Eunoia

Eric Masangkay is determined to grasp moments in time and space that bears a certain lightness in being and state of mind. For his first solo exhibition at Galerie Raphael U.P. Town Center, the visual artist presents a plethora of larger than life characters existing on a plane of balance and symmetry – immersed in acts of movement that exhibit and exceed the human capacity.

“Eunoia” serves as an exultation of arete Filipino artistry, splendidly illustrated by Masangkay through a comprehensive collection of works that depict everyday scenes of honorable labor and activity. With his en pointe figures portraying common acts such as catching fish, biking, and strolling the market, his concept overall stems from his intrisic passion and interest in human interaction, behavior, and form. Further, what makes his creations alluring is his outstanding technique and use of mixed media; by fusing together a medley of diverse materials, Masangkay’s artistic design pushes boundaries and interpretations of beauty, poise, and elegance.

Substantially, Eric Masangkay’s “Eunoia” is a beguiling presentation of the human condition, celebrating peak movements as if slowed down and stopped by time, capturing the innate grace and ashtonishment of his subjects’ stunning figuations. With this in mind, Masangkay’s sculptures intend to stand head-on in the field of Philippine visual art and sculpture, hoping to achieve great anticipations.

Eric Masangkay (b.1972) is a visual artist from Lucena, Quezon. His fondness for the arts started at a very young age: ranging from comic books, to anime, and to 3D as he grew up. He graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts’ degree in Painting, ever-focused on his interest and pursuit of becoming an artist. After much practice and refinement, his honed skills eventually gained him recognition when he participated in several solo and group exhibitions with prestigious galleries, museums, and art festivals around the country, namely: Ayala Museum (2003), Art Fair Philippines (2021), and Pinto Art Museum (2022). He’s also a two-time finalist at the Metrobank National Art Competition (2000, 2004), and an Honorable Mention at the GSIS National Art Competition Sculptural Category (2021).

Masangkay describes his figures as a coalescence of surreal and real; reaching concepts and motifs that are beyond measure as he remains inspired by nuances of the human behavior: movements, tensions, and antics that amass a certain feeling through an apex of motion.

“Eunoia” by Eric Masangkay will be on view from March 29 - April 10, 2023 with the Opening Reception scheduled on March 29, Wednesday at 5 PM. Galerie Raphael U.P. Town Center is located at the 2/F Phase 2, U.P. Town Center, Katipunan Ave., Diliman, Quezon City. For inquiries, contact Galerie Raphael U.P. Town Center at +632 8247 1109 or email galerie.raphael@gmail.com.