Eternal Love 2 – Acrylic Painting by JMLisondra
24 x 18 inches | Exhibited and Sold at ArtAsia Gallery, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines

In “Eternal Love 2,” Filipino artist JMLisondra transcends the boundaries of traditional portraiture by merging the human form with the grandeur of nature. This 24 x 18-inch acrylic painting is more than a visual representation of a mother and child — it is a poetic metaphor of nurturing, strength, and the eternal flow of love passed through generations. Exhibited and proudly sold at ArtAsia Gallery in SM Megamall titled "Landscapes Unbound", this work captures the hearts of viewers with its breathtaking blend of symbolism, imagination, and masterful technique.

A Monumental Scene of Devotion

Set against the glowing backdrop of a radiant sunset, the composition reveals the tender figures of a mother and child — not in soft, flesh-and-blood detail, but as colossal, statue-like forms made of stone and earth. These figures are seamlessly integrated into the landscape, as though they have emerged from the mountains themselves, or perhaps have stood for ages, eternal and unmoving, carved by time and the elements. The mother’s face carries a serene expression, eyes closed in peace and protection, while the child rests in her embrace, symbolizing innocence and trust. The entire composition reverberates with the stillness and timelessness of love that is unbreakable and rooted.

Nature as an Extension of Humanity

What sets “Eternal Love 2” apart is how nature springs forth from the very beings of the mother and child. Lush green trees crown the tops of their heads, while shrubs and cascading vines flow over their shoulders and arms. From these organic forms, a majestic waterfall spills, cascading down their forms into the unseen landscape below. The water — vibrant and alive — contrasts beautifully with the solidity of the stone figures, suggesting a dynamic tension between permanence and motion, between body and spirit.

This visual metaphor speaks volumes: from the head springs wisdom, represented by the thriving trees; from the body flows nourishment, seen in the form of water — the very element that sustains life. The mother and child are not merely figures in a painting; they become the land itself, giving life to all things, just as a mother's love sustains and nurtures a child. The blending of human and natural elements also echoes themes found in environmental consciousness and ancestral reverence, common in many Filipino cultural narratives.

Technique and Style

Rendered in acrylic on canvas, JMLisondra utilizes a style that straddles the line between realism and surrealism, with influences of impressionism in his brushwork. The texture of stone is convincingly depicted, with cracks, highlights, and shadow giving volume and depth to the figures. At the same time, the trees, water, and sunset sky are painted with looser strokes, allowing for a dreamlike, flowing quality that enhances the surreal mood of the piece.

The sunset palette—rich in warm oranges, deep purples, and soft golden hues—illuminates the stone figures with an ethereal glow, suggesting the passage of time and the transition from day to night, youth to maturity, and life to legacy. This symbolic lighting emphasizes the enduring nature of maternal love, casting it not just as a personal emotion, but as a universal force.

A Symbol of Unshakable Bond

“Eternal Love 2” builds upon the success and message of JMLisondra’s earlier works in this theme, reinforcing his ongoing exploration of familial bonds and the power of symbolic imagery. The decision to depict the figures as part of the earth — unyielding and ever-present — reflects the unshakable bond between mother and child, one that withstands storms, droughts, and the passage of centuries.

The sold status of the painting at ArtAsia Gallery is a testament to its emotional and visual impact. Those who viewed the work during its exhibition were moved not only by its aesthetic strength but by its deeply emotive narrative, one that resonates with anyone who has experienced the tenderness and strength of maternal care.

Conclusion

“Eternal Love 2” is more than a painting — it is a visual ode to motherhood, crafted with depth, symbolism, and an artist’s profound sense of connection to both nature and humanity. Through monumental forms, cascading waterfalls, and glowing sunsets, JMLisondra invites us to contemplate the timelessness of love, the beauty of care, and the sacred role of mothers as the foundation of life and growth. As it now rests in the collection of a private owner, its message continues to echo — a lasting tribute to the eternal love that shapes us all.

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