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of the
medium and began to work in it consistently. In 1976, he proved
his mastery of the medium in Arcanum XIX Paradise Gained,
a glass mural measuring 1.80 x 3.20 x .60 meters done for
the lobby of Silahis International Hotel. At present, Orlina's
work consists of glass murals, table sculptures which make
up large part of his work, and sculptures within architectural
framework. His table sculptures explore potentials of studio
glass by the process of cutting the cullets, grinding and
shaping them into the desired shapes, and finally smoothing
them for tactile appeal. While achieving integrity of form,
he creates a lively interplay between transparency and translucency,
polished and frosted surfaces, prismatic areas and smooth
planes, long graceful movements and sharp angular definitions.
Some works have figurative suggestions of mother-and-child
or lovers in embrace. In their richness of forms, linear rhythms
and contrapuntal passages, appear interacting with, as well
as reflecting, the surrounding space. The appeal is highly
visual in the fascinating convolutions of the shapes and in
the scintillating tones of green, now lighter now darker as
angles change with the light, as well as in the multi-layers
of dept defined by the transparent and translucent passages
while the impeccably smooth crystalline surfaces reflecting
the light also invite the admiring touch.
Sculpture
in the Philippines: From Anito to Assemblage and other essays
p. 37, 1991
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