TOYM IMAO lives his art as a deep path of openness and knowledge, in which each painting becomes the materialization of an introspective, dreamlike and extravagant world inspired by the visions of his father, the late National Artist Abdulmari Imao.
For “In His Veins”, Toym uses recurring symbologies characteristic of his father’s style that recalls the original forms of his father’s childhood visions during 1942 to 1945 amidst a war–when he was about 6-10 years old– towards an escape to his own vivid universe.
These images would later inspire him to create his iconic sarimanok, sarifish, okir patterns, vibrant colors and patterns.
The majority of Toym’s work falls into one or another series of related paintings and sculptures, which share his father’s common themes and symbols as observed in colorful migratory birds, the patterns and colors of nature, and marine life.
The overarching theme of “In His Veins” is the legacy that fathers hand down to their sons. It also regards of the sphere of influence that parents pass on to their children — important core values and ethics handed down from generations to generations. The passing of the torch in an imminent inheritance between the two fundamental artists of their respective period.
Toym Imao is a Filipino multi-media artist who excels in both sculpture and painting. He is a sculptor and painter in both classical and contemporary styles, a writer, set/production designer and film maker.
Toym Imao has built massive art installations exhibited at the U.P. Palma Hall, and his works remain relevant, truly original and palpably Asian.
Distinguished by masterful craftsmanship, architectural strength, and cultural depth, Imao’s works can be found in the major cities of the Philippines, Vietnam, the United States and Europe, counting among his achievements such historical monuments as the Andres Bonifacio in Maragondon, Cavite; Tandang Sora Memorial Shrine in Quezon City; Cordillera Freedom Movement in Baguio City; and Dr. Jose P. Rizal statue in Carson City, California.
“In His Veins” by Toym Imao will be on view at Galerie Joaquin UP Town Center from October 30 to November 12, 2019 with the Artist Reception scheduled for Wednesday, October 30 at 6PM. The gallery is located on the 2nd Floor of Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Ave, Diliman, Quezon City.
