This dancer and visual artist believes the hurdles in life are no match to our faith in ourselves.
For Gabby Prado, abstract painting may also be executed like a dance performance on stage. Transforming movement into large-scale art, she draws out of her life experiences like a visual memory narrated through an endearing aesthetic journey. Prado finished a degree in fine arts, major in painting from the University of the Philippines. She has been a ballet dancer since she was young.
How did your passion for the arts come about?
It started in my childhood. I drew and painted a lot, using crayons and markers and I felt very attached to colours and elements. Vincent Van Gogh’s piece The Starry Night really caught my attention and it inspired me to paint in his style. I realised that art made me feel alive… I was very drawn to it because of the freedom it gave me. Apart from painting, I also took classes in ballet and contemporary dance. Soon I have learnt how dance and visual art are very connected. There were two professors from my thesis that helped me become the artist that I am today: Katti Sta Ana and Bob Feleo. They inspired me to strive to work hard. Without them, I don’t think I would have been able to paint and do exhibitions.