Evolución a Color
Ponce Plaza Hotel, Ponce, Puerto Rico
August 12th, 2017
Over 200 guests came together on August 12th, 2017 at the Ponce Plaza Hotel and Casino to view the amazing work of Fernando Bonnin in Evolución a Color (Evolution Through Color). Friends, family and discerning art lovers and clients came together to celebrate the talents of the Ponce-born artist in a night of music, color, and energy.
As the artist’s manager and Creative Director Laura Bonnin explained, the robust exhibition was comprised of 30 large-scale works, bursting with unique shapes and colors, part of FRBonnin’s signature, complex aesthetic. Beautiful canvases spanning 2′ to 10’ wide, displaying works of incredible detail and depth, were displayed along the ballroom in an impressive array of custom fixtures. A truly marvelous sight.
Moreover, the audience’s response to the collection was astounding (out of the 30 works, over a dozen were sold that night!) and it became evident why the artist has become such a popular name in the local art scene so quickly. About his process and inspiration, Fernando Bonnin explained “This process is very personal, the creative vein in me is bursting for as long as I can remember. I am highly inspired by paintings, film, sculpture, design, photography, just a wide variety of media.” The artist, who is also an accomplished architect and designer, says this is just the start of many great things in his art career, as he approaches his vocation with an energy and charisma that is uncommon in the industry. He added, “My hope is to gain recognition as someone serious and upstanding in the contemporary Caribbean art world and part of my mission is to awaken a deeper appreciation for art and its immense contribution to the quality of life of humanity. I want to constantly create unique pieces that project joy and peace.”
Laura Bonnin was the mastermind behind the fabulous engagement, undertaking the momentous task of curating the exhibition, producing the event, working with the venue and making sure all the moving parts were in perfect synchrony. And she did a fabulous job at that.
While champagne bubbled, “The Trio”, a talented local jazz ensemble, filled the air with Jazz, for a smooth atmosphere. Also, and to the delight of the hundreds of guests, a very special speaker took to the microphone to congratulate the artist. Beloved Puerto Rican artist Antonio Martorell (see photos below) had some great remarks about the work and the artists’ vision, applauding his efforts and the excellent caliber of the production.
Philanthropy was also present that night, as the event also serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit organization Trinity College – Centros Sister Isolina Ferre at La Playa de Ponce, Puerto Rico. The event, as Bonnin explains, was designed as an exhibition with the purpose to heal and inspire the community through the use of Caribbean colors and shapes. Part of the event’s proceeds from the art sales was donated to the organization. As Fernando Bonnin added, “I want to contribute to our community, and believe that the best way to do so is by supporting an educational entity that matches our values.” The organization’s mission is to educate for life, training in personal, social, technical, commercial and educational skills that allow students to be creative, responsible and self-sufficient people.
