"A dynamism of shapes, substances, and expressions."

On Belle Mer Art Gallery's Artist Spotlight this month is Rossano Capili, or simply "Rosscapili" as he is more widely known. Rosscapili was introduced into the art scene in 1975, when, at the invitation of Salva Limbo, curator of the Silangan Art Gallery (now City Gallery), he joined a group show on a religious theme. However, prior to this invitation, Rosscapili had already joined art competitions hosted by the Rotary Club of Manila and the Manila Council Nationwide Painting Competition and placed highly in both. He continued to participate in many art competitions through the decades and was a finalist in the Philippine Art Awards in 1996, was a Juror's Choice in the Philip Morris Asean Art Awards in 1994, and a finalist in the Diwa Ng Sining (Essence of Art) of the Rotary Club and the NCCA.

Among his self-admitted artistic influences, Paul Jenkins, the American artist whose giant canvasses undulate with waves of spectral color, is given pre-eminent position. But in stark contrast to Jenkins who allows his pigments greater autonomy in seeking their own expression, direction, and impulses, Rosscapili prefers to orchestrate the elements of his art in the manner of a chromatic conductor, as it were.

Rosscapili, in terms of both a man and his work, can be seen as "a dynamism of shapes, substances and expressions" to use the words of renowned art critic Cid Reyes.

Belle Mer Art is proud to present three of his works from circa 2001, namely "Harmony," "Bright Morning I," and "Reflections". Please visit our online gallery page for more details.

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