Legends and Lexicons

Joseph Albao’s works for “Legends and Lexicons” focuses on the Filipino folk narrative. Referring often to the fables of our culture, he weaves into the stories a more personal analysis in an allegorical and metaphorical style, while integrating his own aesthetic form and image toward a common theme. Albao has worked mostly with themes from legends and folktales, primarily for their familiar and often sentimental connections. The artist integrates into these cautionary tales a sense of his own history and personal experience in an effort to confer a more contemporary and intimate relevance.

Albao’s art practice creates a deeply personal language within the structure of the narrative through the parallel and stylized elements he imagines. The works are a metaphorical reflection of himself and the world as he translates it as told through a visual riddle.

The function of art, which most interests Albao, is its ability to hold up the mirror and be applicable to the era from which it originated. This inspires a sense of accordance to the audience of its generation, as well as a criterion for future generations. Joseph Albao wishes to honor the original purpose of the story-telling tradition as a cautionary tool meant to teach, enlighten, and inspire.

Joseph Albao is a Filipino painter born in Malabon, Metro Manila. He studied at Batangas State University where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Fine Arts majoring in Advertising. Albao has won numerous national art competitions and has participated in various art exhibitions locally. He co-founded the Vice Versa Artists Group and is currently a Grupo Sining Batangueño Member.

Albao’s latest works won him accolades including the First Place for PIG Sining: A Fine Arts Contest (2018), the Second Honorable Mention for Lakbay Sining Painting Competition (2018), and as Finalist for the 2nd Alveo National Painting Competition (2018), among others. This humble and hardworking painter was forged through various artistic endeavors throughout his life. Armed with an unwavering determination to better himself, Joseph Albao continues to dream not only for his self-worth and identity but also for the pride of the Filipino race.

“Legends and Lexicons”, featuring works by Joseph Albao, will be on view simultaneously at Galleria Nicolas Glorietta and Ayala Malls Manila Bay from October 29 to November 8, 2021. The Galleries are located at the 3/F Art Space, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City and at 2/F, Filipino Village, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Diosdado Macapagal Blvd, Parañaque, respectively. For inquiries, contact Galleria Nicolas Glorietta at +63 2 8 625 0273, +63 915 889 0788, or email info@gallerianicolas.com; or Galleria Nicolas Ayala Malls Manila Bay at +63 917 643 6282, or email gallerianicolasbayarea@gmail.com.