DOY KASTILYO
(36yo | Bauan, Batangas | Painter – Filipino Fauvism)
His works are a mash-up of his strongest influences. Matisse’s bold colors, Picasso’s cubism, Amorsolo’s themes, among others.
This Filipino artist from Bauan, Batangas has sold more than 400 works since the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. His dream is to promote Pinoy Fauvism to the world, and support out-of-school youths who wish to pursue art.
FTV: How would you describe your art style?
DK: Pinoy Fauvism. I use bold, wild, and dynamic colors and spontaneous shapes and lines to express emotions and experiences.
FTV: How did you end up with your current style? How did it evolve?
DK: My art style, Pinoy Fauvism, is the result of many influences. I was actively inspired by the masters of the first generation of Fauvism, Henri Matisse, in particular. Furthermore, I was drawn to the European Fauvist painters for their bold use of color and the heavy application of paint which creates energy and emotion. I also sought inspiration from Filipino painters of the 20th century, such as Fernando Amorsolo, Ocampo, and Anita Magsaysay-Ho. I admired their bold use of color, the realism, and the folk culture of the Philippines which could be seen in their works. This influence is evident in my works, particularly in my use of bright colors and expressionistic brushwork. I combined all these influences to create my own style—Pinoy Fauvism— to stand out among all the other works of contemporary Filipino art. My works are noted for their bold use of color, the flat, abstract forms, and a unique playfulness and spirit which is distinctly Filipino.
FTV: What materials do you use?
DK: My favorite dry medium is Oil Pastel on Paper and on Wet Medium is Acrylic on Canvas.
FTV: How long have you been into painting?
DK: Since elementary days, I already loved visual arts. I always join poster-making contests.
FTV: Bakit mo na desisyunan maging artist?
DK: For me, isa sa pinakamasaya at makabuluhang buhay ay yung nandu’n ako sa passion ko. Yung nagagawa ko ang gusto ko. Yung nasusunod ko ang puso ko. Sa tingin ko mas makukuha ko ang full potential ko kung sa passion ko ito ginamit. I was really inspired by IKIGAI, Japanese concept for a reason for being.
FTV: Anong pinag pilian mong propesyon?
DK: Maraming pinapilian. Pero lahat yan connected sa arts. Basta my drawing eh feeling ko dati eh arts na yun.
FTV: Ano ang nag inspire sayo maging pintor?
DK: Maraming bagay o tao ang nagbibigay sakin ng inspirasyon. Masyadong marami para isa isahin.Pero for me inspired ako sa mga pintor na malaki ang na-contribute o ambag sa art scene. Lalo na yung mga pintor na nagcreate ng legacy. Mga pintor na gumagamit ng sining para makapagpayaman ng kultura ng bayan. Nai Inspire ako kapag ine-expose ko ang sarili ko sa sining at naiimagine ko ang potential at power ng art na pwedeng magawa para sa tao at sa mundo. Walang limitasyon eh. Ang sining ay regalong bigay ng Diyos na dapat gamitin at pagyamanin para sa sangkatauhan.
FTV: Ano ang mga una mong exposure sa art nung bata ka?
DK: Ang exposure ko lang eh mga art teacher, art books at mga pagsali sa mga art competition. Masasabi ko na di ganun kalakas ang exposure ko dati kasi sa probinsya ay ang sining ay di masyadong bibigyan ng pansin. Wala rin akong nakikitang ginagawang propesyon ang pagpipinta sa probinsya. Mapalad ngayon ang mga bata kasi may social media na.
FTV: Ano ang mga nais mong ma achieve bilang artist?
DK: Marami pa akong gusto maachieve katulad ng: 1) Makilala at makapag ambag ang pinoy fauvism sa international art scene. 2) Mas maitaas ang art appreciation sa Pilipinas. 3) Makapagtayo ng isang Art Foundation na naglilinang ng mga batang artist o Out-Of-School Youths (OSY) at turuan silang tumayo sa sariling paa bilang isang alagad ng sining. 4) Makapag exhibit sa iba’t ibang bansa at maipagmalaki ang sining at kultura ng Pilipinas.
FTV: Any other artists in the family?
DK: May 2 akong pinsan na pintor.
FTV: How do you wish your art to be perceived or viewed?
DK: As an artist, I hope my Pinoy Fauvism art style is viewed as an extension of the expressionistic Fauvism movement, while also bringing something new and unique to the art world. I strive to capture the same sense of vibrant color and bold, flat shapes which characterize Fauvism, while also exploring the Philippine culture and sensibilities. I hope that viewers not only appreciate the aesthetic beauty of Pinoy Fauvism, but also recognize the significance of the artwork in terms of its message and its ties to Filipino heritage and culture.
FTV: How is the life of being a visual artist/ illustrator in the PH?
DK: The life of a visual artist in the Philippines is both rewarding and challenging. Making a living from the arts is a difficult career path in the Philippines due to the lack of infrastructure that supports the industry. Despite this obstacle, some visual artists have managed to make a solid living by finding outlets for their art, such as selling through galleries, on the internet, art fairs, and other venues. Additionally, many visual artists participate in workshops and exhibit their work abroad, which is becoming more common as the Filipino identity grows in international markets. The major benefits of being a visual artist in the Philippines include the freedom to explore new art forms and to freely express oneself. Moreover, the Filipino art scene is full of passionate and creative individuals, which create an atmosphere that is conducive to creative growth and exchange of ideas. In conclusion, being a visual artist in the Philippines comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. With careful thought and hard work, the potential to make a living with art is possible.
FTV: How does art make you feel?
DK: Art can have a profound effect on emotions by evoking feelings of joy, hope, and comfort. Art can also be a form of meditation, providing clarity and peace of mind. It can likewise foster self-awareness and introspection, inspiring deeper levels of understanding and self-reflection. Whether creating or simply looking at art, it can be a powerful tool to relax and reinvigorate, or to simply enjoy the beauty and charm of its expressions.
FTV: What for you is an artist?
DK: Artists create the soul and heart of the world.
FTV: What for you is the essence of painting?
DK: The essence of painting lies in its ability to capture emotion and reality. Painting is an expression of creativity, allowing artists to illustrate their visions and stories. It is also a way to record and reflect upon social, political, or personal events. Moreover, painting is a form of self-expression and can help individuals to emotionally process their experiences. Ultimately, painting is an act of communication and a source of vital cultural information.
FTV: Message to Filipinos around the world if any?
DK: I firmly believe that our culture, heritage and identity should be celebrated and acknowledged through different forms of art in the world.
We should appreciate the commitment of Filipino artists in producing exceptional works that capture Filipino identity and heritage in a contemporary context. Let us support their efforts by engaging with their art ,appreciating their work and establishing it as an important part of Filipino artistic culture.
Social media accounts:
FB : Doy Kastilyo
FB Page : Doy Kastilyo Arts
IG : Doy Kastilyo