At just 24 years old, Albert Raqueño is already making waves in the Filipino art scene as a visual artist, photographer, and director. Currently studying Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
Being an artist has always been a part of Albert, subconsciously influenced by his family because his mom has a degree in fine arts and his sister followed architecture. He draws inspiration from his distinct background and exposure to the world, hence his art is constantly deeply influenced by emotions.
"Over the years I’ve realized that being an artist has always been an innate calling, a part of who I am that I cannot separate ever since I was young. It wasn't a conscious decision to pursue a career in art, but rather an easy inclination that was also influenced by my family. I associate my artistic upbringing to my mom, a Fine Arts graduate, and my sister, who pursued Architecture. It was something that I naturally enjoyed doing," he said.
"Over the years I’ve realized that being an artist has always been an innate calling, a part of who I am that I cannot separate ever since I was young. It wasn't a conscious decision to pursue a career in art, but rather an easy inclination that was also influenced by my family. I associate my artistic upbringing to my mom, a Fine Arts graduate, and my sister, who pursued Architecture. It was something that I naturally enjoyed doing," he said.
May sugar and spice, knows how to live life!
Inspired by the chaos and intimacy that we experience in our daily lives, Albert's sentimental nature is evident in his artistic style. His work often reflects his personal experiences, and he aims to shed light on important social issues that need to be addressed in society. Notably, his collaboration with Kabataan Partylist and his work on JC Punongbayan's book, "False Nostalgia: The Marcos Golden Age Myths and How to Debunk Them," demonstrate his commitment to using art to create a positive impact.
Albert's unique style is characterized by rough, textured strokes that are intense yet tender. He experiments with different mediums and techniques, resulting in moody, introspective pieces that connect with the viewer on an emotional level. Through his art, he seeks to connect with himself and the world around him, exploring his identity while inspiring others to do the same.
“It’s both the chaos and the little intimacies we share with each other. It's amazing how our unique upbringing and exposure to the world can influence the work that we create. Whenever I make art, my emotions are always closely tied to it,” said Albert.
The pandemic has given Albert time to reflect on his life and art, emphasizing the importance of self-care and its impact on creativity. Despite life's ups and downs, he remains optimistic, continually learning and growing as an artist and person. As he collaborates with other artists and uses his platform to make a difference, we can't wait to see what he creates next.
Aside from being an art student, he also works with a record label that every now and then creates cover art for many musicians like the popular Mahika by Adie and Janine Berdin, and many more that you can check out the different genres of songs he made art for:
For him, being an artist required extensive self-reflection and a long journey, but he declared that he would do so for the rest of his life, “I really think that everyone is an artist in their own unique manner, and for me, creating art has always been a passion that ties my hands and heart together.”
Indeed, Albert is a talented and dedicated artist with a unique voice and perspective. His work is a testament to his passion and commitment to creating a positive impact through his art. If you're interested in supporting a rising artist and purchasing his art, be sure to check out his exhibition.
