Red Genotiva

Red Genotiva was born iin 1998 in Davao City . As a child, he would draw
characters from Japanese anime that he often saw on television, posters, and other
media platforms. Soon, this hobby turned into a serious interest in the arts. Among
artists who influenced his art practice and unique stylistic approach, Genotiva
cites Mark Ryden, Ron English, Charlie Immer, Naoto Hattori, Hikari Shimoda,
and Yoko D’ holbachie.

Indeed, Genotiva’s body of works tend to be characterized by art world observers

as pop-surrealist. He often signs his works with the name “Oni” as a nod to his
formative years. In Japanese folklore as remediated in animated content and
manga, “oni” means demon, ogre, or troll, also collectively called “yokai” or
creatures of the underworld.

Often these are tragic beings rejected by the light yet imbued with human-like
qualities in a visual culture where the line between good and evil is never clearly
demarcated. Genotiva is known for his stylized figures of children –
anthropomorphic yet rendered in exaggerated proportions with multiple eyes,
tentacles, and are often set in dream-like landscapes that at times teem with
melancholy despite the solid luminous hues. The images are almost kawaii but not
quite, adorable yet uncanny and unsettling. Oni’s solo exhibitions include
“Playhouse” at the Morning Light Gallery in Davao (2018) and “Together We are
Friends” at the Jose T. Joya Gallery in UP Cebu.

He has participated in a number of group exhibitions in Cebu City (2015-2018),

Art Portal Gallery for Contemporary Art Davao (2018) and District Gallery in
Quezon City (2018). A recent solo exhibition was titled “Children” and curated at
the Art Portal Gallery for Contemporary Art (2019). Genotiva currently resides in
Cebu City.
 Norman “Nonoy” F. Narciso

Norman F. Narciso is from Davao City. He took up literature at the Holy

Cross of Davao College. He did not go through formal training in the visual arts in
any academic institution. He was inspired by the dynamic arts scene of Davao.
During his formative years, he involved himself in creative productions in school
and the church. He learned how to play the guitar and participated in community
theatre. At Magallanes Elementary School in Davao, he participated in the
rondalla. He also attended painting workshops at the San Roque Elementary
School. One will observe that many of his artworks blur the ontologies of musical
instrument, sculpture, and instalation.
Narciso participated in workshops organized by the Davao Artists Foundation Inc.
(DAFI) and became part of the organization in early 2000. He participated in a
project called LINKS, under the DAFI.
The list of exhibitions held under the banner of the Davao Artists Foundation is
quite extensive, many of which were held at the Matina Town Square. Like many
Davao-based artists, Rogelito Cayas Jr. also taught him painting and drawing. He
also learned from Ford Academy of the Arts and the late Carlota de Pio through
DAFI. Eventually, Narciso served as coordinator in the National Committee on
Culture and Arts – Committee on Visual Arts, Southern Mindanao (2004-2011).
He is currently the art coordinator of the Mandug Christian Development and
Training Center. Narciso currently teaches as faculty member of Humanities
Division of the Ateneo de Davao University. He is the artistic director of the
institutions Teatro Humanidades and has been key to multiple theater
productions. Of his artistic motivations, Narciso said the following: “The call to
produce was natural in the region. Becoming an artist is strongly influenced by the
community and opportunities at work. What was initially spontaneous became a
lifetime calling.”
 Jester Gumanao Oani

Jester Gumanao Oani was corn in 1995, he is from Lunga-og Sto. Tomas, Davao
Del Norte. The 8th of nine siblings, his father was a skilled carpenter and his
mother, like some of his female siblings, is a seamstress. Thus, he witnessed his
family working with fabric, metal, wood, and industrial materials. This kind of
relationship with the materials of industry informs Jester’s praxis as an artist.
Eventually through hard work, Jester was able to graduate with a degree in Fine
Arts from the University of Mindanao (2012-2018). Among his mentors are
Rogelito Cayas Jr. and Venerando Bollozos Jr.
Of his path as an artist, he said: “Being an artist is a struggle due to the
inconsistencies and economical hindrances in art production. However, I’d rather
focus on recreating ideas, tinkering with concepts, and engaging with issues in my
environment. The act of creating sculpture is sometimes comparable to play, as
though I am creating a toy that I will eventually let go of before I helm another
piece. I strive as an artist because I am aiming for a sustainable and meaningful
life through my artworks and practice.”
Oani has already been featured in a number of remarkable exhibits since 2012.
One is the 45th Shell National Student Art Exhibition in Ayala Museum, Makati
City where many emerging artists begin their careers. Others include “Bata-Bata”
in SM Lanang Premiere organized under Kublai Millan. The years 2013 to 2015
were marked by several local art events in Davao, mostly in malls, and other
pragmatic spaces. The artist has also been included in exhibits at the Museo
Dabawenyo (2016) and one organized by the Finale Art File Gallery in SM City
Ecoland in Davao (2016). In 2019, his work was well received in Art Blast 2019
hosted by Artasia Gallery in SM Megamall (2019).
 Dennis Puzon

Dennis Puzon was born in Davao City in1995. He first studied Fine Arts
at the Ford Academy of the Arts (2012-2014) before he transferred to
the University of Mindanao where he graduated in 2018. Among his
mentors at the Ford Academy include Banjo Satorre, Glenn Baga,
Magtanggol Cadayona, and Jimmy Ang. Rogelito Cayas Jr., Dominador
Pamisa, Alynnah Macla Tadeo and Victor Dumaguing are his mentors
at the University of Mindanao.
 Paula “Pau” Magpayo Feliciano

Paula “Pau” Magpayo Feliciano was born in 1997 and she spent her
formative years in South Cotabato before moving to Matina, Davao. She
studied in the Fine Arts Program of the University of Mindanao.
Distinct are Feliciano’s works, usually of small canvases that usually
feature pop surreal images.
Aside from local art events in Davao, some of the platforms where
Feliciano’s works were previously featured include “Art Atelier II” at
the Museo Dabawenyo (2017), “Configure” in Art for Space and Urban
Chic Galleries San Pablo, Laguna (2018), Art in the Park Manila (2018
and 2019), and “Art Blast: Young Bloods and Young Hearts” a group
exhibition hosted by the Art Asia Gallery (2019), and a contemporary
surrealist exhibit titled “The Rise of Pop Surrealism: from Underground
to Mainstream” in Arte Bettina Gallery (2019).
Feliciano’s works were also part of exhibits represented by Art Portal
Gallery for Contemporary Art Davao: “In Retrospect” (2018) and “At
the Precipice” (2019). Recent exhibits also include “The Pursuit of
Normality,” a four-woman show at the Art for Space Urban Chic
Gallery (2019) and “The River Flows North” presented by the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts and Art Portal held at the NCCA
Gallery in Intramuros (2019).
 Eloisa B. Sanson

Eloisa B. Sanson was born in 1998, she is from General Santos City. She was a cartoonist in their
high school publication, and is now on the venture of creating and sharing her works.
"I've been exploring many styles in my art, and ever since I started painting, my style has been
heavily influenced by several impressionistic artists like Vincent Van Gogh and classical artists
such as Rembrandt. To complete the contemporary mix in my art, my paintings may appear like
comic illustrations, for comic art and illustration is where I started in making visual art," she
explained.
Some of her paintings were displayed for sale in the recently-concluded event, "Art for Everyone
2018" last August 27 to 31 at the SM Ecoland Annex Event Center. Her artworks were inspired
by the narratives of the human race that channeled her pieces in an anatomic manner.
"Humanity has always inspired my art. From how society moves in incredible ways, to the
personal lives and characters of certain individuals, and to the amazing structure and myriads of
functions of the human body, I wish to capture in my art," she explained.
Aside from editorial cartoons and paintings, El San also extends her talent into sculpting. Some
of her works are now displayed in an Ayala Mall in Luzon.
"Exploration is the key to behold the beauty of this world. Keep your eyes and mind open, that's
the best I can say to the youth, for that is how I find myself and many inspirational people do
amazing things and make a mark in history," she further stated.
she studied at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao (2015-2019) and pursued a career in
the arts under the mentorship of Rodney Yap, Dominic Turno, Romeo Dumuk III, Wilfred Dexter
Tañedo, Emi Englis, and Mai Ongkiko. All her exhibitions are group exhibitions. She
participated in iterations of the Shell National Art Competition at the Ayala Museum, Makati
City (2015and 2017), and exhibits organized by her school. She also joined the Metrobank Arts
and Design Excellence competition (2017 and 2018). Fondly called “El San,” her works were
featured at the Art Portal Gallery, Davao City and “At the Precipice” in a mall exhibit curated
by the same gallery. Other venues that featured her works include Morning Light (2018) in an
exhibit titled “Homage to the Salon Des Refuses” and public relations campaigns of malls.
 Leonardo C. Comargo Jr.

Leonardo C. Comargo Jr. was born in Calagundian, City of Mati in 1982,as a kid he would draw
characters from Japanese and American anime that he regularly observed on TV and other
media stage. Before long, this pastime transformed into a genuine enthusiasm for expressions
of the human experience into art practice.
Comargo studied Bachelor of Fine Art major in painting at the University of Mindanao. Among
artist who impacted his art practice and remarkable complex approach, Comargo refers to, Ron
English, Naotohattori, Mark Ryden, Ronald Ventura, Bryan Yabut, and Michael Villagante.
Indeed, Comargo’s previous body of works to be characterized by art world observer’s as a pop
surrealist. Were most of his representation of his artworks varies in psychedelic exploration of
anatomy and its once exploring life, death and all experience in between. As his works blends
with chaotic explosion of Color and Absolute randomness with doodle and illustrative comic and
pop arts by combining various media in oil, acrylic, latex and ballpoint pen.
Past exhibits in the local context include iterations of art Atelier at the Museo Dabawenyo
(2015,2017), “Obra Ginagmay” in Felcris Centrale (2016), “Merging Current” at the Matina
Town Square (2017), and other Exhibits in Malls and Schools in Davao.
He also participated in Art in the Park in Makati (2018), “Inretrospect” at Art Portal Gallery for
Contemporary Arts (2018), “What Does It Means to be a Filipino? “under CANVAS Gallery held
at the Vargas Museum in Diliman Quezon City (2018), “CONFIGURE” at the Art for Space and
Urban Chick Gallery in Laguna (2018), Art Blast “Young Bloods and Young Hearts” at ArtAsia
Gallery (2019), “ENGKWENTRO SA LABUYO” at Art for Space and Urban Chick Gallery (2019),
and the 1st Mindanao Art Fair and Exhibit “Meander” at Atrium Gaisano Mall, Davao City
(2019).
Recent Exhibits in an online platform also include” Inkcredibles: The Pen and Ink Artshow”
represented by ArtShow Philippines (2020), “Human Condition” under Galerya Amalia (2020)
and “ENGKWENTRO 2020: The Pandemik Resbak “Hosted by SIning Labuyo Art Immersion and
Retreat house under the wings of Art for Space (2020).
Comargo as an artist, plans to recount to the Stories from the general public where he grew up,
to share the way of life's he saw.
 Trexia Sola

Trexia sola was born in 1999. she is from Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
She is currently studying under the Fine Arts program of the University
of Mindanao under Rogelito Cayas Jr., Alynnah Macla Tadeo and
Victor Agustus Dumaguing. Prior to this, she took art workshops. She
started painting in second year high school when she entered a
workshop called Sining Mata.
Her works have been featured in several local platforms such as Tabula
Rasa Gallery (2015) and Museo Dabawenyo (2015) and exhibits
organized by the University of Mindanao (2015, 2017). Her works were
also included in exhibits curated by Art Portal Gallery for
Contemporary Art (2018), and Art in the Park in Makati (2018). Recent
exhibits that featured her work include “At the Precipice: Davao Art on
the Brink of Change” at the Davao Art Market in Abreeza Mall, Davao
(2019) and “Pursuit of Normality” hosted by the Art Exhibition Art for
Space and Urban Chic Galleries in Alabang, Metro Manila (2019).
 Angelo Florante Nur Valente

Angelo Florante Nur Valente was born in 1995. He studied in the University of Mindanao under
Rogelito “Jun” Cayas, Victor Agustus Dumaguing, and Alynnah Macla-Tadeo. His works were
featured in multiple exhibits in Davao City, such as Art Atelier Exhibition (2016), Merging
Currents (2017), Sensitive Encounters: Mindanao (2017), and Ugnayan Art Exhibit (2017). Ang,
as an artist, aims to tell the stories from the society where he grew up, to share the cultures he
witnessed, and to illustrate the epics and mythologies from all the ethnic groups in the country.
 Laya Boquiren

Laya Boquiren is a Doctor of Philosophy in Philippine Studies with main areas in Philippine Art
and Culture. She co-curated the international travelling exhibit Field Trip Project Asia at the
Vargas Museum (2015) and initiated related off-site curated endeavors in Baguio City,
Tanauan, Leyte, and 98B Escolta.
In the past, she served as curatorial consultant for Gallery Genesis and Museo De Intramuros.
Boquiren has contributed in academic journals, published books and contributed chapters of
books under Vibal (2015-17), has authored a book on Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice awardee Willy
Tadeo Layug (2017), for whom she curated the artist’s second solo exhibition at the NCCA
Gallery and authored a corresponding monograph published by the institution (2017- 18).

Her most recent publications include Now Here: Access, Activate, Rewind (2018) for Erehwon
Center for the Arts and thenewly launched book on grandmaster of Philippine aquarelle Toti
Cerda (2019). She obtained master of arts in Art History from the University of the Philippines,
Diliman (2009), and has completed short programs at the Institute of Media and Entertainment
in New York (2009) and Keio University in Japan (2010). Boquiren currently teaches at the Arts
Department of the University of Asia and the Pacific. Her recent curatorial project includes The
River Flows North featuring Davao-based artists at the NCCA Gallery. Her cultural work has
always been multi-local, her paternal relatives being from Cagayan de Oro.
 Kublai Millan

Ray Mudjahid Ponce Millan better known as Kublai Millan or Kublai is a prolific
artist from Mindanao. He is known for his giant sculptures. Aside from being a
sculptor he is also an art photographer, painter, digital artist and performance
artist. Kublai was born on July 8, 1974 in Cotabato city. Kublai started his career
when he made all the artworks both inside and outside of his family’s hotel; Ponce
Suites. His mother is the manager of the hotel. He studied at the University of the
Philippines for his higher education and attained a degree of Fine Arts. After his
graduation from college he returned to Mindanao, painting and sculpting subjects
relating to the culture of his hometown.
He is responsible for two giant works; “Kampilan” by Sultan Kudarat in the city
of Sultan kudarat, Maguindanao and the “Risen Christ” in the church of Tagum
City. He is also responsible for the giant durian monument in Davao International
Airport, the giant eagle and Bagobo children in People’s Park Davao City.

Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions

Contemporary Philippine Arts
from the Regions

CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS IN
MINDANAO