Ramon Orlina (b. 1944)
Flourishing Growth
signed and dated 2020 (base)
carved amber glass
8" x 9" x 6" (20 cm x 23 cm x 15 cm)


Accompanied by a certificate signed by the artistconfirming the authenticity of this lot




Orlina’s abstract sculptures are composed of a series of angles created by sharp bends or sleek edges that denote dynamic movement of fluid lines. By playfully manipulating varying quantities of natural light entering the colored glass and trapped at different angles or facets, his sculptures are never visually static. The viewer can appreciate his piece from any angle and interpret it beyond the artist’s original intent. Orlina’s achievement is in freeing the viewers to see his sculptures according to their interpretation. The illusions created through the various prismatic views intensify the viewer’s interpretation. The attributes of strength and fragility add to the timeless beauty of Orlinas’ art. Above all, he gave the idiom a new sense of fluidity. Despite his overwhelming popularity, artist Ramon Orlina did not originally plan to make and create sculptures from the very start. Orlina earned his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas. He then practiced Architecture until 1974 where he decided to shift to drawing and painting. Orlina’s experience as an artist gave him a unique insight into the creation and use of various materials that were uncommon to the art world. This led him to experiment with the medium of glass. Exploring forms though glass cullets or crystal blocks, Orlina continues to utilize their translucent quality and smooth finish produced from months of reshaping and grinding. (J.D.)