ABOUT THE WORK

If one were to name a living spiritual successor to the timeless works of the Muralist masters such as Diego Rivera, David Alfaro, and Jose Clemente Orozco, the acclaimed artist Rodel Tapaya would be the obvious, if not undeniable, choice. Much like the works of the muralists, Tapaya’s works are often breathtakingly epic and charged with idealistic energy. His works are inspired by the fascinating pantheon of pre-colonial mythology and Filipino folkloric culture. He uses these elements to tie together seeming variegated pictorial fragments in order to create imaginative and expressive worlds that are seemingly aglow with life. Though his works hint at some sort of narrative cohesion, they read much more like a poem or a sonnet rather than a short story or an epic in the traditional sense. Tapaya’s narratives do not contain a clear beginning, middle, or end. Instead, Tapaya offers us a sweeping tableau that hints at a larger story at work. The artist does not spoonfeed us with content, he allows us to create our own meaning within the context of his narrative hints. Tapaya’s works are also a masterclass in technique, form, and design. Despite being known for using a plethora of images and symbolisms, Tapaya’s works never feel cramped or condensed. His eye for detail and impeccable craftsmanship constantly weighs in the correct amount of space and use of color in order to maximize each element’s expressive possibility. It is no surprise that Tapaya is one of the Philippines’ greatest artistic exports. With groundbreaking exhibitions and record sales both here and abroad, Tapaya’s legacy is undoubtedly a milestone of Filipino art and craftsmanship. (J. D.)