The composition is marked by an intrinsic monumentality and agitated clarity. The subject’s pose is very casual, both knees raised. A relaxed, introverted mood underscored by the back view of a canvas on an easel pervades the scene. The simplicity of the composition is deceptive, for its structure is extremely refined. Rough areas of color limited to a few intense hues, and closed contours establish a compositional rhythm.
Mark Andy Garcia’s approach towards painting has something of a child-like sincerity to it, charged with an undercurrent of emotional intensity that churns both his content and brushwork, whether for lighter or darker autobiographical periods, and to portray joy or despair.
The anti-trend, painterly style of Garcia serve to impart emotional honesty to paintings that operate like entries in journals. His various one-man shows since 2008 have detailed his life as an overseas contractual worker in Saudi Arabia, laid bare his emotional anguish over the passing of his father, and operated as keepsakes of memories of his daily life. These bring out various intense transformative experiences and also more ordinary, blissful moments.
Garcia graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts major in Advertising from the Technological University of The Philippines, Manila in 2005. He is also the recipient of many awards such as the Grand Prize for 2007 Metrobank Art and Design Excellence, the National Art Competition (Oil Painting Category); Juror’s Choice Award of Excellence, 2008 Philippine Art Awards National. He was recently chosen as one of the recipients of the 2015 Thirteen Artists Award by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Provenance: Provenance: Secret Fresh