Merc Tenorio, a self-taught artist, poet, former teacher, and veteran, presents her eighth solo exhibition titled “/liminal/” at the Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency (CAHA) Gallery. The show features acrylic paintings exclusively in monochrome, stripping away color to challenge both herself and viewers to focus on texture, shape, light, and shadow. Tenorio draws inspiration from Vincent van Gogh and describes her limited palette as emancipating, emphasizing that her intent is not commercial viability but emotional expression and personal evolution.
The exhibition matters because it offers a counterpoint to the colorful, market-driven art world, asserting the value of restraint and introspection. Tenorio’s defiance of the stereotypical and her focus on liminal spaces between light and dark invite viewers to reconsider how they engage with art beyond surface-level attraction. The show also highlights the role of local galleries like CAHA in supporting regional artists who prioritize personal vision over commercial success.