Monica Delgado| Delicately Stripped | Sculptural Paintings

Maybaum Gallery is pleased to present Delectably Stripped - a solo exhibition by contemporary Filipino artist Monica Delgado. 

Delgado is interested in exploring the physicality of paint that tricks the viewer into thinking the medium is fabric, canvas, paper, or plastic. The repetitive motion and limitations of painting on canvas, sparked the need for Delgado to challenge how far she could stretch the concept of a painting and the use of the medium. Her process involves drying acrylic paint in layers, drips, individual strips or sheets. Once the paint is dry, she stacks, layers, coils, rolls, drapes or wraps the paint around objects.

"I want my work to bring delight and wonder to viewers, and more importantly, to open up a chain of questions regarding the interrelation between paint as a medium and subject, its relationship to traditional supports or lack of, and to participate in the dialogue of resuscitating painting without predictability." - Delgado

Despite her interest in the contemporary evolution of painting, there is no doubt Delgado's work is rooted in Modern Art. Her work has an unmistakable Pop art quality and nods to great Pop icons such as Roy Lichtenstein. The distinct black and white swirled paint drips call to mind the icon brush stroke sculptures of the late artist. Although Delgado spent much of her life in the Philippines including her college years, she relocated to New York to pursue her career as a professional artist. It is there that her interest in Pop art was nurtured. 

Monica Delgado continues to exhibit regularly in the Philippines and throughout Asia. Being a part of the Asian art world allows her to remain connected to her roots and contribute to the cultural movements of her country and the surrounding Asian art market. 

"I want my work to bring delight and wonder to viewers, and more importantly, to open up a chain of questions regarding the interrelation between paint as a medium and subject, its relationship to traditional supports or lack of, and to participate in the dialogue of resuscitating painting without predictability." 
-Monica Delgado