EQUILIBRIUM, oil on canvas, 2023

For creative individuals, inspiration comes from different ways and avenues. Some are from the wonders of nature, some from human emotions, and some are from life experiences. But contemporary painter Angelo Tabije’s muse comes from looking at life’s normalcy in a more profound sense. It can be seen in his latest show titled “A little bit of everything.”

MARIA, oil on canvas, 2023

“Everything around me is potential inspiration for an artwork,” says the University of the Philippines, College of Fine Arts alumnus. “It’s just looking at normal things in new ways, (looking for new) meanings.”

MEET THE ARTIST Angelo Tabije

In this show, Angelo sheds light on the reality that what is normal isn’t always good and shouldn’t always be widely accepted. In Casual Threat, if one studies it longer, one can say that Angelo casually shows the hazard of fast fashion and everything that surrounds humans’ fascination with accumulating so many clothes.

“Since I was young, I’ve been into arts. I believe it’s my calling,” he says in Filipino. “In this exhibit, I went back to my old styles and techniques, juxtaposing and merging all of this dexterity to create some new and exciting images.”
And compelling images, he has achieved. In White to Pale, a gorgeous woman with four hands, sitting on a skull with a clown mask somehow reminds the viewer that most of us, at some point, also try to hide the pain behind our smile. Meanwhile, Maria is a statement on women’s vital role in community building.

WHITE TO PALE, oil on canvas, 2023

“Most of the time, I just draw anything. After a while, concepts and interesting images come up, then an idea forms. I will then continue drawing, but this time, with a clear direction,” says the grand prize winner (oil / acrylic category) at the 6th Art Petron National Competition. “It took me six months to complete this series, but my signature style is still here. But this time, it has a different appeal.”
As an artist who uses vibrant colors to give new meanings to the things we usually take for granted, Angelo looks forward to creating more pieces as he navigates his personal life journey.

WATCHER, oil on canvas, 2023

“Art is everything, creation is art. Anything that gives you that sense of awe and fulfillment, for me, is an art,” he says. “In this life, I am just passing by and enjoying my journey through art along the way. Hindi ko masabi, kasi di ko rin alam kung saan ako dadalin [ng art] (I don’t what lies ahead. I have no idea where art would take me). But I always try to surprise myself through my creations with the hope that my viewers will be surprised too.”

ROYALTY, oil on canvas, 2023

“A Little Bit of Everything” by Angelo Tabije ran from June 3 to 24 at the Art Cube Gallery, OPVI Centre, 2295 Chino Roces Ext., Makati City. To contact - [email protected]