Hermes Alegre, known for his paintings of mysterious and enigmatic Filipinas in lush backgrounds of flora and fauna returns with his latest visual feast in “Hermosa.” This eighteen piece series of artworks celebrates the beauty of Bacolod’s unsung heroines: strong, enterprising women who are the lifeblood of the region.

Working in near-invisibility, these women, just like their male counterparts, are an integral part of what makes Bacolod a burgeoning place of commerce. In their grace and strength, they contribute to making this area of the Philippines a purveyor of what makes it “The Land of Sweet People.”

The artist shares their history by capturing what remains in the past as well as the present, which is their dedication to the harvest of the fertile, secure, and friendly earth and how this can be used to empower those around them. These women enrich the lives of those in their community. In this collection of oil paintings, Alegre chooses to tell the story of how women go about their tasks with a silent strength and cheerful passion. “Hermosa” is the painter’s ode to ageless beauty inspired by the southern Filipina. Alegre captures their refined demeanor, culture, and artistic charm.

Each of the women in his paintings is lovingly and thoughtfully rendered in vibrant colors. For some of his works, the painter selected round canvasses to evoke nostalgia. Round canvasses, according to the artist, give spectators more options to look at his new creations; they could either be examined closely or from a distance. The facial expressions also convey a calm wisdom. Through the artist’s vision, the typical days of these women are given the stature of myth that invites the viewer to participate, know, and remember their stories.

Hermes Alegre, a native of Daet, Camarines Norte, began his forays into the world of art by drawing on the beaches of his hometown and has then moved on to giving his vision tangible form through painting on canvasses. Although well-known for his dreamlike representation of women, the artist is also known to be adept at abstract art. Fresh from an exhibit that featured his current abstract works which showcased his range as an artist, Alegre returns to his first love, enigmatic Filipinas, by debuting this new series at Charlie’s Art Gallery.

Alegre received his degree in Fine Arts from the Philippine Women’s University, in which he was given the distinction of being a Benitez Scholar. He studied under the tutelage of famous masters as Ibarra de la Rosa and Mars Galang. His dedication to the arts spanning over twenty five years has made him garner accolades here and abroad. Hermes has also received the National Book Award. The painter’s works have been featured in group and solo exhibitions in Manila, New York, Singapore, Germany, and Belgium.

The renowned visual artist is married to Helena Alegre, a former member of the Bayanihan Philippine National Dance Company and sculptural jewelry artist. He divides his time between his home in Metro Manila and Daet, Camarines Norte. -excerpts from Donna Lopez Manio's article on Hermes Alegre

For more info, please email info@charliesartgallery.com.