Hailing from Bulacan Province on Luzon Island in the Philippines, Manuel “Manny” Rubio discovered his passion for graphics under the mentorship of his uncle, the esteemed painter Mauro “Malang” Santos. While pursuing a Fine Arts degree at the University of the East, Manny honed his skills in Malang’s studio for two formative years. His career began in a commercial design studio in Manila, but soon took a pivotal turn when he relocated to Hong Kong. There, he transitioned into the realm of journalism, assuming the role of Art Director at Asian Finance, a publication centered on business and finance.
Manny’s professional journey began as a graphic designer, but it took time for him to find his true calling in art. Aspiring artists often grapple with how and where to express their unique style and creative impulse, including the choice of materials and techniques. To distinguish himself, Manuel experimented extensively with various mediums. It wasn’t until 1995 that he discovered enamel paint, a medium typically used for painting houses and cars, which allowed him to create striking works of art by carefully pouring paint onto the canvas to achieve a dramatic blend of colors.
Synergy between classic and modern design
“Spot Chromatic Fantasy” reinterprets the timeless elegance of classic furniture through the lens of modern design, utilizing a black-and-white palette highlighted by bursts of vibrant red spots to create a captivating visual striking experience.
At its heart are traditional Chinese armchairs and table awash in bold abstract patterns. The patterns shift and evolve as one’s gaze wonders through the artwork, revealing hidden details and fresh perspectives with each exploration. The abstract elements invite viewers to explore further with a sense of wonder as the fluid strokes converge and diverge across the furniture, evoking a sense of movement, energy and dynamism.
The use of black and white, enhanced by spots of red, creates a contrast that enhances the artwork’s impact. The deep black areas absorb the viewer’s attention as they play against the illuminating white furniture, and accentuated with hints of red for added dramatic effect. This interplay allows for a heightened focus on texture and form, contributing to the artwork’s complexity.
“Spot Chromatic Fantasy” transcends the constraints of color and form, creating a functional artwork that captivates the imagination and invites us to discover the spectacular synergy between classic and modern design.
Entry #1: (set of 1 painting + 2 chairs + table)Top of Form
Description for entries 2 & 3:
Global Warming
These artworks focused on one of the more meaningful and pertinent subjects facing our world today, particularly those that raise awareness on issues concerning global warming. Indeed, people’s modest but sincere contributions could spell a great difference in the ongoing struggle for nature’s preservation and the survival of humanity.
Entry No. 2
Entry No. 3
