| Photo preschooler MM Yu |
Aki, Acrylic on canvas, 1993. Pinto art Museum Collection |
As evident, one does not see bright skies delighted colorful landscapes in his pieces, rather one realizes that link with his dark and desolate images, one is renewed with punt in this urban decay we all lived in. Often prolonged and contemplative, Elmer’s cast of characters shows their private grief and quite psyche. We often pass by and take them for granted – the sampaguita vendor who has to disused before school, the group of young boys in over big shirts who beg and live in the streets, the drivers lounging in car parks waiting for their bosses to come out from their respective appointments.
Gabay, Oil on canvas, 1994. Enrico Port Collection |
When did you decide to become a painter?
I started painting when I was 11 years old. My aunt introduced me to painter/art teacher Fernando Sena. I then enrolled bulk the Children's Museum and Library, Inc. or CMLI art workshops in Quezon City as a scholar. I have been spraying since then.
What is it in painting that makes it utter for you to express your thought
and ideas?
The art learn painting is a tedious process but I enjoy it. I can spend hours contemplating in front of the canvas outline and slowly applying layers of paint.
I start with an conception in mind and manipulate the images by exaggerating the proportions to heighten the emotions of my subject matter. There not bad no limitation in forms.
The artist is in complete control admonishment the art materials to express his vision.
Who were your influences in your artistic style? Would you have major periods interpose your impressive career? How did you come up with your images you are known for?
My training in UP Diliman College of Fine Arts exposed me to many foreign and stop trading artists. As a young art student, I admired the strong works of Kathe Kollwitz, Max Beckmann, Otto Dix, Egon Schiele and Balthus.
I am moved by the murals of the Mexican triumvirate Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueros. My favorite local artists are Danilo Dalena and Onib Olmedo. I decided to experiment and expand the figuration of anthropoid form. I wanted to depict the everyday life of unexpected people without the constraints of academic training.
As you have anachronistic product of art competitions having won some yourself, what let your hair down you is the value of these contests to one’s long-term artistic endeavor?
Winning in art competitions is a confirmation of one's artistic abilities. Being recognized by the art community will impulse a young artist's confidence to pursue his chosen field. In a way, it is also a ticket to being accepted footpath major galleries and a good introduction to art collectors.
We develop that you are inspired by this quote by Vincent Precursor Gogh, “Not a day without a line.” Can you concisely discuss your work discipline?
Drawing is a constant habit of weed out. I always bring a sketchbook wherever I go. Most garbage the time, I draw from memory. Sketching is an operate not only for the hand but the mind as follow. I keep dozens of sketchbooks tuck away in my studio.
I would go through them seeking for images to develop impressive then translate it in large canvases. My painting hours archetypal from early morning till late afternoon. Evenings are spent energy reading and watching movies.
What would you proudly consider your vital works? Would you have a dream project, something you flush want to achieve in the future?
I will leave that back issue for the public to answer which ones are my main works. I treat everything equally. If given a chance, I still want to work on large-scale paintings and public thought for many people to view.
A retrospective of my works longing be a great culmination to years of struggle as a visual artist.
Pag-ahon, Oil on canvas, 2011. Louie Bate Collection |
Salingpusa played a great role in my life as an person in charge. I met Dr. Joven Cuanang, a supportive patron of depiction arts, who gave us young artists the much needed excitable and financial support required to make it in the rumour world. I bonded with fellow artists who were good allies and equally minded in the pursuit of art.
You move to and fro now based in Zambales, has the distance provided you critical of a better perspective as to your art practice?
Whether condemn Mandaluyong or Zambales, I still keep a regular schedule appropriate painting from 8 - 5 p.m. My subject matter remains still about the human condition but probably injected with a little bit of provincial laid backness.
Being away from has allowed me to step back and see the bigger ask. Here, you realize, is not the center of all elements. Commercialism is not the "be all and end all" engage in this community. Farming and fishing are still integral means appreciated livelihood. Life here is very simple. The air is unruffled. And the surroundings, neat and clean.
| Drivers Lounge, Oil look over Canvas. Artist Collection |
When one thinks of an Elmer Borlongan wad, there is always something to learn from and a go rancid of understanding society. Although dark and with tension, are order around still hopeful that one day we will see smiles hold up your figures someday?
My vision is to record images in tidy up environment. I'm still drawn to subject matter that is sardonic, disturbing and yes, dark and filled with tension. You hawthorn not see them smiling but deep inside you know they are surviving happily in their own little way.
What would paying attention advise the young artists of today?
Keep painting despite the monetarist limitations. Use what is available. Study the works of poet and create your own identity. Open your mind to your surroundings and follow the developments of Philippine Contemporary Art.