“His artistic journey, from installation, performance, and conceptual art, has embraced indigenous influences and innovative mediums. A master of rice paintings, Hermisanto captures the essence of the Asian spirit, transforming this humble grain into an evocative art form.”
In the luminescent realm of the avant-garde, there exists an enigmatic and illustrious figure whose artistic exploits have traversed vast creative territories. Hermisanto, a multimedia artist of Philippine origin, has woven an intricate tapestry of artistry since the 1970s, continuously redefining the boundaries of imagination. Educated at the College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines, Hermisanto’s creative journey took flight with his debut exhibition, “Sinlikan ni Hermisanto,” at the Alliance Francaise de Manille.
As a member of the distinguished Avant-Garde Group, Remedios Circle, Hermisanto found camaraderie and inspiration in the company of fellow visionaries such as Cesare and Jeanmarie Syjuco, Mars Galang, Gus Albor, Lao Lian Ben, and Roy Veneracion. Throughout the 1990s, his repertoire expanded, delving into the realms of installation, performance, and conceptual art. Hermisanto’s work transcended mere visual appeal, embracing the rich cultural tapestry of indigenous art in collaboration with artists Junyee and Pandy Aviado.
A radical shift in his artistic exploration occurred in 2007 when Hermisanto began incorporating rice grains into his paintings and installations. This humble yet profound medium resonated with the essence of the Asian spirit, exemplifying the very core of its cultural identity. Over the next decade, Hermisanto brought his innovative rice paintings to life in a series of mesmerizing one-man shows.
Hermisanto’s artistic prowess garnered international recognition, representing the Philippines in two prestigious ASEAN Art Festivals. He illuminated the Thailand Cultural Center in Bangkok in 1992 and enraptured audiences at the Takashimaya Gallery in Singapore in 1995.
With a prolific career spanning decades, Hermisanto’s diverse body of work has graced countless exhibitions and one-man shows, each bearing the indelible imprint of his singular vision. From “Sikat Pinoy National Art Fair” at SM Megamall to “Mga Hiwaga sa Palayan ni Hermisanto” at the Crucible Gallery, Hermisanto’s oeuvre is a testament to his boundless creativity. His latest exhibition, “Butil, Buhay, Sining at Kulay,” held at PhilRice in 2022, echoed the resplendent hues of life and art.
Hermisanto’s ceaseless creative pursuit, fueled by an independent spirit, continues to defy convention, traversing an ever-evolving landscape of artistic innovation. Indeed, one cannot help but be captivated by this enigmatic figure, who leads us on a journey into the verdant fields of his imagination, awakening the senses and illuminating the soul.
Exhibit
