She was all set to open her 2nd One-Woman show which was long coming. But a flash flood from a sudden downpour four days before the launch event destroyed all her paintings. She was going to display her latest 25 piece- collection of ladies festooned with flowers. faces painted in vibrant hues and psychedelic patterns, women crowned with fantastic headdresses.
Ginny Guanco calls this body of works “Festival,” to encourage hope, courage, and the anticipation of good and promising prospects. “Through my works in this exhibit, I aim to depict the festive spirit and joyous disposition of the Filipino, amidst the most trying situations. We have seen so much darkness, so many shadows, because of the ravaging effects of the pandemic. The loss of lives and livelihood are realities we must face and accept. But I think that by putting on the light, by wearing the vibrant colors of joy, we can transition much more easily into a future that’s full of potential and promise. And Filipinos are resilient because of our ability to look forward and hope for better times ahead. ‘Festival’ is my tribute to the indomitable Filipino spirit,” Guanco explains.
In “Festival,” her paean to the Filipino’s inner strength are depicted through her intricately painted detailed ethnic designs, and fantastic dream-like portraits bursting with flora and fauna. Her strokes, certain and bold, express confidence and belief in her purpose through her deft use of colors.
Guanco’s love for the feminine form stems from her childhood passion of drawing female faces and figures. She would dress up these drawings in different fashionable clothes according to particular themes. In school, she relentlessly pursued this passion by joining art contests and even winning on many occasions.
In 2016, she unveiled her first solo exhibit entitled “Boho Chic.” The theme gave her the opportunity to display her unabashed fondness for Bohemian fashion. In this, she creatively combined two different styles in her figures—one leaning towards fashion illustration; the other showing her fascination for human anatomy. After the success of her first solo show, she branched out into making personalized, hand-painted bags. Aside from her regular floral subjects, clients would request her to draw their portraits on the bags. To date, she has done hundreds of bags by hand which she has sold, and which she still continues to do.
Not wanting to be let down by the depressing situation of not being able to pursue her physical exhibit, she decided to unveil her paintings online on her birthday. “Festival” is proof that her passion to create beauty can never be dulled by the passing of years nor adverse circumstances. More than anything, her experiences have made her eyes and heart keener to the joys and beauty that life can offer. Follow her in Art by Ginny (FB) or @artbyginnyg (IG)
