Michael Vincent Manalo

About

Michael Vincent Manalo is a Filipino visual artist born in Manila on December 15, 1986, who currently resides in Taichung, Taiwan.[8] Despite earning a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, he pursued his passion for art rather than practicing medicine, becoming a self-taught artist who initially lacked formal art training.[7] He began his artistic career as a digital painter and photo-manipulator in 2008-2009, driven by economic necessity and creative vision, eventually developing a distinctive surrealist style that blends imagined and realistic imagery.[5][6] Manalo's work explores themes of identity, memory, and the human condition through surreal, dreamlike imagery that combines elements of humanity, nature, and technology.[3] His artistic practice has evolved to encompass photography, photo-manipulation, digital painting, acrylic painting, and installations.[4][7] He co-founded Magazine 43, a print-on-demand art zine promoting emerging and established contemporary artists.[1] Since becoming nomadic in 2011, Manalo has exhibited internationally across multiple continents and participated in numerous art residencies throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia.[2][7] Manalo's work has garnered significant recognition, including being named one of Asia's Top Ten Most Inspiring Visual Artists in 2014 and 2017, and becoming a 2020 Arte Laguna Prize Finalist.[7] His artistic journey reflects a commitment to inspiring others through creative expression and exploring the interconnectedness of humans with their environment and memories.[2][7]

Contemporary Surrealism featuring dreamlike and nostalgic imagery with post-apocalyptic and nightmarish elements; combines imagined and realistic scenic images exploring themes of memory, identity, vulnerability, and isolation within surreal environments.