Jensen Moreno’s 2^nd solo international painting exhibition is something special especially when it started from a small idea of celebrating her 31^st birthday.  It was in November 2014 when she met the manager of La Plantation Gallery, Mr. Philippe who then introduced her to Mr. Ma, the co-owner of the Easy Wok restaurant. This artistic restaurant is where she had her AHA moment for this exhibit as it has the best of both worlds can offer—good food and a heaping helping of locally sourced art on the walls which captivated her in the beginning.

From a simple idea of celebrating her birthday became bigger and better; thus, “Thirty-One” painting exhibition was born and will be exhibited in three different countries including Taiwan (April 18-30) and Cambodia (July 2). (See blog post: Artist Jensen Moreno: “Her world is the art class, her class is the art world, and her art is world class.”)

From the words “matter” and “realism,” Matterealism is a new style where she introduces the merging of Realism and the use of the actual matter or materials you see from your reference photo or models stick on the canvas as seen in her self-portrait entitled “Sublime.” Instead of painting the objects, she sticks them on the canvas and combined with a realistic figure.

“The seven elements of art and principles of design combined with the traditional and contemporary process is also represented in this movement. This movement immortalizes the sentimental value of our meaningful possessions.”

Her concept focuses on two things—beauty and women empowerment. Her art aims to empower women through beauty, brains, and talent to inspire the world.

As commented by my blogs follower, Lance Weiser of  Weisser Watercolours Jensen Moreno is: “Far from reclusively staying within the confines of her studio, here is an artist whose studio is the world. She contributes to youth, the less fortunate, a variety of art forms, and immerses herself in the communities of the countries she involves herself in. This is the enterprising, yet kind, yet individually-unique, yet socially-connected energy known worldwide as the spirit of the Philippines.”

Her latest models include Ms. Philippines 1990, Mutya Laxa Buensuceso and Ms. World 1973-1st Runner-up, Evangeline Pascual whom she met in the Philippines. See the art behind the models:

Behind the ART:  She met Ms. Mutya Laxa Buensuceso through a dear friend who is now her husband, Jinggoy Buensuceso—way back in 2008 when she was teaching Summer Art Workshops in her hometown Bataan.

Their paths crossed when she met Jinggoy at ARTECO Garden where they both used to buy rare plants.  Jinggoy who is a sculptor and a furniture designer whom she collaborated with the owner of the plant store who also became their common friend. After seven years and two beauty queens she has met and painted, she has now painted Jinggoy’s wife; a beauty queen, Ms. Philippines 1990 Mutya Laxa Buensuceso.”

Ms. Mutya is a Business Leader at Luxasia Philippines, a company that distributes and markets the world’s leading premium beauty brands. On occasion, she dabbles as Founder and Chief Designer to Spinkie, a line of handmade baby essentials, toys and fashion for babies to toddlers.  Ms. Mutya is also a mother of two adorable kids, Mayumi (4) and Malaya (3).

Behind the ART:   “In the summer of 2012, I flew back to the Philippines where I joined the “Figuras 5” Painting Exhibition organized by Big&Small Art Gallery in Manila. Some celebrities attended the opening day including Ms. Evangeline Pascual. We had a little talk and exchange of contact information. I knew when I met her that she is going to be one of my models for my painting. She is originally from my hometown, Bataan. At the moment, Ms. Pascual is busy with her radio show called Echoes of the Heart.”

Behind the ART:  “In life, the best and worst things come on unexpected times. Trials can make or break you but learning how to find solutions to each of them makes anyone smart and wise. To stand above all these obstacles is the way towards success.”

Behind the ART: “For 11 years now, I have seen her transformation and she is becoming the person who loves people as well. Jenny and I have been living out of our home country for almost 5 years now. We both enjoy meeting interesting people from around the world and building friendship with them.”

Behind the ART: “Ellen and I met casually at Blue Bridge office in Lidu managed by Mr. John O. Smith, her partner. Ellen manifests the strength of a young woman who is willing to put herself out there. She is busy preparing for her MA thesis proposal while also managing and writing for a contemporary art blog called opengroundblog.com. She is also currently working on a piece for LEAP Magazine and will be part of the Second Annual Global Exchange Program for Art Specialists in China, US and Europe.

Michelle, Rowena and I are colleagues at BIBA. We met in the beginning of the school year 2014-2015. They are great friends whom happen to have done extraordinary things for me and very selfless people whom I treasure very dearly.”

Behind the ART:  “The continuous change brought by the amazing connections of life is nothing but brilliant.”

Behind the ART:  “The continuous change brought by the amazing connections of life is nothing but brilliant.”

Special thanks to: 

Beijing International Bilingual Academy, Blue Bridge International Education (Mr. John O. Smith), Easy Wok Restaurant, and family & friends of Jensen MorenImages provided by the artist.