May 1, 2025 — Rod Pedralba, a prolific Filipino-Canadian artist known for his cubist style, is the subject of a much-anticipated retrospective titled Fragments of Time: A Retrospective of Rod Pedralba, presented at The Gallery at Queen's Park, Centennial Lodge in New Westminster. From April 30 to May 25, 2025, the exhibition explores Pedralba’s decades-long journey through art, memory, and cultural identity.
Pedralba’s work showcases a unique blend of structure and spontaneity. With a background in architectural drafting, he creates intricate, layered compositions that embody precision and emotional depth. From his early depictions of nature and wildlife to his later explorations of cubist abstraction, Pedralba’s evolving style captures the complexities of human experience through bold geometry, vibrant colour, and dynamic design.
Born in Surigao City, Philippines, in 1953, Pedralba immigrated to Canada in 1974. His earliest artistic influences stemmed from the realism of wildlife painter Robert Bateman. A significant turning point occurred in the mid-1980s when he met Sofronio Ylanan Mendoza (SYM), a celebrated Filipino impressionist and founder of the Dimasalang Artists Group. SYM became Pedralba’s mentor, introducing him to outdoor painting in the parks of Metro Vancouver and encouraging him to study the light and form of nature.
These transformative outdoor sessions allowed Pedralba to combine his passion for the natural world with his technical knowledge. His longtime friend and fellow artist, Edgardo Lantin, who often painted alongside Pedralba during these sessions and was also a SYMstudent in the 1980s, reflects on Pedralba's unwavering determination: "He possesses an unyielding desire to paint. His passion and creativity have made him prolific in any subject he pursues." This dedication and discipline helped him create a visual language that became uniquely his own.His mentor's teachings, enthusiasm, and commitment laid the groundwork for this distinctive visual expression. His art evolved from detailed realism to a more conceptual, fragmented style, influenced by modernist pioneers such as Picasso, Braque, Kandinsky, and Malevich.
"These are inspirations," Pedralba states, "but you need to develop your own vision and design. This is how I express myself."
His work reflects this spirit. Paintings such as Rod's Music Diner combine nostalgia with modern design elements. They capture the vibrancy of a past era through classic cars like the 1956 Chevy Bel Air and the 1959 Oldsmobile, depicted in sharp, stylized angles. In the background, viewers may recognize Vancouver landmarks such as the Heritage Hall, hinting at a personal connection to the area.
His travels influence Pedralba’s art. From the festive atmosphere of the Venice Carnival to the serene backdropof a Swiss castle in Neuchâtel, he captures the scenery and spirit of each place through his visual lens. These works transcend landscapes; they reflect lived experiences, memories, and cultural exchanges.
Despite living in Canada for over 50 years, Pedralba maintains a strong connection to his Filipino roots. This connection is evident in his detailed painting of the critically endangered Philippine eagle, a species native to his home island of Mindanao. The eagle symbolizes both strength and fragility, making it a powerful subject in Pedralba’s work.
Pedralba is also known for his portraits and tributes to the artists who have inspired him. Whether he honours SYM Mendoza, Robert Bateman, or icons like Picasso, these works serve as personal and artistic acknowledgments of his creative lineage.
His disciplined approach is evident in his daily studio practice. Each painting begins with thumbnail sketches, research, and studies before being transferred onto the canvas. While oil is his preferred medium, he is also proficient in watercolour and acrylic. The influences of Futurism, especially the movement and energy found in the works of Boccioni and Severini, are apparent in the rhythmic flow and stylized dissection that define many of his compositions.Pedralba’s work has received numerous accolades, including a First Prize and Best of Show awards for his still-life painting Reflection, which has been praised for its luminous detail and compositional harmony.
As a pioneering member of theDimasalang III International Artist Group, Pedralba enriches the cultural landscape of Metro Vancouver and beyond. He studies art history and creates contemporary expressions that bridge the past and present through his work.
"Fragments of Time" gives viewers a rare chance to experience the full spectrum of Pedralba's artistic journey. Each piece is a fragment—a moment in time reimagined through the lens of cubism and the heart of a storyteller. This retrospective highlights his mastery of form and celebrates his commitment to heritage, innovation, and lifelong exploration.
Exhibition Details:
- Title: Fragments of Time: A Retrospective of Rod Pedralba
- Venue: The Gallery at Queen's Park, Centennial Lodge, New Westminster
- Dates: April 30 - May 25, 2025
- Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
- Admission: Free
Sandie Oreta Gillis graduated with a degree in Broadcast Communication from the University of the Philippines in 1981. She co-hosted a radio morning talk show at Radio Veritas in Manila before immigrating to Canada in 1983. Gillis collaborated with Alfredo Roces to write a biography about the legendary artist Sofronio Y. Mendoza titled SYM: The Power of Struggle. She also authored Weaving Our Dreams: The Tboli People of the Philippines.
As a freelance writer, she actively supports and promotes Philippine arts and culture, often writing about the country's rich heritage, history, and traditions. Gillis serves as a volunteer Board Director for the Dimasalang III International Artists Group and is one of the founding members of the Narragila Culture and Arts Foundation.
Sandie Oreta Gillis graduated with a degree in Broadcast Communication from the University of the Philippines in 1981. She co-hosted a radio morning talk show at Radio Veritas in Manila before immigrating to Canada in 1983. Gillis collaborated with Alfredo Roces to write a biography about the legendary artist Sofronio Y. Mendoza titled SYM: The Power of Struggle. She also authored Weaving Our Dreams: The Tboli People of the Philippines.
As a freelance writer, she actively supports and promotes Philippine arts and culture, often writing about the country's rich heritage, history, and traditions. Gillis serves as a volunteer Board Director for the Dimasalang III International Artists Group and is one of the founding members of the Narragila Culture and Arts Foundation.
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