Richard Buxani (b.1971) is a Filipino sculptor born of mixed ancestry to Gope, an Indian father, and Carmelita, a Filipina mother. He spent his formative years in Manila and eventually earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture at the College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. He was recognized as a Distinguished Thomasian Alumnus in 2022, among other awards.
His affinity for architecture is reflected in his distinct personal aesthetic sensibilities. His works demonstrate a pronounced sense of balance and emphasize selected elements to convey a solid, coherent narrative. They are meant to endure time, elegantly standing in spaces that are part of our personal and collective memories.
Buxani’s style transcends regional identity and ethnicity, often welding popular culture, sacred imagery, and architectural references. His sculptural works are mostly metal, either black iron sheets or brass, done by bending and welding rather than casting. He delights in the challenge. Buxani wills metal as the primary material to realize the Images he conjures and calls this process MateRealization.
Although Buxani’s samurai warrior series started in 2017, its inception began in 2009, about the same time he started tinkering with Sculpture outside of his professional practice in Architecture. The idea of the samurai warrior simmered for years and has since evolved Into even more sophisticated works that “depict movement capturing the essence of the life of a samurai.” Numerous samurai sculptures of Buxani have captured the eyes and imagination of collectors and art enthusiasts.
For the exhibition MAKINA, Buxani reimagines and repurposes old sewing machines he collected over nearly a decade. He transmutes each piece into beautiful utilitarian forms and gives them new life.
Buxani’s art world joumey was slow yet steady. His first forays in the art scene were around 2009. Then, he learned metal sculpting from a fellow artist. Eventually, he took a calculated risk in 2017 and became a full-time artist. Buxani’s first solo exhibition was at Eskinita Art Gallery in 2018. By now, he has had twelve solo exhibitions, mainly in galleries in Metro Manila and other places in the Philippines.
In addition, Buxani has participated in numerous group exhibitions. His portfolio also includes invitations to international exhibits in the United States, Italy, Hongkong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Egypt, and South Korea.
Buxani has also been invited to other countries to participate as a jury in several art competitions and as a cultural ambassador. In addition, he has given talks and lectures to inspire and encourage fellow artists.
With his family, Richard currently resides in Imus City, Cavite, Philippines. Richard Buxani established his sculpture studio and an artist-run hub for exhibits and residencies here, contributing to the flourishing of contemporary Philippine art in the region and enabling emerging artists to mount their solo exhibitions.
Exhibitions
