The bustling streets of Paris, serene French countryside, and enchanting European landscapes come alive in the vibrant works of celebrated Filipino artist Stella Rojas. Her latest exhibit, “Balade” offers art lovers a visual journey into the soul of France as seen through Rojas’ Filipino perspective.
Spanning three decades, this 33-piece collection is on display at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C. The exhibit is the latest showcase in the hotel’s popular “Of Art and Wine” series, which celebrates both local and international artistry.
Rojas’ love affair with Paris began in 1989, when she first set foot in the “City of Lights.” Captivated by the city’s unique beauty, she has been painting Parisian scenes ever since.
“I was so struck by Paris that I felt compelled to paint one Paris-scape after another,” Rojas said during the exhibit’s launch. Since that first visit, her brush has repeatedly returned to these cobbled streets and idyllic landscapes. She coined the term “Pariscapes” to describe her signature portrayals of the city, a distinctive vision that combines Filipino vibrancy with European elegance.
Curator Nestor Jardin describes her work as a “fusion of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist styles,” reflecting the color and energy of nature with a uniquely Filipino twist.
“Stella’s Filipino heritage infuses her works with bright, happy colors, setting her apart from the muted tones traditionally associated with European Impressionists,” Jardin said. Her unique perspective shines through each painting, giving every French street and garden a lively, almost festive atmosphere. It’s as if each piece bursts with a warmth that only Rojas’ Filipino sensibilities could bring to a European scene.
The “Balade” collection, which spans from 1992 to 2024, is as much about exploring the familiar as it is about celebrating the unfamiliar. Beyond the urban and rural landscapes, Rojas also delves into other subjects that evoke the journey of life. This includes her “macro-floralscapes”—large-scale close-ups of flowers that celebrate the hidden beauty of nature—and her series of “lovers paintings,” a nod to the timeless theme of romance. These pieces invite individuals not just to observe but to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Paris, from its lively streets to its quiet, intimate corners.
Reflecting on her creative evolution, Rojas said she has found Paris “beautiful but also electrically charged” with the creative energy of the great men and women who roam its streets. Her works are filled with emotion and discovery, each one a love letter to the city that has influenced her art for over three decades.
Rojas’ colorful palette, however, diverges from her French Impressionist inspirations, using colors that feel “un-European” yet strikingly Filipino. While the theme of ‘Balade’ is Parisian and European, the color palette is distinctly Filipino — vivid, pure, and intense.
Conrad Manila’s general manager, Fabio Berto, expressed enthusiasm for “Balade” as part of the hotel’s “Of Art and Wine” series. “We invite our guests to appreciate these impressive creations that transport them to the charming alleys of Paris. We’re honored to conclude 2024 with an exhibit that perfectly embodies Filipino artistry with a global touch.”
Rojas’ “Balade” is on display at Gallery C in Conrad Manila, SM Mall of Asia complex, from now until January 4, 2025. Entrance is free, and each artwork in the collection is available for purchase.
