Mysterious Voyage

Joseph Albao’s fantastical creations exist on a plane of adroit imagination and sanguine reality. The artist’s form of storytelling, primarily derived from legends, folklore, and allegories, is met with concepts anew by integrating tales of the extraordinary visualized through familiar facets of living – reflecting Albao’s identity and belief towards educating the newer generation with our hereditary background.

The exhibition highlights themes of ancestral bonds, depicting fundamental members, possibly descendants of our heritage, and placing them on elevated, deep-rooted, and conceptual modes of transport and activity. Taking them on a ride filled with delightful enchantment, Albao's signature style is further enhanced with elements we often see in carnivals, fairs, and markets, creating a dream-like ambiance and giving us viewers a sense of comfort. With these, Albao’s recreations meet and infuse notions of the real and the fabled, sparking a meaningful reflection through forgotten archives of history. The artist’s works hope to revive the stories that his characters are derived from, illustrating the importance of lineage that links us to our ancestors.

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 First Place in PIG Sining: A Fine Arts Contest (2018), the Second Honorable Mention for Lakbay Sining Painting Competition (2018), and a 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.

Albao challenges the viewers to rethink their Filipino heritage and culture at this present age, with the advent of social media, technical development, and massive globalization. It is his advocacy to uphold the love for his country and its people through his brushes and palette exposing the beauty of our land and our race.

“Mysterious Voyage” by Joseph Albao will be on view from May 2 - 11, 2023. Galleria Nicolas Greenbelt is located at 3F, Greenbelt 5, Legazpi Street, Makati City. For inquiries, contact Galleria Nicolas at +63 936 225 1226 or email at gallerianicolasgreenbelt@gmail.com.