We usually hear the phrase, “Three’s a crowd”, where it is typically known to be an awkward feeling expressed by a third person as being left out or spoiling the privacy of a pair or a couple.

But “Three” on the other hand also comes with unity, greatness and success.  Just like the camaraderie showed by “The Three Musketeers”; the successful comedy series in the mid-20th century popularized by “The Three Stooges”; and who would forget the lovable, charming and singing animated anthropomorphic characters of “Alvin and the Chipmunks”?

As Felix Amoncio, Jake Catah and Jerson Samson, bonded with their passion, and expression of life, they collaborated to showcase their work of art, in the upcoming exhibit “TATLO” which will open on August 10, 2011 in the SM Megamall’s Art Center.

Distorted images and expressionism are visibly illustrated in the works of Amoncio and Catah, an inspiration they got from one person that influenced them the most, Onib Olmedo. Samson on the other hand was geared into figurative and socialism works, molded by some of the great artists of “Saling Pusa” (a group of artists in Antipolo) in the image of Mark Justiniani and Elmer Borlongan to name a few.

“TATLO” signifies harmony and unity within the works of these three great artists. They may differ in interpreting life and the stories they tell, but they are united when it comes to the strokes, style and theme they put in their work.

About the Artist

Felix Amoncio, born in Southern Leyte, grew up with a passion in art. A consistent honour student in the primary and secondary levels respectively, and a constant participant in art contests which gained him a much deserved reputation amongst his teachers and peers of a person who had a great talent in art. Although Amoncio was unable to finish college due to financial shortcomings, he didn’t saw this as a hindrance, thus a time and an opportunity to be creative. Year1992 marked a change in his art. With limited painting resources, he tried to work with his canvass using his fingers and cotton instead of brush and have been creating great masterpieces ever since.  Amoncio have been participating in group exhibits since 1995, but he had his first one-man-show back in 2005, and he made it a point to be an annual event, which is what he has been doing for 5 years now.

“Ang Pasyalan” (The Park), “Ang Maglalako” (The Vendor) and “Ensayo” are only some of Amoncio’s works to be seen in the “TATLO” exhibit. His works reflects matters of the heart, group of people and ordinary folks that passes by his everyday life. Amoncio uses oil, water color and his fingers in creating his art.

Jake Catah, a native of Tanay, Rizal, is said to be a fauvist and naïf folk painter. He didn’t even know that the talent was in him not until he saw the paintings of his neighbour and mentor, Irvyn Roxas, that woke up the artist within him. It was around 1998 when Catah started to explore art. “I didn’t realize then, that this is what I wanted to do.  I was guided by Irvyn giving me no restrictions and freedom to express myself. There I learned to value art. That it is not merely all about painting. Art is something that comes from the heart. An expression of what you are truly passionate about. That is real. That is art.” Cited Jake. Since then, Catah have been in 8 group shows and 4 one-man-shows and nothing will stop this man from growing and creating his art.

In this exhibit, Catah showcased his “wheels” series. “My thoughts roamed to the objects of my affection – classic cars, bikes, train, sleek airplane and a young boy’s rollers. “ Catah added, “In some of my works, there are things that I would love to do, but are way impossible to be executed in reality; that is why I try to recreate them from my imagination, to my art”

Jerson Samson, born and raised in Antipolo, oldest among 5 siblings, started off with scribbling cartoons back in high school, was privileged enough to attend workshops conducted by Solano Cruz, that certainly created a strong foundation for his art. Samson finished Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines in 1998 and had been a full time artist since then. His works depicts events happening on each portion of a house, with the walls deleted so that everything is visible to the viewer. Samson’s works are detailed illustrations and reflections of either his or his neighbour’s house.  “This is the subject that I chose because this is what I know. These are the things that are happening around me and my neighbourhood. These are the things I am familiar about” cited Samson.

Taking a closer look at Samson’s work, you will see a reflection of the Filipino culture, Filipino traditions, religion and a family – a happy Filipino family.

This three-man-show, “TATLO” simply depicts the Filipino culture. Reminding us of who we are as a people; our way of life; and what we could become – a united, creative and a family-oriented people.

”TATLO” opens on August 10, 2011, Wednesday, with a reception at 6:00pm at the SM Megamall Art Center. Exhibit will run until August 23, 2011. “TATLO” is presented by Blue Matiz Art Gallery, located at the 4th floor, SM megamall, Bldg. A, Edsa, Mandaluyong City