In Silence
signed (lower left) and dated 2005 (verso)
acrylic on canvas
artwork: 16 1/4" x 12 1/4" (41 cm x 31 cm) with frame: 36" x 28" (91 cm x 71 cm)

PROVENANCE Finale Art File, Makati City


To fully grasp the essence of Lao Lianben's works, one thing must be willfully taken into consideration: an understanding of his character in relation to his passionate artistic affair with the experiential character of Zen aesthetics. Lao Lianben's soft-spoken and reserved personality—a man of few words—is born out of his practice of applying and embodying the principles of Zen aesthetics, i.e., austerity, simplicity, and subtlety. This sublime refinement inherent in Lao's character has always been imbued by the artist in his works, a reflection of his profound understanding of and connection with his inner being. In this soul-penetrating work titled In Silence, Lao integrates his gentle character to evoke unspoken, powerful expressions of calmness and quietude. In this particular piece, we are attracted to stare at the white centerpiece. As white connotes purity, knowledge, and wisdom, so too we are drawn towards clarity of thought and freedom from worldly disturbances. The composition sublimely captures a peaceful, solitary atmosphere characterized by a lulling silence akin to a Buddhist monk in deep contemplation. Here, Lao invites us to bask in the solemn, ethereal praxis of meditative reflection. The central frame of the work compellingly evokes a divine path toward tranquility and balance. As contemplation grows more profound, we learn to cultivate the silence within ourselves. This nourishes our soul; thus, we gradually achieve an intimate discovery of one's inner essence and, eventually, the fullness of being. (A.M.)