Hermisanto

Multimedia Artist

Hermisanto is an accomplished and enigmatic artist of Philippine origin whose creative journey has taken him through a vast array of mediums and artistic styles. Educated at the prestigious College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines, Hermisanto burst onto the scene in the 1970s with his debut exhibition, “Sinlikan ni Hermisanto,” at the Alliance Francaise de Manille.

A member of the esteemed Avant-Garde Group, Remedios Circle, Hermisanto found inspiration and kinship with fellow visionaries such as Cesare and Jeanmarie Syjuco, Mars Galang, Gus Albor, Lao Lian Ben, and Roy Veneracion. Throughout the 1990s, Hermisanto expanded his artistic horizons, exploring the realms of installation, performance, and conceptual art, collaborating with artists Junyee and Pandy Aviado to incorporate the rich cultural tapestry of indigenous art.

In 2007, Hermisanto made a radical shift in his creative expression, incorporating rice grains into his paintings and installations, a humble yet profound medium that resonated with the essence of the Asian spirit. Over the next decade, Hermisanto brought his innovative rice paintings to life in a series of mesmerizing one-man shows that captivated audiences and garnered international recognition.

Throughout his prolific career, Hermisanto’s oeuvre has graced countless exhibitions and one-man shows, each bearing the indelible imprint of his singular vision. From the “Sikat Pinoy National Art Fair” at SM Megamall to “Mga Hiwaga sa Palayan ni Hermisanto” at the Crucible Gallery, Hermisanto’s artistic output is a testament to his boundless creativity. His latest exhibition, “Butil, Buhay, Sining at Kulay,” held at PhilRice in 2022, showcased the resplendent hues of life and art.

Hermisanto’s ceaseless pursuit of artistic expression, driven by an independent spirit, continues to defy convention and push the boundaries of imagination. His work evokes the essence of the Asian spirit, transforming humble materials into evocative and captivating art forms. Indeed, Hermisanto is an artist whose enigmatic presence leads us on a journey into the verdant fields of his imagination, awakening the senses and illuminating the soul.