Provenance: Private Collection, Manila

ABOUT THE WORK

For visual artist Martin Honasan, the human face is the median point between the objective phenomenon of reality and the subjective realm of the human soul. Through the face, we are able to deduce various emotions, moods, dispositions, and desires. Thus, Honasan’s novel approach to portraiture subverts the traditional styles and techniques of the genre by unearthing what he sees as the implied dimension of the human soul. The abstract elements of his portrait capture the nuanced complexities that lie beneath the surface of everyday life. Born in 1976, Honasan graduated from Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. He then became a visual artist and an art director at an Advertising firm before pursuing art as a full-time job. He has exhibited at various spaces such as the Ayala Museum, Art Verite, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. His works have also made their way to important events such as Art Fair Philippines, Asia Now Paris Art Fair, VOLTA New York, and Art Taipei. (J.D.)