Strokes of Essence - Demi Padua and Pongbayog - DF Art Agency X Kobayashi Gallery

EXHIBITION NOTES

The visual splendor of an artist’s stroke is an invitation to the many meanings of art-making. In Kobayashi Gallery, a spectacle unfolds. Nestled within the rich history of art lies the Kobayashi Gallery—a space that has been at the forefront of the art scene since its inception in 1978 by the father of the gallery’s current president, Masatoshi Kobayashi. As a testament to its enduring legacy, the gallery continues to showcase the finest artworks that ignite the imagination and captivate the senses. Strokes of Essence is a duo exhibition in collaboration with DF Art Agency which presents the stunning works of two acclaimed Filipino artists, Pongbayog and Demi Padua.

Meaning-making is art-making. The semantics of a harmonious fusion of Japanese and Philippine artistic elements is evident and presented on canvas by these two Filipino artists. Pongbayog and Demi Padua give us an immersion into this artistic amalgamation that can captivate your senses, as you witness the interplay of two cultures in masterful strokes.

Pongbayog upholds his tradition of capturing the essence of his subject, through his art piece where he masterfully weaves monochromatic Japanese elements into his intricate fine art piece. Demi Padua on the other hand, continues to mesmerize us with his stunning art style with acrylic on canvas, weaving together a tapestry of sights, sounds, and everyday narratives using trompe l’oeil techniques.

This duo exhibition immerses us in a visual delight through Pongbayog and Demi Padua's skill and prowess in the interplay of the dichotomy of light and shadow, of shapes and hues of emotions and mind play. In “Strokes of Essence” you will see two art geniuses at play.

Words by Kim Escalona

Demi Padua

Demi Padua's artistic prowess has earned him a place among the foremost contemporary talents of the Philippine. His work is mainly characterized by a technical mastery and artistic vision that sets him apart. Using acrylic on canvas with trompe l’oeil techniques, his finely-honed skills and meticulous attention to detail are evident in every stroke of his brush, imbuing his creations with a sense of depth and complexity that invites contemplation and reflection.

Originally born in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, and now residing in Bulacan, Padua's artistic journey began when he was only six years old, which later he wholeheartedly pursued by specializing in Fine Arts with a major in advertising at Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines.

As he emerges as one of the Philippines' most celebrated artists, his works continues to grace galleries and museums across the globe. With a myriad of accolades to his name, including the prestigious Grand Prize in the 2013 Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Tanaw Art Competition, as well as honors from the AAP, GSIS Museum, and Metrobank awards, Padua's artistic mastery is undeniable. Yet despite his many achievements, Padua remains ever-dedicated to his craft, constantly pushing the boundaries of his art and striving to create works that inspire, provoke, and resonate with audiences worldwide.

Demi Padua

"Historic Beauty"

2023

acrylic on canvas

48" x 36" (122 cm x 91 cm

"Once Upon A Time"

Demi Padua

2023

acrylic on canvas

48" x 36" (122 cm x 91 cm)

"Shy But Confident"

2023

Demi Padua

acrylic on canvas

48" x 36" (122 cm x 91 cm)

Demi Padua

"Modern Chick"

2023

acrylic on canvas

48" x 36" (122 cm x 91 cm)

"Racial"

2023

acrylic on canvas

48" x 36" (122 cm x 91 cm)

Demi Padua

Pongbayog

Pongbayog (Florante Bayog Paghari-on) is renowned for his skill in figurative painting. His highly-detailed works emphasize how he specializes in crafting intricate and profound artwork inspired by the human anatomy, which has become the distinctive focus of Pongbayog's creative expression.

A self-taught artist originally hailing from South Cotabato, Mindanao, Pongbayog continues to show us how precision, skill, and mastery, become the essence of his masterpieces. Through his monochromatic oil paintings, Pongbayog skillfully captures the human body and various subjects, utilizing them as a medium for expressing his interpretation of truth and sensibility.

Pongbayog meticulously adjusts elements such as balance, perspective, lighting and shadows, textures, and depth, resulting in a captivating representation of alternate realities. His works not only celebrate the medium itself but also elevates it to create a breathtaking experience.

"Centuries-old Wisdom"

2023

oil and acrylic on canvas

Pongbayog

48" x 36" (122 cm x 91 cm)

Pongbayog "Admiration"

2023

oil and acrylic on canvas 48" x 36" (122 cm x 91 cm)

Pongbayog "Tidy-Up" 2023 oil on canvas 48" x 36" (122 cm x 91 cm)

Pongbayog

"Admiration #2" 2023 oil on canvas 48" x 36" (122 cm x 91 cm)

Pongbayog

"The White Blouse"

2023

oil on canvas

48" x 36" (122 cm x 91 cm)

Demi Padua

Instagram: @demi_padua

SELECTED AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

• One of the 8 Notable Artists in ManilART 2017, Philippines

• 2nd Prize Winner, GSIS Art Competition 2017 – Nonrepresentational Category, Philippines

• Grand Prize Winner, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas TANAW Art Competition, Philippines

• Honorable Mention, Kathang Karagatan: A Painting Contest on the Conservation of Aquatic Resources, Philippines

• Honorable Mention, 65th AAP Annual Art Competition, Philippines

• Honorable Mention, AAP On-The-Spot Painting Competition, Philippines

• Runner Up, 1st PAGCOR National Art Competition, Philippines

• 2nd Place Winner, GSIS Art Competition – Nonrepresentational Category, Philippines

• Honorable Mention, AAP-ECCA Semi-Annual Art Competition, Philippines

• Honorable Mention, 58th AAP Annual Art Competition, Philippines

• 1st Place Winner, 3rd FEU On-The-Spot Painting Competition, Philippines

• 2nd Place Winner, PICC Poster Making Contest, Philippines

• 2nd Place Winner, Department of Agrarian Reform, Nationwide On-The-Spot Painting Contest, Philippines

• Grand Prize Winner, Competition-Exhibition, Philippines

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

• “Almost Forgotten” , Leon Gallery International, Makati City, Philippines

• Main Event | Art Fair Philippines 2022”, Art for Space Gallery , Sining Labuyo, San Pablo City, Laguna

• “Behind the Curtain” , Art Cube Gallery, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City, Philippines

• “Comfort Zone” , J Studio Gallery, Pasillo 18, La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Philippines

• “Frontline” , Art Cube Gallery, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City, Philippines

• “Eye-Con” , Art for Space Gallery , Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City, Philippines

• “Stage” , J Studio Gallery, Pasillo 18, La Fuerza 1, Chino Roces, Makati City, Philippines

• “Main Event | Art Fair Philippines 2018”, Art for Space Gallery , The Link, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City, Philippines

• “Lost & Found” , Vinyl On Vinyl Gallery, Pasillo 18, La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Philippines

• “Layered” , Art for Space Gallery / ManilaArt , SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig City, Philippines

• “Skin” , Artologist Gallery, Philippines

• “Surface Tension” , Art Gallery Asia February, Philippines

• “Demi Padua 4th Solo Show” , Galerie Astra, LRI Business Plaza, Makati City, Philippines

• “Here-Say” , Galerie Astra, LRI Business Plaza, Makati City, Philippines

2008 2005

• “Re-Connected” , Galerie Astra, LRI Business Plaza, Makati City, Philippines

• “OVERVIEW” , Galerie Astra, LRI Business Plaza, Makati City, Philippines

SELECTED GROUP SHOWS

2021 2020 2019

• “ManilArt 2021 ” Art for Space Gallery, SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig City, Philippines

• “Art Moments Jakarta Online Art Fair 2” Art Moments Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia

• “ManilArt 2020” Art for Space Gallery, SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig City, Philippines

• “(BAMA) Busan Annual Market of Art 2020 ” Bruno Art Group/ In & Out Art , South Korea

• “Art Moments Jakarta Online Art Fair 1” Art Moments Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia

• “We Are In The Pink” One East Asia London

• “ Art from Home” Nuzen Art Gallery, Mendez CrossingManila, Tagaytay - Nasugbu Hwy, Tagaytay City, Philippines

• “Art Fair Philippines 2020”, J Studio Gallery , The Link, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City, Philippines

• “V=Ad/At”, Vinyl On Vinyl Gallery, Pasillo 18, La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Philippines

• “Everything The Same Way IV”, Ysobel Art Gallery, BGC, Taguig City, Philippines

• “Rondo”, Altro Mondo Arte Contemporanea, Makati City, Philippines

• “Bounderies Without Borders”, Art Cube Gallery, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City, Philippines

• “Salo-Salo 2019”, J Studio Gallery, Pasillo 18, La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Philippines

• “ManilArt 2019”, Art For Space Gallery, SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig City, Philippines

• “New Dawn of Filipino Realism”, One East Asia Gallery, Singapore

• “Studio 50”, J Studio Gallery, Pasillo 18, La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Philippines

• “Horizon”, Art Verité, The Shops at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines

• “Manifold”, Ysobel Gallery, The Shops at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines

• “Elevate”, Village Art Gallery, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines

• “Art Fair Philippines 2019” , Vinyl On Vinyl Gallery, The Link, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City, Philippines

• “OUVERTURE” , Altro Mondo Arte Contemporanea, Makati City, Philippines

• “Ysobel Year-End Show” , Ysobel Gallery, The Shops at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines

• “Salo-Salo 2018” , J Studio Gallery, Pasillo 18, La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Philippines

• “Beyond the Naked Eye” , Altro Mondo Arte Contemporanea, Makati City, Philippines

• “Co-In-Ci-Dence” , Nova Gallery, La Fuerza Plaza II, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Philippines

• “Creative Intuitions” , Galerie Roberto, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines

• “ManilArt 2018”, Art For Space Gallery, SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig City, Philippines

• “Art Fair Philippines 2018” , Vinyl On Vinyl Gallery, The Link, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City, Philippines

• “Art Stage Singapore 2018” Singapore International Contemporary Art Society, Singapore

• “Ysobel Year-End Show” , Ysobel Gallery, The Shops at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines

• “Salo-Salo 2017” , J Studio Gallery, Pasillo 18, La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Philippines

• “ManilArt 2017”, Art For Space Gallery, SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig City, Philippines

• “Elevate”, Village Art Gallery, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines

2016

• “Outboxed”, Arte Pintura Gallery, Philippines

• “Artblast 2017”, Art Asia Gallery , Philippines

• “Expressions”, Galerie Roberto, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines

• “Northwind”, Art Anton, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines

• “Art Fair Philippines 2017” , Paseo Gallery, The Link, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City, Philippines

• “Mental Shotgun”, Nova Gallery, La Fuerza Plaza II, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Philippines

• “Abstractions”, Art Anton, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Philippines

• “Rendezvous”, Art Verité, The Shops at Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines

• “Quadro”, Galerie Roberto, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines

• “Dar Un”, Paseo Gallery, Artspace, Glorietta 4, Makati City, Philippines

• “Salo-Salo 2016” , J Studio Gallery, Pasillo 18, La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Philippines

• “ManilArt 2016”, Artologists Gallery, SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig City, Philippines

• “Raconteurs” , Galerie Astra, LRI Business Plaza, Makati City, Philippines

• “Adobo Country” , Taksu Gallery, 43 Jalan Merah Saga #01-72, Singapore

• “Malaysia Art Expo” , Taksu Gallery, 17, Jalan Pawang, Kampung Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• “Renaissance Anniversary Show” , Renaissance Gallery, Art Center, SM Megamall A, Mandaluyong City, Philippines

• “Artblast 2016”, Art Asia Gallery , Philippines

• “Essence of the Real”, Galerie Anna, Art Center, SM Megamall A, Mandaluyong City, Philippines

• “Art Fair Philippines 2016” , Vinyl On Vinyl Gallery, The Link, Parkway Drive, Ayala Center, Makati City, Philippines

2015

• “ManilArt 2015”, Artologists Gallery, SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, Taguig City, Philippines

• “Abstrakto”, M Gallery, Philippines

2013

• “On Off”, Vinyl On Vinyl Gallery, Pasillo 18, La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Philippines

• “Sangdosena”, Renaissance Gallery, Philippines

• “MakaSining”, M Gallery, Philippines

• “MET-Open”, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, BSP Complex, Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

“REBUILD 2-man Show”, Galerie Astra, LRI Business Plaza, Makati City, Philippines

• “KASAMA: Volume II”, EREHWON Center for the Arts, Quezon City, Philippines

• “TATSULOK 3-man Show”, Galerie Astra, LRI Business Plaza, Makati City, Philippines

• “Philippine Abstract Art Review”, Qube Gallery, Cebu City, Philippines

• “Eskwalado IV”, The Artwalk, Art Center , Philippines

• “Abot Tanaw - BSP Art Competition 2012-13”, Metropolitan Museum of Manila, BSP Complex, Roxas Blvd, Malate, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

2012

• “Lakan Sining in New Your”, Philippine Center, 5th Ave, New York, NY 10036, United States

• “LINEAS 2-man Show”, Galerie Astra, LRI Business Plaza, Makati City, Philippines

• “Vertical Horizon 2-man Exhibit”, Galerie Astra, LRI Business Plaza, Makati City, Philippines

Pongbayog (Florante Bayog Paghari-on)

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

• “M for Marrie” , Leon Gallery International, Makati City, Philippines

• “Legends” , Art Cube Gallery, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City, Philippines

• “Homage” , Ysobel Art Gallery, 2F shops at Serendra, BGC, Taguig City

• “Chiaroscuro” , Art Cube Gallery, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City, Philippines

• “Intentions” , Shangri-La at The Fort, 2F, 30th st. Corner 5th Ave. Taguig City

• “Indivinduality” , Shangri-La at The Fort, 2F, 30th st. Corner 5th Ave. Taguig City

SELECTED GROUP SHOWS:

Instagram: @pongbayog_ 2022 2020 2019 2018

• “Contrast” , two man show with Marrie Saplad, Village Art Gallery, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City

• “Vessel” two man with Marrie Saplad, Ysobel Art Gallery, 2nd floor, Shops at Serendra, BGC, Taguig City

• “Art Fair Philippines” , DF Art Agency with Vin Gallery, The Link Makati

• “Unparalleled”, Village Art Gallery, UG Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa City

• “Xavier Art Fest 2019” , Xavier School MPC, San Juan City

• “Indelible Depiction” , Ysobel Art Gallery, 2nd floor, Shops at Serendra, BGC, Taguig City

• “Monokhromos” , Manila House Private Members Club, BGC, Taguig City

• “Everything the same way III” , Ysobel Art Gallery, 2nd floor, Shops at Serendra, BGC, Taguig City

2017

• “Pursuits of happiness” , Art Cube Gallery, Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Makati City, Philippines

• “El Mejor” , DF Art Agency and J Studio, J Studio Gallery, Pasillo 18, La Fuerza Compound, Chino Roces Ave, Makati City, Philippines

• “Manilart 2017” , Arte Pintura Gallery, SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, BGC, Taguig City

• “Everything The Same Way II” , Ysobel Art Gallery, 2nd floor, Shops at Serendra, BGC, Taguig City

2016

• “Unang Hirit” , J Studio, Veterans Complex, Taguig City “Crossing Paths” , Shangri-La at The Fort, 2F, 30th st. Corner 5th Ave. Taguig City

• “Manilart 2016” , Arte Pintura Gallery, SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, BGC, Taguig City

• “I give my Art” , Shangri-La at The Fort, 2F, 30th st. Corner 5th Ave. Taguig City

2015

• “Lakbayang Makulay sa Adamson” , Adamson University Art Gallery, Ermita Manila

• “Sketchpod” , Arte Pintura Gallery, The Address Condominium, Mandaluyong City

• “Manilart 2015” , (Raising the Philippine colors on the world stage), Arte Pintura Gallery, SMX Convention Center, SM Aura Premier, BGC, Taguig City

• “Junkshop” , Arte Pintura Gallery, Artcenter, SM Megamall, Bldg. A, Mandaluyong City

• “Open Minded” , (Bastedor Art Project Group Show), Cevio Art Gallery, Pa S ig City

• “Unnatural” , J Studio, Veterans Complex, Taguig City

• “DipTych” , Arte Pintura Gallery, The Address Condominium, Mandaluyong City

• “Pasasalamat2015” , Cevio Art Gallery, Pasig City

2009

• “Men Artwork” , Art Republic, Sining Kamalig Art Gallery, Quezon City

• “Unos at Banaag” {Storm and Ray of Hope) , Liongoren Art Gallery, Quezon City

Acknowledgments

A Joint Project of Kobayashi Gallery and DF Art Agency

Kobayashi Gallery

Address

3F 1-15-13 Shiba Minato-Ku Tokyo Japan 105-0014

Contact info@kobayashi-g.co.jp

Tel. 03-6435-1893

Fax. 03-6435-1894

Website www.kobayashi-g.co.jp

@kobayashigallery

@kobayashigallery

Demi Padua

"Modern Chick"