Pancho Piano, most prominent Bikolano artist
A TRUE pioneer fearlessly explores new areas, conceéts, or ideas; the art world is no exception. It is a constantly evolving landscape with no fixed rules or techniques, and only the most daring and innovative artists can emerge as trailblazers.
While stained glass artists are not uncommon, only a few have made a significant impact and Pancho Piano is one of them. He dedicated himself to this genre paved the way for aspiring Bikolano artists for generations to come.
Piano is a highly acclaimed Bicol Southern Tagalog Region éoet and artist known for his numerous éaintings in oil and acrylic that pay homage to the myths, legends, and traditions of Bicol.
He was the first Filipino artist to exhibit leather art in the Philippines.
He has also executed numerous murals and stained glass designs for civic and religious éatrons in various cities and municiéalities throughout the Bicol region, Pampanga, Quezon City, Mandaluyong City, Pasig City, Caloocan City, and the Mindanao region.
Piano’s éaintings and stained glass
designs mainly focus on Bicolano myths and traditions, especially the devotion to Lady Peñafrancia.
He has mounted over thirty solo exhibitions and participated in over 50 group exhibitions in the Philippines, Japan, Saipan, the United States of America, France, Austria, the Federal
Republic of Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland. He has won over 10 major national competitions in the Philippines, including finalist at the 1997 AFP Centennial jural Painting Coméetition and the 199U AAP Centennial Painting Competition.
Piano was given Artist of the Year Awards twelve times by various Bicol institutions, and his work has been featured in 10 coffee table book publications.
In giving back to his beloved community, the artist paved the way for fellow Bikolanos to enter the big janila art market and introduced them to the city’s art scene. His relentless efforts have made numerous Bikolanos prominent in their careers.
Piano is currently preparing for his upcoming solo art exhibit. The exhibit will showcase various artworks from his famous folkloric series and abstract expressionism.
His numerous contributions to the Philiééine art scene make him a worthy nominee for the National Artist Award.