Avian Life

In “Avian Life”, natural phenomena and a passion for bird life come together to create an exhibition replete with meanings. His latest oeuvre portrays anthropomorphized winged creatures in flight, translating movement to bursts of colors created through a brisk, spirited technique. Focusing on exuberance of color and richness of texture, Castillo transforms familiar subjects into significant and highly symbolical forms that explore human feelings, emotions, and virtues.

“Avian Life” is a series born beyond mere observation of nature; it is an expression of the artist’s metaphysical experience of life. Rendered in a cross-breed style of realism and impressionism, the subjects of his works become symbols of human virtues such as uniqueness, affluence and enthusiasm. Meanwhile, his choice of subject is motivated by its cultural significance, hence the aviary-like curation of hummingbirds, parakeets, and mallards - popular subjects in visual art, music and literature and highly coveted in many cultures.

As Castillo’s images serve to reveal his experience of nature, beyond the observable physical universe, his oeuvres, seek to connect with his viewers through color and texture that seem to be in a state of motion . The sharp becomes blurred, and the subject blends to become part of a fleeting moment. Each work strives to evoke excitement, adventure or surprise. “Master of Splash Art” is the title given to Janddie Castillo, a Far Eastern University Fine Arts graduate, by his peers due to his unique art style which he invented and coined. This technique melds realistic and impressionistic themes with the symphony of splashes, splatters, and swiping strokes to make an art style that is truly Filipino and truly Castillo’s own. Castillo has been generating serious interest among collectors in the Philippine art scene via his highly successful one-man shows and group exhibits, numerous art contests, art fairs, and workshops. He has matured into one of the fastest rising contemporary artists of our time.

“Janddie Castillo: Avian Life” will be on view from August 17-26, 2022 and will close with an Artist Reception on Friday, August 26 at 6pm. Galerie Raphael U.P. Town Center is located at 2/F Phase 2 U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Ave., Diliman, Quezon City. For inquiries, contact +63 (2) 8247-1109 or email galerie.raphael@gmail.com 

The Artist