Profiles: Elmer Borlongan

Summary

The video showcases the journey of visual artist Elmer Borlongan, renowned for his figurative expressionism that captures the everyday lives of Filipinos. Through a series of quick questions, Elmer shares his preferences and insights into his creative process. The artist reflects on his 25-year career, his evolution, and the humorous elements in his work. He discusses his partnership with his wife, also an artist, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual support in their lives. The couple's enduring love for art and each other highlights their shared commitment to creativity as they look forward to the future.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Elmer Borlongan is recognized as one of the most important artists of his generation, known for his figurative expressionism.
• 📍 His artwork often reflects the ordinary lives of Filipinos, resonating deeply with a wide audience.
• 🖌️ Elmer has embraced various art forms throughout his career, including oil painting and digital art.
• 💞 His 25-year retrospective exhibit highlights both his artistic evolution and personal milestones, including 20 years of marriage.
• 🖋️ Elmer credits his father, a Sunday artist, for encouraging him to pursue a career in art from a young age.
• 👫 Elmer met his wife, fellow artist Pledge, in 1994, leading to a fruitful collaboration in their personal and professional lives.
• 📚 Together, they are working on a children's book featuring a unique rendition of 'Little Red Riding Hood' set in New York.
• 🔍 Elmer emphasizes the importance of observation and continuous experimentation in developing one's artistic style.
• 👥 His work often incorporates humor and highlights marginalized individuals, adding depth to the Filipino narrative.
• 🌟 Elmer hopes to be remembered for his contributions to art and his ability to capture the Filipino spirit through his creations.

Q & A

What artistic style is Elmer Borlongan known for?

Elmer Borlongan is known for his figurative expressionism, which depicts the ordinary lives of Filipinos and resonates with a wide audience.

How does Elmer's work reflect Filipino culture?

His artworks often highlight slices of life and various aspects of Filipino culture, infusing humor and addressing the experiences of marginalized individuals.

What significance does the exhibit marking 25 years of Elmer's artistic career hold?

The exhibit, which opened at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, is a celebration of his evolution as an artist and represents a dream come true for him.

How does Elmer incorporate humor into his art?

Elmer injects humor into his works by portraying ordinary people and their experiences in a way that connects with the audience, making them relatable.

What influences shaped Elmer's pursuit of art?

Elmer credits his father, a Sunday artist, for encouraging him to pursue art from a young age, which sparked his interest in sketching and painting.

What materials does Elmer Borlongan use in his artwork?

While he primarily works with oil, he has also experimented with digital art to stay current with evolving artistic trends.

How did Elmer and his wife, a fellow artist, meet?

They met in 1994 when Elmer was recommended as an art teacher for her brother, leading to a long bus ride together where they bonded over art.

What is the secret to the successful partnership between Elmer and his wife?

The couple emphasizes mutual support for each other's artistic pursuits, focusing on creating a perfect life together without getting bogged down by external pressures.

What are some of the collaborative projects that Elmer and his wife have worked on?

They collaborated on a children's book, 'Little Red Riding Hood,' where Elmer created the base artwork while his wife contributed knitted illustrations.

What advice does Elmer give to aspiring artists?

Elmer advises aspiring artists to be observant and to continuously experiment with different techniques to develop their unique style.