Cover Francis Nacion, ‘Beauty of the Past’, 48 x 96 inches, oil on canvas, 2023
Francis Nacion, ‘Beauty of the Past’, 48 x 96 inches, oil on canvas, 2023
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‘NACIONalismo’ is the fitting title of Francis Nacion’s initial offering this year, his exhibition at Art Lounge Manila, The Podium, which runs until February 22
In his latest exhibition, Francis Nacion takes inspiration from the onset of the Philippine Republic, illustrating his Filipino characters and scenes in 19th-century fashion but with his distinct, colourful style.
In this collection of 26 paintings, Nacion calls to reexamine what it is to be a Filipino. Born in Kalibo, Aklan, he pursued his passion for the arts while studying computer engineering. Nacion has since been known for his works showcasing his love and pride for the Philippines and its culture.
“When you look closely at the characters in his paintings, you will see a bright side and a dark side on the faces,” his profile prepared by Art Lounge Manila said. “These signify both the positive and negative outlook of a person. Upon deeper contemplation, the dominant attraction is the light or bright side. This reflects the good Filipino traits of patience, kindness, and being loving.”
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Above Francis Nacion, ‘Riding Through Time’, 24 x 24 inches, 2023
Francis Nacion, ‘Riding Through Time’, 24 x 24 inches, 2023
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In NACIONalismo, his exhibition at Art Lounge Manila, running until February 22, curator Ricky Francisco noted a new style that has emerged from the artist.
“The sepia paintings complemented by the ornately carved frames from Paete” infuse nostalgia, “a visual allusion to a past that is treasured,” Francisco wrote. In complementing this style with his signature varicoloured mastery, Francisco noted that one could then appreciate the intricacy of his technique. In “the belaboured layers of profuse patterning in both sgraffito and line drawings which yield floral, foliar, and linear ornamentations reminiscent of the heavy embroidery, beadwork, or dyeing”, art lovers would be reminded of the Filipino culture’s value in the globalised appreciation of the arts—influences and technologies from the Spanish and Chinese cultures, as well as our distinct taste for beauty.
Above Francis Nacion, ‘Classic Charm’, 24 x 18 inches, oil on canvas in Paete hand-carved frame, 2023
Above Francis Nacion, ‘Friendship’s Time Capsule’, 24 x 18 inches, oil on canvas in Paete hand-carved frame, 2023
Francis Nacion, ‘Classic Charm’, 24 x 18 inches, oil on canvas in Paete hand-carved frame, 2023
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“In this time when most Filipinos look to Europe for inspiration, putting a premium on European and American technologies and taste, we have to dig deeper for what is truly Filipino. This is the only way that we can meet the global on our terms. This is the way we can find our place in the world,” said Nacion.
“Looking at his works, we are reminded that who we are is not in blind acceptance of the foreign or its complete rejection, but somewhere in between,” commented Francisco. “We negotiate influences but adapt to what suits our culture, our values, and our needs first.”
Above Francis Nacion, ‘Opulence of Yesteryear’, 36 x 36 inches, oil on canvas, 2023
Francis Nacion, ‘Opulence of Yesteryear’, 36 x 36 inches, oil on canvas, 2023
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Showcasing once again his prowess in conjuring memory in its vibrancy, Nacion goes beyond his traditional subjects like mother and child, father and son, market vendors, lovers, and more into an exhibition that does not only speak of the Philippine folk life but its history imbued with his optimism.
“Though at the onset, NACIONalismo provides pause to a complicated world through a nostalgic reminder of a simpler past, the artist draws us to examine what it means to be a Filipino asserting his identity in the crux of a globalised world. We are reminded that we have always flourished being at the crossroads if we only remember who we are at our core,” Francisco concluded.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
