Omar Flores immortalizes people's beauty through his 'Line Series'
By John Legaspi
The Filipino visual artist’s latest subject is the Philippines’ former president, Rodrigo Roa Duterte
“That’s not my angle,” that’s the phrase we often hear in our selfie-obsessed world today. As much as many would like to deny it, people want to paint a certain image about themselves, and capturing them from their best angle makes sure that their fantasies are fulfilled, even if it’s only in the URL and not IRL. But for visual artist Omar Flores, beauty is not something that can only be seen from one’s preferred angle. With his paint and canvas, he demystifies that though through his latest works dubbed “Line Series.”
“It’s a modern and contemporary approach to immortalizing oneself from an angle that most people do not appreciate about themselves,” Omar tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle. “Most people do not see beauty in their side profiles, but I find that this position showcases someone’s depth, character, and emotion.”
Each portrait features intricate lines that intertwine, reflecting his interaction with his clients. The process starts with an initial sketch before working on the canvas. It takes around three to six weeks to finish a portrait, depending on style and scale.
Being creative has always been part of his life. During his younger years, he would spend time painting and sketching. So, it was a natural step for him to take arts studies in college. He tried to get into the University of the Philippines' Fine Arts, but unfortunately, he failed. But that didn’t derail him from his mission. Although he pursued nursing, he went back to his passion for the arts. After selling his works in EDSA, he eventually found success that led him to work with some of the creative scene’s biggest names, including actor Piolo Pascual, Dubai-based fashion designer Michael Cinco, and CCP Chairman Jaime Laya, among others.
“It is something that has always been in my heart,” he says. “Being an artist is my calling.”
The latest person to grace his canvas is the former president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte. According to Omar, he is a representation of something that most of us try to achieve and he reminded him of his younger self. He admired the leader’s sheer determination, and he wanted to immortalize it by gifting him a “Line Series” portrait.
“For me, he is a sun. He was able to shine the brightest in a galaxy full of leaders,” Omar muses. “I respect and admire him for that. I am honored as well that despite all the things he has achieved, he remained humble.”
“His determination has allowed him to carry our country and helped the nation fulfill many difficult things through his strength,” he adds. “I think this is how I interpreted through my artwork.”
His portrait of the former president features colors that represent his stern and firm persona. Last September, Omar unveiled the portrait at Duterte’s place. What made the moment even more special was that it was also his mom’s dream to meet the former president.
“People will argue why, but like most of us, we are all but human, flawed and imperfect,” Omar posted on his Instagram page. “We make of what we have, as he did with what he can.”
To see more of Omar Flores’ “Line Series,” visit @omarflores_56 on Instagram.
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