“Cromo,” an exhibition of works by Allentown artist Ramon Peralta continues through June 17, Arthaus, Allentown.

Peralta’s one-dozen 60 in. x 60 in. paintings, in the exhibition curated by Deborah Rabinsky, include a series of works completed over the last two years, and which has never been shown together. “Chrome” is the English translation of the Spanish exhibit title, “Cromo.”

“Chrome for me is the visibility of a high degree or polishing and the finish in a work of art. Within chrome in a color it is the maximum concentration of colors or like a perfume in its maximum essence,” Peralta says.

“That’s why I focus on calling it ‘Chrome,’ where I put all my years of study and work into each of piece of artwork.”

Each painting in the exhibit is accompanied by commentary. Peralta’s statement about his “Balance Magistral” (2021; oil on canvas, 60 in. x 60 in.) reads:

“Subtly milks the Gaze in the presence of virgin eyes. On a flat surface it reveals other forms entered by a deep thought. In an acute, sharp and twisted gesture where masterful movement between today and yesterday is presented.”

As with other works in the series, elements from Peralta’s Dominican Republic childhood memories are blended together with symbolic images that have personal meaning. “I come true to myself,” he says.

Predominant among these images are rolls of paper assembled into human-like and robotic forms. Peralta’s father was a merchant who routinely wrapped the products he sold in paper. Other elements from his childhood include barbed wire that property owners in his home country used to protect their residences; musical instruments;; heart shapes, and calligraphy.

The images project a surreal transition of mechanical forms into organic elements.

“I blend a rich palate of paints drawn from my ancestral Latino traditions to provide a panorama of compositions where classic meets abstract,” says Peralta.

Peralta has followed his passion for painting since childhood. He prefers working in oils to acrylic.

Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Peralta majored in painting and drawing at the School of Fine Arts in Santiago and graduated with a degree in fine arts. Peralta studied drawing at The Art Students League of New York, New York City, after emigrating to the United States.

The self-employed artist works out of his Allentown studio and maintains a studio at the Banana Factory, Bethlehem.

Arthaus, a partnership between RE:find and the Allentown Arts Commission, 645 W. Hamilton St., Allentown. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. Closed Sunday, Monday. allentownarts.com; 610-841-4866

“Gallery View” is a column about artists, exhibitions and galleries. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com