Self-taught modernist artist, Neptalie “Rico” Aunzo releases his new set of works entitled “Night Mode Series,” which reflects his realizations during the series of lockdowns brought by the Covid19 pandemic.
“When the government implemented the hard lockdown (Enhanced Community Quarantine) as to curb the spread of the virus, I have to admit that I felt anxious and worried because I have a family to take care of,” Aunzo said in a statement. “As an artist, my primary source of income is my artworks and with the ECQ, it is hard to move,” he added. But he refused to let negativity dwell on him and used the lockdown as an opportunity to further enhance and bring more meaning to his works.
In his new set of works Pedrong Masipag is shown in his classic Barong Tagalog and salakót shining against the dark backdrop, doing different sorts of things. The darkness symbolizes the anxiety and hopelessness brought by the series of lockdown implemented by the government to curb the spread of the dreaded virus and by the fact the world seemed to have slowed down because of the pandemic, Aunzo explained.
“Against the night sky, the twinkling stars and the silver moon shines, symbolizing hope and peace. Even in the darkest hour, we are can be rest assured that there always light at the end of the tunnel. God is always there to take care of us, to give us strength, and to supply us what we need,” Aunzo said.
For Aunzo, changing our mindset and how we view the world will definitely bring positive changes in ourselves. But positive thinking isn’t enough. One must also develop a high work ethic, humility, and work diligently for you to achieve your dreams and aspirations in life.
“Pedrong Masipag is not only a character in my paintings. Actually, he is my role model. A Filipino, for me, is industrious, humble, decent, and will do everything for the sake of his family and his community. He is the complete opposite of Juan Tamad,” he said.
Meanwhile, he also explained why his characters have their eyes closed.
“This is to honor my child who was born blind,” he said. “They may not view the world as we see it, but they have their other senses open; thus, in some ways, the can see the world notwithstanding the darkness that surrounds them.”
He also said that his dream is to see Pedrong Masipag living peacefully in paradise, even just in his paintings.
“This is what I am dreaming of personally, to see the world with no wars, no poverty, no hunger, and all people are living happily and comfortably,” says Aunzo.
You will find his Night Mode Series, with his other works in www.pedrongmasipag.com.
Noel Sales Barcelona
