Manila, Philippines — Through a sophisticated interplay of vibrant hues, bold, evocative strokes, and an intuitive painting technique in her stunning portraits, Ginny Guanco masterfully unveils feminine power, its captivating mystery, and the beautiful nuances of womanhood in her third solo show aptly titled, Her World.
From the tender age of 8, Guanco’s artistic journey found its roots in a fascination with the female form. Sketching silhouettes of women in fashionable dresses and crafting expressive profiles, her early dedication and focus on childhood paved the way for her formal training in Fine Arts at the University of Sto. Tomas. Further studies in the United States in painting and watercolor added greater depth to her artistic repertoire. However, it was under the tutelage of the late Salvacion Lim Higgins, Haute Couture designer par excellence and co-founder of Slim’s Fashion & Art School, that Ginny honed her creative eye and refined her sketching skills, laying down the expert groundwork for her artistic voice.
Guanco kept her mind and hands busy, dabbling in art over the years. But it was only in 2016 that she seriously embraced her calling as an artist. Transitioning from media, then a PR career, which she held for over 18 years, she embarked on a personal odyssey, resulting in her inaugural solo show, Boho Chic, in 2016—a fusion of fashion illustration and human anatomy. This was then followed by her second “virtual” exhibit, Festival, which was an uplifting and inspiring collection that she created to counter the heavy emotions of the pandemic.
This 2024, Guanco marks a triumphant return with Her World. Described as “aggressive and bolder,” this collection signifies her liberation from creative constraints, manifesting in 26 paintings that chronicle her evolution as an artist. “Here, I’m no longer held back and afraid to go out of the box,” she beams.
One can still see the distinct touch and personality of Guanco through her works – bright, joyful colors, intricate designs, and thoughtful details. All these signature elements persist in her experimental use of oil pastel. watercolor, acrylic, brush pens and Sharpie pens. However, one can more deeply appreciate the evolution of her style, which now boasts a newfound confidence, freedom, and power – certainly the rewards of her courageous introspection over the years.
“In her day-to-day life, a woman wears many hats – a mother, a homemaker, a housewife, an executive, a creative, etc. But despite all these labels, she is not defined by them. She is more than all these roles. Women have greater depth and mystery, which I find truly fascinating,” Ginny shares.
Her World will be unveiled at Gateway Gallery Studio in Araneta City on March 16, 2024, coinciding with Women’s month. “Women empowerment has always been a recurring theme in my exhibits. When you express power, people often confuse this with being dominant and domineering. However, women can convey this power, while also retaining their femininity and inner strength. She knows what she wants and she knows what she’s capable of doing,” says Ginny.
For commissioned portraits and bespoke hand-painted pouches and bags, you may send inquiries to her art pages in FB- Art by Ginny or @artbyginnyg in Instagram.
