The Blanc Gallery in Quezon City launched Possible Storms, an art show paying tribute to the spirit of creativity in all of its forms, on 6 December. Originally conceived as a showcase for renowned contemporary painter Pardo de Leon, the event took on new meaning when the artist chose to share the space with a number of senior artists, many of whom had never exhibited in Metro Manila before.

Known for her depictions of women through pattern, repetition, and abstraction, De Leon worked with college friends Melvin Mangada, and artists Popo San Pascual and Jet Melencio to reconceptualize Possible Storms into a fully-fledged group show. As realized, in addition to De Leon’s work, the show now highlights the works of Nolet Soliven, Conrado Virina, Jacinto “Jack” Sotto, Maria Lourdes de Vera, Michael de Leon, and Jet Melencio.

The title is drawn from a reflection by philosopher Michel Foucault, who spoke of creativity as something that brings ideas to life rather than judging or fixing them in place. In this context, the “storms” are not moments of chaos, but of possibility — when emotions, experiences, and imagination begin to stir. Across the exhibition, the works reflect these quiet but powerful shifts, shaped by personal journeys, long-standing friendships, and the environments the artists move through.

For many of the artists, the opportunity to showcase their art was an act of empowerment, as in the case of Soliven. Following a stroke in 2013 that left his right side paralyzed, Soliven, who once trained under the likes of Nestor Vinluan and Roberto Chabet, found himself relearning how to paint. Adopting a newfound appreciation for color, Soliven was able to use a new iteration of his distinctive abstract art as a form of creative therapy.

The exhibit also showcases the works of former ad men who use their paintbrushes as outlets for their artistic visions, such as Virina, who relearned to draw with his non-dominant left hand after a 2018 stroke affected his movement and vision, and Sotto, who has Parkinson’s disease. As advertising legends with a number of memorable works for local and international brands to their respective names, the show is the latest way in which Virina and Sotto are expressing their creativity. 

At the same time, Possible Storms is reflective of the contemplative calm that comes with experience, as seen in the works of Philippine-based Swiss artist Gilles Porret, Maria Lourdes de Vera, Michael de Leon, and San Pascual himself. Through their art, each explores the influences that their chosen environments — from Northern Samar to Tagaytay, Bicol, and beyond — have had on their personal viewpoints. Whether it’s Porret’s use of color, or San Pascual’s layered imagery, the personal nature of each artist’s work is endlessly provocative.

Mangada described Possible Storms as one of the most meaningful shows of the season, conveying both the indomitable nature of the human spirit, and the endless possibilities afforded by focused creativity. He further quotes a colleague in advertising, “This exhibit is a statement about friendship, art, emotions and all things that make us humans.”

While Blanc Gallery is known for presenting a diverse range of contemporary artists, the generosity of Pardo de Leon has ensured that new generations of audiences can explore and appreciate the depth of experience that these creative masters bring to their work. 

Possible Storms is ongoing until 30 December.