Filipino artist to pay his tribute with 43 paintings
Abu Dhabi resident to capture on canvas UAE leaders and prominent government officials
For the second year running, Abu Dhabi resident and artist Emis Pangilinan has accepted the challenge to make 43 paintings of 43 UAE leaders for the 43rd celebration of the Spirit of the Union.
The Filipino artist, who has lived in Abu Dhabi for more than 10 years, is in the process of completing all 43 portraits, which will depict the UAE rulers and leaders of the seven emirates, and other prominent government officials.
Pangilinan thought of the idea last year before the UAE’s 42nd National Day when the Philippines was reeling under the effect of Typhoon Haiyan. The typhoon, which hit the Philippines in November 2013, killed more than 6,000 people and destroyed thousands of homes. “Many charities in the UAE sent money and aid to the affected people — that triggered the idea to start the painting challenge. I wanted to give back to the UAE,” Pangilinan told Gulf News.
Using chalk pastels as his sole material to make 42 colourful portraits last year, Pangilinan said this year, he is using acrylic paint to lend variety to his artworks. “I work on an average of eight portraits simultaneously by doing the background first, followed by the sketch and then the paint. I have 10 more blank canvases to fill before the deadline,” he said.
Paintings from last year’s project were donated and received by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research. This year, he hopes to find a sponsor to help him sell the paintings with the aim of donating part of the proceeds to charity after they are displayed at the World Trade Centre Souq and Mall in Abu Dhabi. “I would like to donate part of the proceeds to an organisation with a cause such as thalassaemia,” he said.