Manny M Rubio

Free Flow Art

“I started out professionally as a graphic designer. However, it took me a while to discover what I really wanted to do as I pursued my lifelong passion in art. Aspiring artists tend to struggle with the questions of how and where to start expressing their own artistic style and creative urge, the choice of basic materials – and the process behind them. To stand out by establishing a distinctive style from the rest, I experimented a great deal with different materials. It was only in 1995 did I find myself using a simple and unique medium unknown to many that can be used to conjure a masterpiece: enamel paint – the same material used to paint houses and cars. I create my work by carefully pouring paint onto the canvas and securing a dramatic blend of color.”

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Born in Bulacan Province, on the vast island of Luzon in the Philippines, Manuel – Manny, as he is affectionately known by his friends – was drawn to the inspirational power of graphics through his uncle, renowned and respected painter Mauro ‘Malang’ Santos. While taking up his degree in Fine Arts at the University of the East, Manny worked in Malang’s studio for two years. Following an eight-year stint at a commercial design studio in Manila, Manny found himself in Hong Kong where he shifted to the graphics side of journalism upon taking on the reins of Art Director at Asian Finance, a business and finance-focused publication. Four years later, he jumped into the whirlwind that is weekly journalism via Asiaweek magazine in 1988, followed by a stint with Window weekly newsmagazine in 1992. To his relief, things took a more leisurely pace in 2000 as he moved to monthly publications, including his current post as Design Director for The Asset, Asia’s premier financial magazine for corporate and institutional investors. Wearing his love for art and his country on his sleeve, Manny is an original member of Haraya, a group of Hong Kong-based Filipino artists.

 

Art Exhibition

2020 (Feb 28 to Mar 8)

3rd Ortigas Art Festival 2020

A group show - Represented by Eskinita Art Gallery, Philippines

2016 (May 21 to June 04)

Butuin na Walang Ningning

A group show - ArtGalileia at Serendra, BGC, Philippines

2014 (June 12 to Nov 15)

The Best of the Philippines: Food & Art Festival

A group show - The Prince Hotel Hong Kong

2014

Meditation and Megrim: Stage of Five Senses

A group show - The Posy Room, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

2011

Haraya 3 (Imagination): Explore a New Beginning and What’s Ahead    

A group show - Central Library, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

2010

Haraya 2 (Imagination): Exploring New Boundaries                                         

A group show - Hong Kong Cultural Center

2009

Haraya 1 (Imagination): Contemporary Works of HK Based Filipino Artists

A group show - Hong Kong Visual Arts Center

2009

Kulay, Kultura, Kalawili: 4th Philippine Arts Festival                                

A group show - Hong Kong Cultural Center

2008

Awakening: Contemporary Works of HK Based Filipino Artists                                             

A group show - OC Gallery, Olympian City Gallery, 2008

2008

Take Five: 3rd Philippine Arts Festival                                                                   

A group show - Asia Fineart Gallery, Hong Kong

2007

Drawings On Square: 2nd Philippine Arts Festival                                                     

A group show - Fringe Club, Hong Kong

2007

Estilo: 2nd Philippine Arts Festival                                                             

A group show - The Philippine Consulate General, Hong Kong

2006

Unang Sulyap (First Glimpse): 1st Philippine Arts Festival                                    

A group show - Hong Kong Central Library