Wednesday, January 19, 2011

...the artist

Pinoy artist brings pride to Milan-based Filipinos


MILAN, Italy – A Bagong Bayani awardee for 2007 wowed Filipinos and Italians alike with his sculptural works of art and masterpieces during a one-man exhibit at the Studio Tomomeo, Via Gianonne last December.

Richard Gabriel was named as the 2007 Bagong Bayani Awardee for Arts and Culture. His natural interest and curiosity for the arts led him to immerse himself deeper in his artistic endeavor.

Gabriel’s exhibit dubbed as “Cinderella between Fetish and Zen” is a collection of ceramic shoes of different shapes, color and sizes. Each has its own and unique story.

He came to Italy in 1989 and took several art courses such as Corso Libero del Nudo and corso di incisione e di ornate. His natural talents and giftedness in sculpture were honed when he worked as assistant in 1998 to Carla Tomolomeo one of Italy’s renowned contemporary artists.

Tolomeo did not only bring Gabriel along with her to different international exhibits but also made sure that his name is also indicated in different art catalogues.

Tolomeo who has also assumed the role of a mother to Gabriel and his family in Italy, inspired and pushed him to reach the pedestal where he is now. 

Gabriel’s exposure to the world of ceramics, on the other hand, began in 2009 when he worked in Pietrasanta for a marble and ceramics factory and where he was introduced to Massimo Gentile of Francesconi’s studio.

Naturally gifted that he is, Gabriel easily found himself in the circle of qualified artists in this studio. There, Gabriel began to take seriously his craft and started creating his masterpieces.

Gabriel said that he chose shoes for his subject because it brings people to where they would want to be. It also supports people in bearing burdens, and aids in the effort to remain standing despite the test of times.

Gabriel added that shoes show the kind of occupation or destination that its wearer wants to reach.

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