“A multifaceted artist with a rich engineering background, Noel Rosales captivates the art world with his masterful pastel-colored impasto and gift-wrapper collage on rice paper, weaving together the vibrant essence of Philippine culture and history through his abstract jeepneys, horses, and musicians.”
A symphony of colors and textures, the inimitable artwork of Noel Rosales breathes life into the canvas, capturing the essence of Philippine culture and history. Born in the vibrant city of Butuan in 1959, Noel’s journey as an artist began amidst a thriving career in civil engineering, which he pursued as a university scholar at Mindanao State University. Graduating in 1992, Noel’s technical prowess lent itself to his work as an engineer and architectural draftsman. Yet, the allure of art proved inescapable, and his creative spirit soared.
In the bustling metropolis of Manila, Noel’s artistic endeavors flourished as he became the head art director at a prestigious advertising agency, a key illustrator for the esteemed Adarna House Publishing, and a witty editorial cartoonist. Drawing inspiration from veil painting, graphic art, and the geometric complexity of cubism, Noel’s oeuvre encompasses a diverse range of subjects—from abstract jeepneys and majestic horses to vibrant carrozas and spirited musicians.
Beginning his artistic journey with watercolor realism, Noel soon embraced the boundless possibilities of mixed media acrylic. However, it is his masterful work in pastel-colored impasto and gift-wrapper collage on rice paper that truly sets him apart. His pioneering technique imbues his artwork with a unique depth and richness, inviting the viewer to embark on a captivating visual journey.
Noel’s first solo exhibition at the University of the Philippines Faculty Center in 1992 was the first in a series of many, each showcasing the dynamism and innovation of his art. A decorated artist, Noel’s accolades include the grand prize at the Spanish Embassy contest of 1982, 1st prize at the UP spot competition of 1983, and winner of the CCP Art Ecology competition in 1989, among countless other awards. His talents as an editorial cartoonist also garnered recognition, as he lent his incisive wit to publications such as the Observer, Newsday, and The Straits Times of Singapore, where he worked alongside the accomplished Tence Ruiz.
A visionary artist and a trailblazer, Noel Rosales has etched his name in the annals of Philippine art. His exceptional creative output, influenced by both his technical background and cultural heritage, offers a sublime experience that transcends the boundaries of time and space, transporting the beholder to a world of vivid hues and resonant stories.
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