Artist’s Spotlight

Tony D. Pájaro

Tony D. Pájaro is a Filipino-Spanish painter known for blending cultural heritage and personal experience in his work. Born in Manila in 1948, he studied Fine Arts in the Philippines and Spain, drawing inspiration from indigenous tribes like the Ifugao and T’boli. His art explores themes of identity, transformation, and spirituality.

In the 1970s, Pájaro’s use of bold, vivid colors was partly inspired by the bright palettes of Pinoy Komiks. A notable feature in his paintings is the “third eye,” symbolizing spiritual insight and deeper awareness. This can be seen in works like Niigata Playhouse and Autobiography in Gray, inviting viewers to engage beyond the visible. His international exhibitions, including a 1991 show at the United Nations in New York, connected Filipino and Basque cultures through art.

Beyond painting, Pájaro has used art for education and healing, leading workshops in refugee camps and contributing to Filipino publications. His work is showcased in galleries like Imahica Art in the Philippines, continuing to inspire through rich storytelling and spiritual symbolism.