Ronson Culibrina paints vibrant images of local socio-political struggles
More than elegant brushstrokes and a clever use of color, RONSON CULIBRINA’s masterpieces pay tribute to socio-political struggles and relevant cultural issues that beg to be revisited, reviewed, and understood
The afternoon was hot and humid, and the drive to Cavite long and dusty. But over bottles of cold beer, I had the privilege and pleasure of having a very interesting discussion with art ingénue Ronson Culibrina, whose unique point of view is that of a colorful and striking examination of social issues, challenging viewers into thinking beyond the confines of the paint and the canvas. Casual and very relaxed, Ronson welcomed the Lifestyle Asia team to his home and studio, where we were given a sneak preview of his upcoming exhibition pieces, other works of art that are yet to be publicly released, and the admirable discipline he imposes on himself—a rare trait among many extremely talented artists.
While most virtuosos pride in their organized messes, Ronson is quite different. His workspace is well-organized, where he can quickly navigate through his creative process with no delay. And as someone who has had experience working in a 9-5 job, he still maintains a strict schedule that not only makes his days extremely productive but also affords himself time to enjoy the fruits of his labor. This remarkable business acumen started way back in his childhood years. Wellknown modern and contemporary painter Toti Cerda, who happens to be his uncle, would encourage him and his cousins during vacations to hone their skills by drawing basic shapes, figures, and landscapes, instead of lazing around and playing video games. Eventually, the children would join amateur competitions. And what started as a quick solution to end summer boredom became something that he would grow to love and never leave.
In 2009, Ronson won the Grand Prize in the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) Painting Competition. Following that in 2014, he received a Special Citation from the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE). Both competitions are known to produce the country’s most talented artists—with art collectors and speculators looking for fresh talent they can commission to produce pieces that will hopefully increase in value in the future. This has been one of the biggest conundrums in the art industry: Many of these budding artists, who have yet to find their personal style and creative process, get stuck in the glory days of their first award-winning masterpiece when they are commissioned to do similar pieces—preventing a necessary phase of exploration and discovery. Luckily for Ronson, the was taken under the wing of Ruel Caasi—a successful artist himself—who with other esteemed artists sought to elevate the local art scene by encouraging young talent to reach their full potential before giving in to the pressures of commercialization leading to a much fulfilling career in the industry.
Three years ago, Forbes Asia included the artist in its list of 30 Under 30 which lists young leaders and achievers in various fields. A couple of years after, he won at the Ateneo Art Awards 2018 ( The Fernando Zobel Prizes for Visual Arts) for his solo exhibition entitled
Talim— an impassioned ode to his island home. If there is anything consistent in his work, it is the deep meaning behind each detail, the cohesion and harmony of each element, and the vibrant colors that demand to be seen and understood. And Talim is one of his finest examples.
At his studio, aside from the tools of the trade, are his collection of vinyl records, artworks yet to be sold, and a vintage motorcycle he has been restoring. Having worked in a motorcycle company years ago as a visual artist, Ronson discovered not only the convenience of using a motorbike from Cavite to Manila but also enjoyed the innovative machinations and complex engineering he has seen by owning one.
We proceed to talk about his work routine. Basic, but extremely effective. Ronson starts with research every morning. Whatever ideas that were left last night are brought to the drawing board. For him, concept is key. He gamely shares how social media and the internet has helped in this step of the process. From Pinterest to image subscriptions, he keeps himself updated with the latest trends of color and imagery to keep himself consistent and relevant. Similar to other artists, he is inspired by fashion, music, the feeling of fulfillment after a successful exhibition, and the wonders of self-discovery when seeing other works of art. Ronson tells me that he can’t seem to find himself resting after finishing one art exhibit. The creative rush is something he is always willing to give in to. “Strike while the iron is hot,” he says.
No stranger to the international art scene, Ronson has exhibited his work abroad (the list includes Berlin, Hong Kong, and Bangkok, among others) and did a onemonth artist residency in Liverpool Hope University in England early last year. Each experience was enriching, to say the least, exposing him to global trends and learning to translate his distinct perspective into a more inclusive message without losing its core. He says unlike neighboring ASEAN countries like Malaysia and Indonesia, where the local context is clear and defined, cultural melting pots like the Philippine have a more diverse taste due to Western influences. Whether this proves advantageous in terms of global relevance or otherwise via loss of identity, it is left for the viewer to decide. Still, there have been successes in balancing global relevance and cultural identity. He cites internationally acclaimed artists such as Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, and Anish Kapoor to be triumphant in doing so.
Still, with all the accomplishments he has had, Ronson never fails to give back to his community. Aside from the numerous pieces he has made in honor of his home, he continues to support the local livelihood programs, promote their local products, and even tell more stories through his works. While most artistic minds refuse to be defined (or imprisoned) by a specific style or message, it is safe to say that Ronson’s portfolio is a diverse mix that tackles a multitude of controversial issues but consistently delivers a clear point of view and a multilayered depth of meaning. Brilliant, extraordinary, and close to home.