MANILA, Philippines — The abstract-surreal impressionism artworks of Davao-based artist and art educator Rodney Yap received praises at the Art Expo Malaysia (AEM) 2015, the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur said.
Yap represents the Philippines at the Embassy Row of the AEM, which runs from September 10 to 13 at the MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Center in Kuala Lumpur.
This is the third time the embassy participated in the AEM, joining the embassies of Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, France, Iran, Italy, Mexico, Mongolia, Romania and Venezuela in the yearly art fair.
An artist and an art educator, Yap mounted solo exhibitions in Davao, Manila, Brussels and Warsaw, and has participated in art exhibits around the Philippines and overseas. His works have won acclaim in the Philippine Art Awards from 2007 to 2012, winning the top plum in 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Yap's art is best described as a very contemporary form of abstract-surreal impressionism, merging various artistic movements.
Yap, who has been hailed as the "Best in Asia" by Malaysia's Dusun Magazine, comes from the Manobo tribe and was raised in Davao City. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Major in Painting, from the Ford Academy of Arts in Davao City.
The AEM is celebrating its 9th edition this year as the longest running international art fair in Southeast Asia, featuring 70 established and reputable art galleries from 30 countries, exhibiting 2,000 pieces of artworks (including paintings, sculptures, installation and photography), under one roof.
The exhibit is free admission to the public and is open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. from September 10 to 12, and from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 13.