My recent works are a return to my narrative style of painting using conflict-based imagery that began during my decade-long stay in New York from the early 2000s. The personal feeling of isolation and the aggressive need for self-expression as a fresh, new immigrant somehow reflected my interest in massive invasions and epic occupations. My story-driven studio practice was reinvigorated when I came back to the Philippines in 2013. I soon realized that my work was highly influenced by a culture that feeds on conflicting forces and how situations are painted in stark black and white. The socio-political landscape activates every emotional trigger creating discord that seeps into our pop culture and social media. Like any good story, it demands conflict, and like any adventure, there is salvation in the end, as promised by our faith. I believe it’s about time we create better stories for ourselves.
NeuFoundLand : acrylic on canvas, 60 x 48 in. 2019
On The Lookout : acrylic, ink, graphite and acrycast on canvas, 30 x 24 in. 2019
Phantom Theory : acrylic on canvas, 48 x 36 in. 2019
Saint Invasion : acrylic and ink on paper, 20 x 26 in. 2019
Sanctuary (collaboration with Ana Verayo) : enamel and oil on canvas, 24 x 24 in. 2019
Top Tier : acrylic, ink, graphite and acrycast on canvas, 36 x 24 in. 2019
Behold! Papa Wizard : acrylic and acrycast on canvas, 30 x 24 in. 2019
Cave Story (collaboration with Ana Verayo) : enamel and oil on canvas, 24 x 24 in. 2019
Chill Knight : acrylic and acrycast on canvas, 12 x 12 in. 2019
Don’t Look Back : acrylic and acrycast on canvas, 12 x 12 in. 2019
Mean Streets : acrylic and ink on canvas, 12 x 12 in. 2019
The Jungle Variety : acrylic, ink and colored pencil on canvas, 12 x 12 in. 2019
Fallout Shelter : acrylic, ink, graphite and acrycast on canvas, 36 x 24 in. 2019
Hidden Paradise (collaboration with Ana Verayo) : enamel and oil on canvas, 12 x 12 in. 2019
LandLubber : acrylic, ink, graphite and acrycast on canvas, 36 x 24 in. 2019
Make Me An Instrument Of Your Peace : acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24 in. 2019
untitled (collaboration with Ana Verayo) : enamel and oil on canvas, 12 x 12 in. 2019
The Lump : oil on canvas, 14 x 18 in. 2019
Head-On : oil on canvas, 48 x 72 in. 2019
The Invisible Struggle : oil on canvas, 20 x 30 in. 2019