The Bloom of Life
Julie Gil debuts her first solo exhibition at Art Lounge Manila – Molito.
November 26, 2024
Julie Gil, Firm Foundation (28 x 40) Mixed media, 2024
In Palette of Allegory, the beauty of nature seamlessly blends with deep spiritual insights, taking viewers on a transformative journey. In her debut solo exhibition, Julie Gil forms a rich tapestry of allegorical meaning wherein each painting tells a story using flowers, birds, bees, and insects as symbols to express ideas and truths about human existence.
At the core of Julie’s artistry is a great respect for the natural world. Her depictions of flora and fauna not only highlight their visual beauty, but also evoke a spiritual connection with the Creator. Redefining the traditional lightness of watercolor, Julie uses bold brushstrokes, sharp contrasts, and intricate textures that breathe vitality and energy into each composition. She also incorporates metal appliqué into her art, adding subtle details that enhance the narrative and infuse the work with a sense of wonder and playfulness.
Julie Gil, Iron Sharpens Iron (30 x 30) Mixed media, 2024
Romanticism is a driving force in her art, as she embraces the sublime and deeply personal. Each piece becomes a vessel for themes of freedom, transformation, and hope, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own lives. Julie’s work invites us to look beyond the surface, engaging with the allegorical stories that resonate with our shared human experiences.
In “Handiwork,” Julie expresses that nature in all its beauty is God’s handiwork: “We are God’s Handiwork, individually thought of, intricately and wonderfully made, and intentionally placed in our own unique context.”
Julie Gil, Handiwork (30 x 30) Mixed media, 2024
She forms a mosaic of wings for butterflies and dragonflies in “Mosaic: Beauty in Brokenness,” explaining: “The Master Craftsman lovingly scooped up the pieces of my past, and painstakingly put me back together, piece by broken piece…then emerged a beautiful mosaic.”
Julie Gil, Constant by Day (23 x 23) Mixed media, 2024
The messages are thoughtfully conveyed in the symbolism and evocative titles of Julie’s works: “The Fragrance of Gratitude,” “Bluebird of Happiness,” and “The River of Grace.”
Julie Gil, Bluebird of Happiness (32 x 22) Mixed media, 2024
When asked about lessons she has learned from nature, Julie says: “There’s always a process. Trust the process in everything, like how a flower grows, how a bird survives a storm, how the butterflies and dragonflies come into maturity. There’s always a process. You cannot make it happen—how to get there is to use whatever skills and gifts you have been given…But when God opens the door, you just step in and allow Him to use you.”
Julie Gil
Art Lounge Manila at Molito is proud to present Julie Gil’s first solo exhibition, Palette of Allegory, from November 17 to 29, 2024. Art Lounge Manila is located at Madrigal Ave., Alabang, Muntinlupa City.
For more details about Art Lounge Manila, visit www.artloungemanila.com or follow their social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @artloungemanila. For collectible, functional, and wearable art, visit www.gfemporium.com.
