OWEN GERONIMO: YOUNG MAN IN A HURRY

Upon looking through two folios of Owen Geronimo’s artwork, my first impression was as it is expressed in the above title. He has a good sense of composition, which provides evidence of talent and schooling. His influences are also in evidence: de Kooning; Klee; Bacon; Haring; Basquiat.

His work suggests an artist looking for his own M/O, his own way of communication, his own distinct signature style. His brushstrokes are quick and urgent. He has very little time to waste. This sense of urgency gives his paintings an energy that definitely catches the viewers’ attention. But it’s not the mortal urgency of an artist in the twilight of his life, nor is it the urgency of the proverbial starving artist in dire economic straits. Owen Geronimo’s urgency stems from a valiant effort to make time for his work—his real work, that is—while having to make do with an alternate means of paying his bills (read: an 8 to 5, corporate job.)

His is the plight of many an American artist in this day and age. He receives no support from our government, which appears to be openly hostile to anything or anybody creative. He gets no sponsorship from any private sources beyond his bi-monthly paycheck from a job that consumes 40+ hours of his life each week. So while Mr. Geronimo may not be starved for food or other material goods, like most artists in this country, he is definitely starved for time. With that, he seeks to do as much with his artwork as he can before having to regroup and brace himself for another day at the office.

It would be intriguing to see what would result with his art if Mr. Geronimo were able to devote the bulk of his waking hours and worries to such a pursuit. It is my hope that such a day will come for him, for the talent is definitely there. But time is essential to its care and feeding.