MICHAEL Anthony Sagaran’s art is a reflection of experiences, aspirations and beliefs not just of himself but also of every amazing person he gets to connect with. The hotelier’s palettes, techniques and style are influenced by impressionism.
Sagaran, who resumed painting three years ago when his job in the corporate world brought him to the province, is featuring an Italian scooter brand, Vespa, as the subject of his latest art collection.
A COVID-19-induced creative outburst, his latest work is inspired by the scooter brand’s rich history, aesthetic brilliance and relevance. As a big fan, he depicted its evolution as a brand which was presented in his first online exhibit for ArtPhOnline.
From his prolific outputs on display, Sagaran hopes that viewers, when they get to marvel at his Vespa-inspired masterpieces, would somehow experience joy and get to uplift their mood. He believes they have relevance for the current moment such that featuring a series of its historical models demonstrate that triumph takes time.
Among his magnum opus in the collection is the Vespa 98 II Serie. This, he said, is his best-loved as it is the brand’s iconic 1947 model which he believes is a symbol of innovation.
Art is so intrinsic to human life that many turn to it in times of trouble such as COVID-19 because “it is a proof that humanity can create spectacular works of art,” he said.
Sagaran feels grateful that he was able to create such despite a mare’s nest of today’s uncertainties.
He also describes the online exhibit as “a new kind of art experience for the artists and the collectors as it allows them to appreciate a new ‘arts center’ option.”
Given the pandemic-related restrictions, the idea of presenting virtual art exhibitions became an efficient platform that provides new opportunities for artists, especially the new ones, to showcase their pieces.
Although these online innovations on art may stick around post-pandemic, Sagaran underscored that paintings can be more appreciated in actual and physical form, in showrooms, exhibitions and museums.
“Because we are able to see the depth of textures and play of colors, among other details,” he related.
Still, he said online innovationswill continue to grow along with digital arts.
The coronavirus pandemic afforded him silence, time and emotions to reflect and create painting series that matter. “It gave me that jolt of inspiration to make it happen,” he stressed.
For those who seek inspiration in art, his advice is to “give art a try, either as a viewer, creator or both.”
In the post-pandemic, fundamentally changing art world, Sagaran will continue to hone his craft and create artworks that inspire and enrich human experience.
Apart from his latest oeuvre, he is likewise willing to explore different styles like abstract, renaissance and baroque arts.
He is currently working on two sets of series, which he anticipates would be physically showcased in the fourth quarter of this year.
