and silicone wedges, in conjunction with the usual paintbrush, to craft his abstract acrylic paintings. These tools allow him to layer his thicker paints, creating additional volumes that are skillfully manipulated to create stronger art statements.

The resulting dynamic image that draws on what Carrillo terms “colored lyricism” is achieved through the amalgamation of controlled gesture, geometry, pattern and bold color choices.

Carrillo’s broad brushstrokes, inspired in part by the magnified paints of Roy Lichtenstein’s Brushstrokes series, are arranged in hypnotic patterns that lure viewers in.

According to Carrillo, the colors and shapes are the subjects of his works, composed to one cohesive image, painted purely for aesthetic reasons. His goal is to create universally appealing art, avoiding any socio-political commentary, focusing instead on his own colorful, captivating self-expression, with which he hopes to bring a sense of happiness and life affirmation to his audience.

Born in the Philippines, he currently lives and works in Bergen County, New Jersey. He is a veterinarian, business owner and an avid art collector.

Exhibition Dates: December 23, 2014 – January 15, 2015

Reception: Thursday January 8, 2015, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat 11-6

Gallery Location: 530 West 25th St, Chelsea, New York

Event URL: https://www.agora-gallery.com/artistpage/Virgil_Carrillo.aspx