Flights of Fancy

One of the most sought- after contemporary Filipino artists today, Andres Barrioquinto embraces colour and whimsy in his latest exhibition, writes Cristina Morales

ndres barriquinto’s body of work is characterised by a darkness that is enchantingly beautiful yet often jarring and disturbing. So distinct is his voice that it has the tendency to divide its audience, and though his work may not appeal to everyone, his paintings almost always evoke a strong reaction. Those who enjoy his art do so passionately—it wouldn’t be inaccurate to say that he has developed a cult following both here and abroad.

Born in Manila in 1975, Barrioquinto spent his teenage years in Hong Kong, studying at Royden House School. He moved back to Manila to study Fine Arts at the University of Santo Tomas, going on to win several accolades for his work as an undergraduate, namely the First Prize for the Metrobank Foundation’s 15 Young Painters Annual National Painting Competition (1998), the Best Thesis award, and the UST Benavidez Award. In 2003, he was recognised with the 13 Artists Award from the Cultural Centre of the Philippines, and in 2009 was given the Metrobank Foundation’s ACES Award for Continuing Excellence and Service.

In spite of all the recognition, Barrioquinto initially had a difficult time selling his paintings. In an interview with Contemporary Art Philippines, Barrioquinto describes his earliest work as “paintings that you won’t hang on your wall.” But his work and style is known to evolve drastically— and quickly at that. Barrioquinto is notorious in art circles for refusing to settle into a particular style, and he has had to make a conscious effort to slow down and let his audience familiarise themselves with his current style before exploring others.

He has described his art as a visual diary of sorts. One can trace the disturbing and often macabre visuals in his earlier work back to a darkness that took root during his tumultuous years in Hong Kong, where he faced discrimination on an almost daily basis, getting into fights with a certain Chinese gang whenever he crossed their path. If his paintings are truly reflections of his life, one can only guess about what led him to the melancholy dreaminess in his newest collection.

With his latest exhibition, Nocturnes, Barrioquinto takes elements from nature to create layered, fantastical works. Men, women, and anthropomorphic animals are set against gloomy forests, layered with colourful butterflies, birds, and flora. Though not as dark as his earlier work, Nocturnes retains that haunting poignancy characteristic of the Dark Man’s work, searing images into the mind’s eye. Nocturnes is currently on display at the Provenance Art Gallery, located at ShangriLa at the Fort. www.instagram.com/ provenanceartgallery