Jun Rocha

Jun Sergio Rocha is a Filipino artist whose journey into the visual arts was as unconventional as it was transformative. Originally pursuing a degree in Chemistry at Manila Central University, Rocha’s academic path took an unexpected turn when he discovered a profound passion for art. This pivotal shift led him to the United States, where he immersed himself in formal artistic training.

Rocha studied watercolor painting at the American Academy of Arts and later honed his skills in oil painting at the renowned School of the Art Institute of Chicago. These formative years allowed him to develop both a technical foundation and a personal artistic language, drawing from academic rigor and the creative energy of the Chicago art community.

Deeply engaged in the city’s cultural life, Rocha became an active member of two of Chicago’s most respected artist organizations: the Palette and Chisel Art Academy and the Plein Air Painters of Chicago. These affiliations not only connected him with fellow artists and mentors but also exposed him to diverse painting practices—particularly in plein air and representational art.

His contributions to the arts were formally recognized in 2002, when he received the Outstanding Community Artist Award from the City of Chicago. This distinction underscored both his artistic merit and his role in enriching the city’s creative landscape.

Today, Rocha continues to explore themes of light, nature, and human experience through his practice in watercolor and oil. His work reflects a balance between technical precision and emotional sensitivity, shaped by years of disciplined study and a deep commitment to his craft. From Manila to Chicago, Jun Sergio Rocha’s story is one of rediscovery, resilience, and a lifelong pursuit of artistic excellence.