Visual artist Erwin Viado who has exhibited his artworks globally proves that one can change in career after following their passion and become even more successful. Erwin is a Registered Nurse in the Philippines. Still, specific opportunities led him to work as an Advertising Sales Professional for a Radio Network in Dubai for almost a decade.

Erwin has always painted as a hobby. However, in 2015,  he submitted his work to be included at World Art Dubai. His art pieces became a part of the prestigious fair’s press junket representing unsigned and independent artists. This break got significant exposure from newspapers, magazines, blogs, and international artists like Moby, Julian Lennon, and french photographer Jean-Francois Rauzier.  Shortly after, he was accommodated for his first solo exhibition at the ArtistSpace, Ayala Museum in Makati. Since then, Erwin has showcased his works in Tokyo, United Kingdom, and at local galleries such as Provenance Gallery and White Walls Gallery.

Erwin’s fascination for popular culture has been the defining subject of his artistic style and character. His works are almost always aesthetically pleasant – characterized by pastel color palettes, identifiable patterns, and meticulously spot-on issues in the everyday joie de vivre or banality of life.

He is starting the year with his “Momentary Magic” exhibit at Galerie Anna, where he explores the different levels of human emotions. Erwin takes his viewers on an exploration of fleeting moments and relationships while conveying a subtle sense of optimism beneath the surface using his signature style of layering images and elements.

He says, “I’ve always been drawn into the complexity of human emotions and often delve into the moments of opposing emotions such as romance versus detachment, openness versus tension, intimacy versus self-isolation, and flattery versus truth.”

In this exhibit, he worked on it for five months and was inspired by celebrating that fleeting moment of euphoria, where time stands still and the moment is appreciated. Although these moments may be short-lived, they will conclusively be life-defining and provide a guiding light in times of hardship, hence, the title “Momentary Magic.” Erwin explains, “In these moments that seem to pass us by so quickly, I hope they may provide a moment of clarity and a guiding light for the tough decisions we must make. This is my most personal collection yet, and I hope it can resonate with those who need it.”

Galerie Anna is located at 4F, Building A of SM Megamall, Mandaluyong.

Notes about the contributor

Daniel Lampa

Art enthusiast and into Fashion, French Culture, Mid-century modern design and spends a lot of his time curating his home in Manila and LA. He lives with his 3 dogs, Coco, Yohji and Junya.

Photos by the Author