Portrait of Juan

Rubbercut on Pelon Fabric

36 x 30 inches,  image size

48 x 36 inches, paper size

Angelo Magno

2014

Before the  advent  of technology and instant  selfies,  portraiture has always been associated with power and wealth.  Only  the  affluent patrons  can afford  to  commission their portraits to  be painted by   artists or draftsmen.Portraits , if displayed in the proper  setting,  usually are used to validate ones state of  wealth or  political power.

Relief  print  method  (rubbercut) was the medium of choice of the artist. In printmaking, one  has the    advantage to create  multiple originals  rather than  just  one   masterpiece thus,  democratizing art. Print has always been coined as the  art for the masses.

Portrait of Juan  is a  representation  of the common folk, the common Filipino. An anonymous character who is  unassuming.   A character  that  has not been given an equal opportunity to be depicted in an illustrious manner. 

The name Juan connotes   the common Filipino folk .

An idiomatic expression that  can  mean  - anybody

Anyone can be  aJuan and any Juan can be any  Filipino.