Opening reception with the artist: 07 November 2013, 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Altro Mondo Greenbelt 5, Makati City.

Altro Mondo Arte Contemporanea, in partnership with Galleria Duemila, is pleased to present “The Calling of Saint Matthew” an exhibition of new works by Roberto M.A. Robles.

Italian painter Caravaggio (1571-1610) became known for his highly realistic and emotionally charged naturalistic works that applied the use of dramatic and theatrical use of light and shadow known as Tenebrism. One of Caravaggio’s first commissions was “The Calling of Saint Matthew” (completed in 1600) that depicts the moment at which Jesus Christ calls out to Matthew to follow him. In this work, the figures are surrounded by shadow with only a beam of light that shines against the wall and onto a group of people, that highlighted the composition.

Today, Filipino contemporary artist, Roberto M. A. Robles (b.1957) takes inspiration from Caravaggio’s work and titles his show, “The Calling of Saint Matthew” as he focuses on the aspect of light and translates this not just for its tonal value but also for the more symbolic meaning of light—that of spiritual awakening.

Two profound life experiences almost make up the basis for this show—his unforgettable memories from the early 90’s of the bicycle rides – along the Doho Koen in Tsukuba, Japan on autumn days where he sees a magnificent stretch of golden yellow maple leaves that have left an indelible imprint in his mind for many years and a life-changing personal experience that almost made the artist feel like Matthew when he was called to Christ.

Roberto M.A. Robles is a man of immense knowledge with a deep mind. “The Calling of Saint Matthew”, like his other exhibitions, contain a sense of contemplation that utilizes his ability to find expression through a variety of mediums and styles. Robles has been exhibiting his works since 1986 when he garnered the Grand Prize for Mixed Media in the Annual Competition of the Art Association of the Philippines. He’s had shows not just in the country but in South Korea, Japan, Australia, France and the USA. His works are mature and accomplished in the seemingly various approaches he applies but all have that quality of fervor and dedication for a visual expression that seek to capture his life experiences, the places he lived and visited, all to be discerned from an oeuvre that speaks of artistic experience and a passion for materials.

“The Calling of Saint Matthew” will be on view at Altro Mondo · Arte Contemporanea (3rd Level, Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati City, 1228 Philippines) until November 29, 2013. For inquiries, please call (+632) 501 3270 to 71 or email info@altromondo.com.ph or visit our website www.altromondo.ph