Artist’s Spotlight

Nikulas Lebajo

Visual Artist

“Within his creations, lies the power to summon profound beauty and serenity, casting upon beholders a mesmerizing, Zen-like enchantment.”

Born in 1972, Nikulas Lebajo emerged from a lineage of artistic brilliance, immersing himself in the realm of creativity from an early age. The son of the esteemed surrealist maestro, Raul Lebajo, Nikulas was destined to weave his own artistic destiny. Fuelled by his father’s mesmerizing masterpieces, he embarked on a voyage of self-discovery, enrolling in the prestigious University of the Philippines to pursue a degree in Fine Arts.

From the very outset, Nikulas found himself captivated by the ethereal allure of glassware, a subject that had bewitched his father’s heart and adorned their family abode. Drawn to the delicate shapes and radiant colors, he felt an irresistible pull towards these rare bottles, which would later become the signature element of his artistic repertoire.

At the tender age of 17, Nikulas achieved an extraordinary triumph, surpassing his peers and securing the grand prize in the renowned 22nd Shell National Students Art Competition. His triumphant opus, aptly titled “Botelya,” served as a testament to his profound fascination with his hallmark theme. With an impeccable command of the trompe l’oeil technique, he masterfully rendered the essence of these mystical bottles, imbuing them with an inexplicable allure. This extraordinary achievement would prove to be the catalyst that launched his artistic journey to unprecedented heights.

Throughout his illustrious career, Nikulas has continued to garner recognition and acclaim. His artistic prowess earned him coveted accolades as a finalist in the esteemed Metrobank Art Competition in 1990, as well as a three-time finalist in the revered Philippine Art Awards in 2001, 1996, and 1994. Furthermore, he has left an indelible mark on the international art scene, exhibiting his captivating creations in prestigious art fairs and group exhibitions around the globe.

His artistic odyssey has taken him to enchanting destinations such as the China World Trade Center Exhibition Hall in Beijing, the Hong Kong International Art Fair, and the Richard Ko Fine Art gallery in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He has graced the stages of Art Singapore, The Contemporary ASEAN Art Fair at Suntec Singapore, the 17th ASEAN International Art Exhibition at the Daejeon Municipal Museum of Art in Korea, and the Shanghai International Art Exhibition in China. Nikulas even had the honor of showcasing his prodigious talent at the esteemed Luz Gallery, founded by the late National Artist for Visual Arts, Arturo Luz, where he became the youngest artist to exhibit regularly.

Demonstrating his versatility and adaptability, Nikulas has collaborated with the renowned Solaire Resort and Casino, lending his artistic finesse to create commissioned artworks that adorn their upscale property. His artistry has also extended beyond the canvas, as he assumed the role of one of the esteemed Board of Jurors in the inaugural Metro Manila Development Authority Art Competition, reaffirming his commitment to fostering artistic growth and innovation within his community.

Nikulas’ artistic style can best be described as minimalist-realist, a manifestation of his relentless pursuit of serenity and harmony. His creations are characterized by their ability to evoke profound beauty and tranquility, engendering a Zen-like effect on all who behold them. With a keen eye for detail and an extraordinary command of technique, he predominantly explores the human figure and portraiture, often intertwining these themes with a deep-rooted reverence for nature and the preservation of our fragile environment.

As an artist continuously evolving, Nikulas courageously embraces contemporary subject matters that mirror the ever-changing tapestry of our times. He fearlessly ventures into uncharted artistic territories, deftly capturing the essence of our rapidly evolving world.