Cebuano artist Orley Ypon is the first Filipino to be included in the list of “Living Masters” after winning awards in the prestigious ‘Art Renewal Center’ in New York from 2011 to 2013. The word “interregnum” means a transition period, which is depicted by shock, adjustment, and eventual rise, as depicted in this painting. Among local collectors, his works are called “putik putik.” In 2017, his works were shown at León Gallery International; the show was named Spectacula. It is befitting that his paintings are called “spectacular,” for Ypon is a true living master. Born in 1973 in Toledo, Cebu, Orley Ypon stands as a prominent contemporary Filipino artist renowned for his expertise in portraiture. His artistic journey finds its origins in his early years, where his penchant and skill for painting blossomed through rendering portraits of his loved ones. What distinguishes Ypon is his adept fusion of classical academic techniques and modern societal nuances, an achievement often commended by his peers. In a departure from the traditional application of classical methods, Ypon's work diverges by presenting raw and unfiltered depictions of ordinary existence. Contrary to the typical idealistic and utopian interpretations of beauty derived from classical techniques, Ypon steers clear of this conventional approach. Instead, his artistic vision revolves around candid portrayals of reality. Through his pieces, Ypon aptly captures the unvarnished truth and elegance encapsulated within the human experience. (Jed Daya)