featured artist of the month
charlie co
Co believes that being human is a universally shared experience and that his art gives him the avenue to create meaningful connections across ages, cultures, and ethnicities.
In 1996, Charlie Co went on to São Paulo to represent the Philippines in an art show themed, “Universalis”. This meant that Co’s works resonated with the people of being universal in nature, and not being limited to a certain culture or demographic. Co explains that art is meant to traverse different cultural borders and nationalities. He rhetorically asks, “Is surrealism meant only for the Europeans? Is German Expressionism only meant for German artists?”
He continues to say, "Whatever I create in Germany, do I have to consciously be aware that I am a Chinoy or Pinoy in Europe making art? Or am I just one human being who traveled to Europe?"
This is Co's installation art at the Dubai World Expo 2020. He was the Philippine representative to create a piece that spoke to the OFWs in Dubai.
As a Chinese Filipino painter, Co admits that he has never really thought of himself as either a Chinese or Filipino artist. But he more so considers himself as a mere human being passing through this world creating artworks that speak of his reality. Although the majority of his artworks have no strong affinity with Chinese Filipino artifacts or culture, he mentions that his work ethic can be attributed to his upbringing. At a young age Co’s father pushed him to earn whatever leisurely activity he wanted to do. If he wanted to watch a movie, he needed to pay up by doing chores. He was always pushed to work hard and achieve what he sought after.
Bahay Tsinoy recognized him as an outstanding Chinoy and encouraged him to further excel in his craft.
Later on Co was also requested to participate in a Southeast Asian art show in Shenzhen, China focused on coexistence. Co says that leave his art alone anywhere in the world, that you will know it was done by a human being. Whether or not the viewers do further research and find that Co is a Chinoy, then that is only secondary. Co’s main drive is to share his stories on the fragility of the human being with the entire world.
In those 6 weeks, he dove deep into his Chinese history and culture, reflecting back on the Tiananmen Square massacre. In a span of 3 days he can churn out a finished painting. The body of works he created during his residency went on to be exhibited in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
(On the left side are 6 artworks from his residency in Beijing).
Co continues to be noticed by local and international art scenes. In 2008 he was awarded the Jose Rizal Awards for Excellence given by
