Lot description
Diaphanous B-XLV signed and dated 1981 oil on canvas 48” x 60” (122 cm x 152 cm) PROVENANCE: Private collection, USA WRITE UPRomulo Olazo’s art is a mesmerizing fusion of chromatic brilliance and transparency, where he conjures gossamer-like creations with a masterful use of translucent colors and flat shapes. These remarkable effects are born from the inherent qualities of his chosen medium. In the “Diaphanous” series, he seamlessly merges form and color into a delicate, interlocked relationship that exudes a spectral, disembodied quality. What makes this fusion even more intriguing is that, despite the rich, dense, and complex layers of light present in his works, they never lose their underlying austerity. Olazo’s artistic journey began during a pivotal period when the foundations of modernist tradition were being laid by influential figures such as Vicente Manansala, Victorio Edades, H.R. Ocampo, and Fernando Zobel. Initially establishing himself as a printmaker, Olazo introduced groundbreaking innovations in this field. These innovations served as a fertile foundation for the development of his “Diaphanous” series, a unique collection of abstract paintings that are often described as “veritable visions of light.” His works have been compared to dragonfly wings, delicate veils of gossamer, or even a symphony of colors. (Jed Daya)
