National Gallery Singapore to hold solo exhibit of works by Fernando Zóbel
The National Gallery Singapore is opening its first solo exhibition featuring the works of Filipino artist Fernando Zóbel on May 9.
The Singapore exhibit, titled Fernando Zóbel: Order is Essential, will showcase over 200 pieces, including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, and archival materials.
Its title comes from a quote from the renowned painter on his artistic philosophy of how beauty and tranquility emerge from order.
The exhibit also brings to light Zobel's creative process in making abstract pieces and how he created multiple iterations before finalizing his work. Additionally, the showcase gives a glimpse of the painter's signature method of using a syringe to control thin lines of paint, which was first featured in his Saeta series.
The gallery spans two spaces and five sections: "Half of this haunted monk's life," "With every single refinement," "Thin lines against a field of color," Movement that includes its own contradiction," and "The light of the painting."
Each section explores different times of the renowned artist's life, including his formative years in New England in the United States, his foray into cubism and informalism in Manila, his residence in Madrid, Spain, and his landscape-inspired work in Cuenca, Spain.
Works from other international artists that Zóbel engaged with, like Mark Rothko, Antoni Tàpies, and Liu Kou-sung, will also be displayed.
Order is Essential builds on previous exhibits Zóbel: The Future of the Past, which opened at the Museo Nacional del Prado in Spain in 2022 and the Ayala Museum in 2024.
National Gallery Singapore Chief Curator Dr. Patrick Flores said that they are honored to present Zóbel's first solo exhibit in Singapore.
"His work resonates with those who are drawn to art that transcends singular cultural boundaries and speaks to a broader human experience."
Fernando Zóbel: Order is Essential runs from May 9 to November 30 at the Wu Guanzhong Gallery and Level 4 Gallery at the National Gallery Singapore.
A general admission pass is required, while Singaporeans and permanent residents can enter for free.
