STA. ANA’S INNER WORLD

For me, one of the few artists who stood out from the Curator’s Choice Part 2 exhibit by the Chicago Artists’ Coalition held at the Coalition Gallery in Chicago last 23 July was Jun-Jun Sta. Ana.  To find out more about his works, I decided to meet him on another date to see all his collection.  Albeit this Filipino-American digital media artist’s works presented an eclectic collection, each piece resonates different emotions either swinging from both extremes or gradually building up from a single feeling.  An example would be his piece called “Ohio Bulong” where I initially felt a sense of foreboding staring at those “legs” against the Ohio urban landscape.  I then felt a sense of loneliness and abandonment after further absorbing the piece. 

"Ohio Bulong"

Before doing digital media, Jun-Jun Sta. Ana started with window installations using recycled materials and objects from junk yards and thrift stores.  As he works on a piece, he would let it gradually evolve instead of a single-minded them in mind which actually works out for him.  Later on, he fell in love with digital media and has been delightfully prolific in this medium.  Some of his pieces are amusing, whimsical and visually appealing.  Examples are his replication works, including the body of unconventional portraits are fun and naughty as most of his patrons see it as multi-dimensional according to him.  I also found out that he does a lot of unconventional portraits of patrons who want a portrait of themselves.  The wait for a commissioned artwork would range about a week – surprisingly reasonable.  His more “serious” collection carries his autobiography providing a “snapshot” of his state of mind and emotion on every piece.  Ten years down the road, Sta. Ana would like to go back to his first love – installations and eventually into sculptures.  But of course, his passion still lies in digital media where he would continue to cultivate as new materials and technology become available. 

 "Torn Sinturon"

 Self-portrait

Self-portrait

"New Flower Web"

 "Botanical 2 Hydrangea"

 "Tres Marias"

"Turbulence 1 Web"

Some of his unconventional portraits, the details are fascinating!

"Billy Detail"

"Eric Detail"

"CarloThanka6"

"Raymond Santos"

"JaninaFil4aDetail"

The artist with Bella Flores.

http://www.artmajeur.com/junjunsa

http://chicagoartistscoalition.org/junjunstaana/

A quaint and delightful Saturday night experience

Eats:  Langolino, 50 Clinton Street, Toronto, ON

It makes sense to go to a tried and tested resto when entertaining a good friend from out of town and Langolino is a perfect example.  This old and reliable restaurant in the heart of Little Italy never fails to exceed expectations on food and service.  Langolino maybe small in size but the bucolic atmosphere is homey and its patio provides a perfect place to savor the culinary delights it offers.

  

Spaghetti Arrabiatta

Veal Parmigiana 

Fettuccine Pasta Olio

Jerk Chicken Breast

I was fortunate that my friends decided to order the menu for the day as I have tried most of the regulars and was eagerly anticipating what it has to offer.  The Veal Parmigiana was very tender and served over grilled eggplant and that alone was almost perfect.  The accompanying tomato-based pasta, however, could use more flavor.  The Fettuccine Pasta Olio was my favorite bursting with flavors of spinach, chicken, fresh tomatoes and bocconcini wonderfully blended with walnut and fresh mint pesto.  The Jerk Chicken Breast provided a healthy option served on a bed of organic greens and baby arugula with olive oil and lime dressing.  But what really made the difference was Langolino’s very warm and friendly service especially from Marissa who was very patient and accommodating to our every request.  She was very sincere and made sure that we walked away smiling which we did. 

Scorecard:

    Food – Excellent

    Ambience – Outstanding

    Service – Outstanding

    Price – worth every cent

    Overall Dining Experience – Wonderful!

www.langolino.ca