Rodel Gonzalez will have a solo exhibition and auction featuring more than a hundred art pieces he created for the mega-corporation’s various media franchises.
There’s no denying that Filipinos are gifted in the arts—whether it’s singing, designing, dancing, or painting, many of our fellow countrymen instill a sense of national pride through their talents. One such individual is Rodel Gonzalez, a skilled painter who happens to be the only licensed Filipino artist for legendary media conglomerate, Disney.
The artist is best known for his dry-brush technique and ability to fully harness color, form, and composition in his works. His official biography on Disney Fine Art’s website describes him as someone with a “keen eye for seeing the beauty in the commonplace and grace in the ordinary.”
READ ALSO: Artistic Pride: Filipino Couple Co-Directs and Choreographs Broadway Musical
Gonzalez was licensed by Disney in 2008, and since then, has been creating stunning art pieces for its theme parks, cruise lines, and art galleries in countries like Japan and Europe.
After a series of sold-out shows abroad, the artist will now be making his way to the Philippines for a spectacular one-man exhibition in Sheraton Manila at Newport World Resorts. This will take place in the hotel’s events space, COLLAB, on June 3 at 5:00 PM.
An Extensive and Memorable Collection
The event, called “The Manila Art Show of Rodel Gonzalez,” was organized by Kartini Asia Gallery, in special collaboration with Uniquecorn Strategies. Presented by Newport World Resorts and Sheraton Manila Hotel, the show intends to provide “opportunities for the Filipino public, art collectors, and the media to appreciate these works of art up close or even bring home a piece from the collection.”
Art pieces with characters from Star Wars, the Marvel cinematic universe, and Disney Animation Studios are among those that will be featured in the upcoming show. Many of these colorful works were created using various mediums, from acrylic on gesso board to oil on aluminum.
“It is high time that an international Filipino artist, at the caliber of Rodel Gonzalez, becomes well known in this country,” shared Kingson Sian, Newport World Resorts’ president and CEO.
Where Dreams Come True
Gonzalez has been painting since he was nine years old, with the guidance of his father (Rick Gonzalez) and grandfather (Felix Gonzalez) who were both painters.
“Growing up my father would always tell me to not be intimidated by the paint and be 100% sure about my intentions on my first stroke at the canvas,” he shared.
He pursued a major in painting at the University of Santo Tomas, before earning another degree in interior design from the Philippines School of Interior Design. The lessons he learned during his university years further sharpened his skills as an artist, shaping him into the talent that he is today.
“Having the opportunity to create Disney paintings is such a treat because Disney was definitely part of my childhood. I remember watching my first Disney films Bambi and Snow White, and ever since I’ve been mesmerized by the succeeding Disney movies I’ve seen,” he explained in an official statement.
“I believe a painting is a mirror of the painter’s understanding of an insight he has. The Disney paintings each involved such a strong concept that every brushstroke was a joyful anticipation of the finished product,” he continued.
Banner photo by Carlos Saducas Photography via Instagram @rodelgonzalez.
