My Artist Statement Thus Far:

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.