Gabo Valenzuela – Philippines
International Artist
Gabo Valenzuela – Philippines
International Artist
Gabo Valenzuela, a Pop Surrealist artist based in Taytay Rizal, Philippines. Valenzuela’s art is characterized by whimsical and fanciful subjects, offering a unique perspective on the cartoonistic movement.
While hints of cubism are evident in his distinctive interpretation of faces, Valenzuela’s use of color sets him apart. His palette, while diverse and evocative, is notably subdued compared to the often jarring contrasts found in contemporary art. Grounding pigments like sage, navy, and brown create a sense of refuge from the dynamism of some cartoonist styles, all while retaining the youthful edge that defines the genre.
In Valenzuela’s own words, “My character ‘Obags’ emerged from my childhood. It’s my name in reverse, a nickname used by my friends. Obags’ journey is a reflection of my own, tailored to maximum escapism. Through Obags I explore my travel hobbies, visiting places that I couldn’t go to in real life. My artwork is like a portal to a fantastical realm. Here I invite the viewer to take a journey with me.”
