John Paul Francisco Sto. Domingo, 27, is the first Filipino artist to receive the International Prize Phoenix for the Arts in Venice, Italy, this June 12. Photo courtesy of John Paul Francisco Sto. Domingo.
A 27-year-old self-taught artist from Teresa, Rizal, has been chosen to receive the prestigious first-edition International Prize Phoenix for the Arts in Venice, Italy. He will be the first-ever Filipino to be presented with the award.
John Paul Francisco Sto. Domingo, known as Juan El Pintor, said in a聽
鈥淚t鈥檚 such an incredible honor to be recognized for my passion and dedication to art. I couldn鈥檛 be more grateful for this opportunity! Thank you to everyone who has supported me along this creative journey,鈥� Sto. Domingo wrote in his post.
Inspiration for the masterpiece
Sto. Domingo鈥檚 nominated artwork, 鈥淟uzViMinda,鈥� showcases the diversity of the Philippine landscape and culture through striking geometric shapes, contrasting colors, and intricate patterns to stir emotions.
鈥淎t the center of the painting, we can see the iconic image of three women who bring our country on the pedestal. They鈥檙e the faces of this country who transform, inspire, and influence not only the Filipino people but also the world. Indeed, they are the epitome of the 鈥楩ilipinos of the Future,鈥欌�� Sto. Domingo expounded.
Photo shows the nominated artwork of John Paul Francisco Sto. Domingo, 鈥淟uzViMinda.鈥� (Photo courtesy of John Paul Francisco Sto. Domingo)
Sto. Domingo added that the works of Hernando R. Ocampo, a Filipino national artist, and Pablo Picasso, a renowned cubism artist, highly inspired his masterpiece.
Further, Sto. Domingo expressed that his family, himself, and the people who believe in him also inspire him to continue making outstanding artworks.
鈥淢y inspiration for doing [the] artwork is, of course, my family, myself, and all the people [who] believe in my talent because I believe that nothing can go wrong in expressing yourself and art can change the world,鈥� Sto. Domingo said.
Colorful journey to success
Sto. Domingo told the Inquirer that he has been doing artworks since he was 13 and started receiving recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic when people began to buy his works.
He has been invited to local and international art exhibitions and has exhibited his paintings at the International Art Festival 2023 in Busan, South Korea, and the Philippine-Vietnamese Art Exhibit 2022 at Resorts World, Manila.
John Paulo Francisco Sto. Domingo exhibits 鈥淢t. Diwata: The Golden Mountain鈥� at the Busan International Art Festival 2023. The photo at right shows his exhibited work, 鈥淢agwayen.鈥� at the Philippine-Vietnamese Art Exhibit 2022. Photos courtesy of John Paul Francisco Sto. Domingo.
As a self-taught artist, Sto. Domingo mentioned that most of his knowledge and experiences came from other artists.
Sto. Domingo also shared that what he mainly needs now is financial help, as art materials are expensive.
鈥淎rt materials are quite expensive. Without my collectors, I will not be able to continuously create masterpieces,鈥� Sto Domingo said.
Message for the Filipino art community
Sto. Domingo advised aspiring Filipino artists to continue pursuing art and practicing daily to hone their skills and talent. He also reiterated that they should believe in themselves, be humble, and always thank the Lord.
鈥淚t is such an honor to receive the award as the first Filipino recipient. I want to say to the Filipino artist community that this award is not just a representation of myself but the whole Filipino artist community. As the saying goes, 鈥楽uccess for One, Success for All.鈥� This award is for all of us Filipinos,鈥� Sto. Domingo expressed.