For the uninitiated — count me in among them — abstract art continues to befuddle many. At best, the often-misunderstood form is open to various interpretations as there are viewers.

History claims that Russian Wassily Kandinsky, way back in the 1900s, shocked the world with his visionary abstractions. This has seemed to not change through the years.

But whatever it may be, it has not stopped us from admiring and even loving the obra maestras of our foremost artists of this genre like Philippine National Artists for Visual Arts Hernando R. Ocampo and Jose Joya.

In Crossroads, the 24th installment of the highly acclaimed Of Art and Wine exhibition series of Gallery C in Conrad Manila, six established artists from various backgrounds will showcase their personal works with an emphasis on the conscious and subconscious of elements, their life journeys and how they interpret those into shapes, colors and figures.

Whatever it may be, it has not stopped us from admiring and even loving the obra maestras of our foremost artists of this genre like Philippine National Artists for Visual Arts Hernando R. Ocampo and Jose Joya.

Fitz Herrera, Caloocan City-born and Nueva Vizcaya-bred, finished Advertising from the University of the East. Beginning with more figurative subjects, he eventually pursued abstractions. This catapulted his career to new heights. At present, feeling liberated, he now focuses on expressing his personal experiences and ruminations on the past.

Marlon Magbanua, an Ilonggo based in Pasig City, shifted from his advertising career to become a full-time painter. With a background in music, he meticulously treads with care the fine line between the visual and audial — to present creations that are truly his. His paintings often build upon each other through the years.

Coeli Manese hails from a family of artists. But she did not explore her own creative side until much later in life. She eventually turned to painting during spiritual tribulations, evidenced by the dark imagery in her early handiwork. She used this outlet to develop a deeper relationship with God. Her creations now are more reflective and balanced with intentional strokes that represent her own prayers and reflections.

Bea Policarpio, a graduate of BS Management minor in Literature and Business Enterprise from the Ateneo de Manila University, enjoyed a marketing career. After her success with restaurant concepts, she then became a full-time artist and content creator. She utilizes impasto strokes to portray dreamy and imaginative imagery reminiscent of the cosmos.

Binong Javier, a resident of Caloocan City, took up Fine Arts major in Advertising at the Technological University of the Philippines. He has been involved with arts in his entire life. A master of pointillism, he believes each drop of color in a sea of dots is a painstakingly thorough retelling of his personal tales with all the emotions that come with it.

Crossroads is curated by Nes Jardin, consultant of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, the main mover behind the Of Art and Wine series, a visual track for budding artisans and veteran greats.

Of Art and Wine: Crossroads is presented by Conrad Manila. It will run from 6 June to 12 August 2023. The artworks are available individually for purchase. For more information, call 8833-9999 or Kyle Legaspi at 0998-8697440 or email Ruston.Dongaol@conradhotels.com.