Ypon and Gepte featured in “Full Circle” Exhibit at Artasia Gallery
Orley Ypon and Nonoy Gepte met in a manufacturing warehouse in Sta. Ana, Manila. Both worked with rows and rows of other artists, painting and sculpting export items one after the other in a production line. It was a condition that rendered them indistinct, and far-fetched from their present realities as commendable artists in their own fields.
Orley left his hometown of Toledo, Cebu to pursue his dream of being a painter. At the young age of 17, Orley took on odd jobs which included construction and a school bus helper until he landed a position as an export goods artist, eventually becoming a fixture in the industry. At 23, Orley started his career as a full-time artist, linking up with artists from Cebu and Davao while continuously honing his style and technique. Admiring Juan Luna, Felix Hidalgo and Fernando Amorsolo, Orley unsurprisingly chose realism as a tribute to the masters.
His talent and hard work puts him on most of competitions’ lists of finalists. His most notable wins would include the first place in the Art Association of the Philippines’ 1st National On-The-Spot Painting Competition in 2001, two Grand Prize awards for ArtPetron in 2001 and 2004, and most recently the 2nd prize for the 2008 GSIS Painting Competition for his critically-acclaimed piece, “Ahon”. Known for his paintings that capture scenes of Philippine life and culture, “Ahon” was a breakthrough creation. Clearly, Orley was sticking to his classical techniques but it was also obvious that the artist was raising the bar when it came to his subject matter.
Nonoy Gepte is not without awards of his own. He long aimed for the first prize in the sculpture division of the Art Association of the Philippines’ Art Competition. After winning Juror’s Choice in 2005 and the 3rd prize in 2006, he was finally able to garner the first place award in 2007, a position previously held by such prominent artists such as Orlina, Baldemor and National Artist, Abueva. It was his exceptional piece, “Dalawang Mukha ng Pag-Ibig” that won the competition.
Nonoy got his inspiration from his father, an artist and craftsman by profession. He later on had the privilege of having UP Professor and sculptor Fermin Gomez as a mentor. Nonoy also advocates arts and crafts as a source of livelihood and teaches candle-making, rubber molding and other skills to promote Pinoy entrepreneurship. It was in one of his figurine making sessions that he met Seb Chua and Max Chan. He credits the pair for giving him his first big break. From a common passion for art, the partnership became Artventures Asia.
Today, Orley and Nonoy are making significant contributions to the Philippine art scene. Orley and Nonoy meet again in an exhibit aptly titled, “Full Circle”. It will showcase the artists’ latest work, creations borne out of years of dedication and passion for their respective art forms. Once co-workers in a manufacturing warehouse, Orley and Nonoy are now brothers in art.
“Full Circle” will open on July 15, 6pm at the Artasia Fine Art Gallery, 4th Floor, SM Megamall. The exhibit will run through to August 15.
Orley Ypon and Nonoy Gepte met in a manufacturing warehouse in Sta. Ana, Manila. Both worked with rows and rows of other artists, painting and sculpting export items one after the other in a production line. It was a condition that rendered them indistinct, and far-fetched from their present realities as commendable artists in their own fields.
Orley left his hometown of Toledo, Cebu to pursue his dream of being a painter. At the young age of 17, Orley took on odd jobs which included construction and a school bus helper until he landed a position as an export goods artist, eventually becoming a fixture in the industry. At 23, Orley started his career as a full-time artist, linking up with artists from Cebu and Davao while continuously honing his style and technique. Admiring Juan Luna, Felix Hidalgo and Fernando Amorsolo, Orley unsurprisingly chose realism as a tribute to the masters.
His talent and hard work puts him on most of competitions’ lists of finalists. His most notable wins would include the first place in the Art Association of the Philippines’ 1st National On-The-Spot Painting Competition in 2001, two Grand Prize awards for ArtPetron in 2001 and 2004, and most recently the 2nd prize for the 2008 GSIS Painting Competition for his critically-acclaimed piece, “Ahon”. Known for his paintings that capture scenes of Philippine life and culture, “Ahon” was a breakthrough creation. Clearly, Orley was sticking to his classical techniques but it was also obvious that the artist was raising the bar when it came to his subject matter.
Nonoy Gepte is not without awards of his own. He long aimed for the first prize in the sculpture division of the Art Association of the Philippines’ Art Competition. After winning Juror’s Choice in 2005 and the 3rd prize in 2006, he was finally able to garner the first place award in 2007, a position previously held by such prominent artists such as Orlina, Baldemor and National Artist, Abueva. It was his exceptional piece, “Dalawang Mukha ng Pag-Ibig” that won the competition.
Nonoy got his inspiration from his father, an artist and craftsman by profession. He later on had the privilege of having UP Professor and sculptor Fermin Gomez as a mentor. Nonoy also advocates arts and crafts as a source of livelihood and teaches candle-making, rubber molding and other skills to promote Pinoy entrepreneurship. It was in one of his figurine making sessions that he met Seb Chua and Max Chan. He credits the pair for giving him his first big break. From a common passion for art, the partnership became Artventures Asia.
Today, Orley and Nonoy are making significant contributions to the Philippine art scene. Orley and Nonoy meet again in an exhibit aptly titled, “Full Circle”. It will showcase the artists’ latest work, creations borne out of years of dedication and passion for their respective art forms. Once co-workers in a manufacturing warehouse, Orley and Nonoy are now brothers in art.
“Full Circle” will open on July 15, 6pm at the Artasia Fine Art Gallery, 4th Floor, SM Megamall. The exhibit will run through to August 15.
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