Face
signed and dated 2014 (lower right)
oil on canvas
36" x 36" (91 cm x 91 cm)

PROVENANCEGalerie Joaquin


Often referred to as the Dark Man of Philippine Art due to the often surreal, novel and mysterious disposition of his works, visual artist Andres Barrioquinto has undoubtedly made a name for himself in both the local and international contemporary art scene. Though Barrioquinto was born in Manila, he spent his formative years in Hong Kong where he studied at the Royden House School. He eventually returned to the Philippines where he received his degree in Fine Arts from the University of Santo Tomas. Barrioquinto has since developed a number of distinct styles and practices. His earlier works often distorted and jagged visual elements rendered in a dark and almost surreal treatment. These works were considered to be highly emotionally charged and rooted in the angst that Barrioquinto felt and wanted to communicate. He eventually progressed beyond his eerie imagery and developed a style that focused on hyperrealism imbued with a sense of surrealism. During this period, Barrioquinto would often create portraits that emphasized a certain balance between subdued colors and more whimsical elements. Despite this shift in tone, Barrioquinto’s darker disposition would often creep into these newer works in the form of muted colors, decaying elements, or even through a sense of aloofness in his subject’s expression. These works were often rendered in a mix of acrylic and oil, a mixture that gives his works a unique character that seemingly blends together the real and imaginary. (J.D.)