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A Spectrum Of Leaders

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Abu Dhabi Week steps into the studio with patriotic painter Esmi Pangilinan.

One year on from his impressive 42 pieces in 42 days, Filipino artist Esmi Pangilinan has swapped pastel for paint to attempt 43 paintings in 43 days, once again to show his appreciation for the nation that supports his country so well.

As part of the ‘Sketching for Life: 43 Paintings in 43 Days’ project, Pangilinan will paint 43 paintings of leaders that represent the Spirit of the Union to be completed on UAE National Day.

Taking up the style of spontaneous realism, Pangilinan paints in his spare time between being a family man, creative director of a marketing consultancy firm and owner of his own firm.

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Why did you become an artist?

It’s always been my passion – from birth, as they say. I would play with clay, make sculptures, paint at school; my teacher even used my Santa Claus painting on his wall after I left school! Art gives me real pleasure. All my brothers are accountants and they encouraged me to do the same courses as them, but I stuck to my love of creating – I’m not one for numbers!

Tell us about this project.

Well, I started 42 pieces in 42 days last year because of Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines. Lots of people in the UAE, especially the government, donated to help people in my country. When I saw this I knew I wanted to give something back. So this project is for the leaders of the UAE. Now my 43 paintings in 43 days project is in motion and I’m really enjoying the process. But I must say I didn’t think I was going to do it again!

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You describe them as ‘spontaneous realism’ …

It means you are choosing colours spontaneously without really worrying about the tone of skin and other things – you simply paint with freedom and it flows. You’re basically thinking about the contrast and value of the piece. It’s a very natural process.

When you’re painting in acrylic the colours are brilliant. When the paint is still wet it is a little dull, but when it dries, wow! It really pops out. Pastel is your initial medium when you learn to become an artist; you work fast with it. So when I wanted to challenge myself, I decided to use the medium of acrylic. It takes longer so I am really testing myself this year.

From where do you draw inspiration?

From my muse of course! My daughter Tala is my muse and I am drawing inspiration from her for these paintings.

How do you find the time to do this?

At the moment I am working both in the studio and at home – otherwise they won’t be completed on time! There really is no set time for each work. Most weekends I’ve spent preparing the canvases for the week, and then I paint after work in the studio.

There isn’t really a set process either. When a canvas would come into the studio – and depending on its size, and if I had picture to work from – I would start on it. Larger canvases were used for the seven leaders, but otherwise it’s quite a random process.

I love to paint Sheikh Zayed as he is very popular with the Filipino people because of his good nature; he’s a great inspiration.

Will you be exhibiting your collection?

The exhibition is going to be at the World Trade Center Mall. I want to connect sponsors to each piece, so when a company or someone wants to take a certain painting, the money will go towards a charity. This way we can make sure the proceeds go towards a great cause.

Jack Dignum

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