Crossing Borders
Kris Soguilon’s multicultural inspirations
The art of Kris Soguilon expands in proportion to his own consciousness, which grows through the wealth of his life experiences. As a man who constantly pushes the boundaries of his comfort zone, he dives into new territories soaking up a new range of emotions and experiences that continuous to mold the strokes that define his oeuvre. A self-confessed witness to the coming and goings of strangers on the street, the artist is heavily drawn to the brief encounters of people in mundane settings and the color of everyday life. The infinite diversity of cultures, and the unique histories that distinguishes one individual from the other has captured his imagination, and inspired him to create a portfolio that displays not only his striking technical ability but also his insightful commentary on cultural diversity and ethnicity.
“Living in a multicultural and diverse society brings interesting ideas to paint,” Kris admits, “Different cultures amaze me. I look at the culture of each individual rather than their ethnicity.”
As a Filipino artist based in London, Soguilon favors busy environments that pulsate with energy, filled with the chatter of different tongues, the scent of exotic aromas and a rainbow of nationalities. His artworks are brimming with life in all its shape and sizes, of which Soguilon is an active voyeur. Each piece is composed of a number of quirky elements that draw attention, yet form a cohesive composition that makes it a powerful snapshot of life. In fact, his use of myriad elements allows him to create visually enticing paintings that are exaggerated photographs of life in a contemporary and globalized era.
Born in Kalibo, Philippines, Kris already knew at the tender age of three that he had a passion for the arts, admitting that he “couldn’t end the day without drawing.” He went on to complete a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines in 1993 where he was awarded Best Thesis in the College of Fine Arts, and embarked on an artistic career where he received a number of notable art distinctions such as Grand Prize in the National Youth Talent Search for painting, Grand Prize at Sampaguita Garden’s Painting Competition and Finalist in the Shell-National Student Art Competition from 1991 to 1993, to name a few. He has since exhibited in Philippines, Singapore, and England.
His love for visual satire may be attributed to his admiration for Larry
Alcala, a celebrated cartoonist and illustrator known for his humorous portrayal of Filipino society, whose influence he cites as one which heavily impacted his work. Kris directed his investigation of humanity by analyzing his immediate surroundings, imbibing it with his own personal experiences.
“I also admire Diego Rivera’s figurative work,” Soguilon added, “I can say these artists’ works molded my style during my developing stage, but I progressed more now as an artist with my exposure and experience. I create artworks to please myself. It is for no one to tell me what to put on my canvas.”
What is perhaps even more impressive than his artwork, however, is his ability to carve the time to do so in the midst of his hectic lifestyle working full time for a London aerospace company in London and being a doting husband and father to a seven-year-old daughter. “I allocate at least two hours of my time in a day to paint,” says Kris on how he manages to maintain balance, “but more, when I have a planned exhibit. I wake up early to paint before going to work, and at night time before I go to bed, after I finish cooking and help my daughter with her home works. Weekends are strictly spent with my family, occasionally sneaking in my studio if my daughter’s not demanding my attention.”
His painting process also contains traces of his dialogues with his wife and daughter, whom he would talk to regarding certain details, which only serves to highlight his emphasis on social interaction. “The works I come up with are from the things I see and hear about in my surroundings. They are created from a collaboration of experience, research, and discussion.” He has continued in his path, with his evolution an organic product of his own mindful assessments of his daily routines. His development as an artist is merely an extension of his own growth, noticeable in only the most minute details. “These changes are not intentional but I guess the life changes and experiences I have through the years have subconsciously influenced it.”
The vibrancy of Soguilon’s artwork is not only the result of his mastery of shades, which of late has recently given way to subtler gradients as opposed to the bolder hues of his earlier works. The power of his paintings lie in his ability to inject the color of emotions to his visual narrative, which is gleaned from both his experiences, and the amalgamation of memories he observed from others around him. The sentiment of each piece is so palpable, that each figurative subject seems ready to jump from the canvas eager to divulge their fascinating life story to the viewer.
“As the person ages, life experience broadens,” says Kris, “My travels and exposure to a multicultural society bring ideas to create. I progress as an artist as I mature because I learn and reflect on these experiences every time.”
His latest reflections led him to create a collection that culminated in an exhibit he entitled “Love Stories.” On display at Art Cube, until Aug. 5, Kris reflects on what yearning means to people across continents by capturing the intimate snapshots of his colorful cast who present their own unique definition of love.
“I wanted to create a theme that everyone can relate to,” says Kris, “Love is such a universal feeling, with its own story to tell. As you see, each piece tells a different story. Stories that vary depending on who looks at the painting; as each individual’s perception of the picture relates to their experience of love.”
The latest collection, which features 10 pieces in what serves as the artists 10th exhibit, highlights the many faces and phases of romance in Soguilon’s eclectic style, which continues to hold its intercontinental charm.
Through his witty and clever paintings, one can see how love is a universal language that can be understood by all beings. It exists in infinite forms, free from the prison of time and space. Love is not a grand gesture or a romantic happy ending. Instead, love is what fills the cracks of everyday life with a stolen look, a passing touch, and a tender moment.