Philipp Badon

Philipp Brita Badon: A Vibrant Force through Color and Emotion.

Philipp B. Badon was born on September 1957, in Quezon City, Philippines, and has established himself as one of the most successful Filipino contemporary painters of his generation. His official creative career began at the University of the East (UE) in Manila, where he studied Fine Arts and was recognized as an award-winning student in the 1970s. During these formative years, Badon established the distinctive style that would become his artistic identity.

Badon's art is especially multifaceted and versatile, demonstrating his mastery of pastel, acrylic, oil, mixed media, and acrylic pens. His work is easily identifiable by various distinguishing qualities, particularly his approach to facial delineation. He is recognized for making what critics have nicknamed "pecan faces" with "soulful eyes," typically crafting deconstructive mask-like heads reminiscent of early Picasso, but without the latter's darker implications. His strong and unique approach to face features uses exaggerated lines and curves to create a compelling feeling of depth and dimension.

One of the most noticeable characteristics of Badon's work is his mastery of color. He has a good eye for color combinations, frequently using clashing hues to create a sense of tension and energy in his pieces. His color selections are strong and daring, but they always attain the ideal balance and harmony. His intricate paintings deftly mix abstraction and representation, employing an expressionist gestural approach with bold strokes and energetic movements that give his works energy.

The artist's Filipino ethnicity influences his artistic creativity. Badon heavily infuses elements of Philippine culture and history into his art, resulting in compositions that are both personally meaningful and widely appealing. His painting reflects his passion for his nation and desire to discover its rich cultural legacy. This is shown by works like "White Waterfall," a breathtaking abstract sculpture that depicts the beauty and force of nature through his creative use of white, orange, and red hues, with cascading lines implying movement and energy.

Badon's talent has received international acclaim, with more than 30 solo exhibitions in Australia, New York, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, as well as involvement in over 100 group shows in his own country. His art has attracted a large number of collectors, including Hollywood stars Tom Hanks, Diana Ross, and Roberta Flack, as well as important Filipino characters such as TV personality Boy Abunda, who proudly displays a collection of Badon's impressionist paintings and figures at his home.

Despite his numerous triumphs, Badon remains humble and committed to his craft. He is constantly creating new works and pushing the boundaries of his artistic expression, always eager to learn and grow as an artist. His enthusiasm is evident in every item he creates, and his dedication has won him a reputation as one of the most respected and admired artists in the Philippines.

Ruth C. Espinosa describes Badon as a great master of his profession, whose work encompasses both inventiveness and everlasting appeal. His profound grasp of the human experience, along with his technical expertise and artistic vision, has resulted in a collection of work that continues to inspire and engage audiences. Badon's artistic legacy is based not just on his masterful skills and distinct style, but also on his ability to create works that transcend cultural barriers, ensuring that his influence will last for decades.