For his first solo exhibition with Galerie Joaquin, visual artist RV Basco aims to captivate lessons of life’s desolate yet truthful dispositions, portrayed through perspectives of delicate and thought-provoking illustrations of children immersed in a playfully-conceptualized world.
As a passionate storyteller, Basco earnestly captures themes of resilience and empathy through figurative illustration, with recurring young characters as the primary subjects and perceivers of the artist’s anti-utopian terrene. The existing objects and elements of nature serve as an emblematic reflection of his characters’ innocent and vulnerable features, coalescing the parallel between a child’s and an adult’s frame of mind about the reality of spiritual existence. Further, the carefully-curated collection of works undertones a sense of spiritual gloom — a sentimental insight into how humans process thoughts and emotions.
“I find it kind of amazing how children are more resilient than us adults”, the artist notes.
With this in mind, “Songs of Epiphany” is a visual revelation of how we process life’s inherent
uncertainty, yet we remain resolute and adaptable to it. Through his latest body of work, the artist hopes to communicate these meaningful undertakings and give light to humanity’s existential strength, affinity, and integrity.
A graduate of a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Industrial Design from the University of Santo Tomas in 1995, RV Basco was a professional Industrial Designer who fully pursued his passion for the visual arts in 2016.
Many of his works depict figuration and social realism. Basco wanted to portray the lives of people dealing with their own struggles. The artist’s interest in portraying the common man started decades ago when he lived in the Malate district of Manila. As Basco progresses with his promising career in visual art, he continues to explore different facets of his notable style. As a visual artist, RV Basco integrates myth, allegory, and fable as a means of comprehending the intricacies of life.
“Songs of Epiphany” by RV Basco was on view from February 26 to March 12, 2023 with the Artist Reception held last March 4, Saturday at 5 PM. Galerie Joaquin BGC is located on the Upper Ground Floor of One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 5th Ave. Corner 28th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
