Don't we just miss having to listen to bedtime stories when we were still children?
These bedtime stories were relive in a series of recent paintings created by Mark himself. He was inspired to paint characters and elements from different fairy tales and children's stories since he himself enjoyed listening to and reading children's storybooks.
One of Mark's first storybooks when he was young
Mark's first artwork at the age of 5, in 1989
Here are just some of Mark's paintings which are part of his 'Bedtime Stories' series.
Lost, oil on canvas, 13.4 in. x 22 in., 2010
Golden Eggs, oil on canvas, 11 in. x 9.5 in., 2010
Fun Run Fun Run, oil on canvas, 22.2 in. x 31.2 in, 2010
Shizaru, oil on canvas, 10 in. x 14 in., 2010
Missing Golden Apple, oil on canvas, 11 in. x 9.5 in., 2010
Magic realism is a genre of art in which magical elements blend to create a realistic atmosphere that reaches a deeper understanding of reality. The story explains these magical elements as normal occurrences, presented in a straightforward manner that places the 'real' and the 'fantastic' in the same stream of thought. It was also described as 'something that happens when a highly detailed, realistic setting is invaded by something 'too strange to believe.'
In one of Mark's recent works, the first of his series is just a sample of some of his artworks injected with magic realism. Shown here is his self-portrait being depicted as one who transforms into a frog, thus, a picture of a modern-day frog prince.
Warhol + -esque =warholesque, adj. Reminiscent of Andy Warhol's style or works.
If you are thinking of a way to create uniqueness in your home, consider having a Warhol-esque painting of your own. The radiant colors of an Andy Warhol pop art creates a statement in any place and is also one way of giving life to a design scheme that has fallen a little flat.
The following are pictures of a commissioned family portrait that Mark created in a Warholesque way.
Mark Villanueva, as a freelance violinist, plays for his band, Project Ganymede and is always being invited to play for various art exhibits and arts and music festivals, and also performs at weddings and for cause-worthy projects.
His band, Project Ganymede's music, is a heady fusion of traditional, classical, organic, electronic, ambient, ethnic, and ethereal elements. The convergence of light and darkness, creating a distinct sound that represents genres across time and space. The group is a powerful assemblage of artists in their own fields; with poet, mentor, and performance artist Yanna Verbo Acosta standing as the fiery frontwoman. Their major influences are Sarah Brightman, Anggun, Ojos de Brujo, Delerium, and Enigma, among others-resonate in their own materials. Indeed, a global musical brew certified to take the audience to a higher plane.
Updated members:
Yanna Verbo Acosta-vocals, chants, violin, devil's chimes
Mark Villanueva-lead violin
Sherwin Simon-guitar
Brian Mendoza-bass
Pepoy Songco-drums
Blend:er-electronica, synths
Cycocis-electronica, synths, programmers
David Esteban-lead percusssionists
Guest Artists:
Noli Aurillo
Paul Zialcita
Engkanto
Past performances:
Project Ganymede Live Earth Hour 2010 at the Ayala Museum
Backdoor Ventures Arts and Music Festival-Megatrade Hall
2008 Urian Awards, October 2008, CCP
Fete de la Musique, June 2008, World Music Stage, Mall of Asia
Artists Fair Pilipinas Year 3-Eastwood
3rd Backdoor Ventures Arts and Music Festival,August 2007, Megatrade Hall
Chromatext Reloaded-2007, CCP
Venues:
Mag:net Bonifacio High Street
Mag:net Katipunan
Penguin Gallery Cafe
70's Bistro
Bar 42
Metropolitan Museum
Market!Market!
The Podium
Here is a video of Mark and the rest of Project Ganymede's performance of the song, Eden (originally by Hooverphonic) in Roam Magazine's Launch at Bonifacio High Street, The Fort.
Seen here are just two of commissioned paintings by Mark Villanueva, both of which are portraitures of two people who are close to his heart - his cousin Cris Villanueva and Cris' father-in-law, Mr. Waldy Carbonell. Mark was indeed fortunate in having the chance to work with and for Mr. Carbonell as a layout artist and graphic designer in his publication, "The Manila Hotline."
Oswaldo Carbonell portrait, oil on canvas, 3 ft.x4 ft., 2009
Cris Villanueva portrait, oil on canvas, 18 in. x 24 in., 2009
Here are pictures of Mark's studio and a couple of wonderful elements that can be seen in his private art space in Baliwag, Bulacan. This is where he draws his inspiration from and where he stays to do his R&R (rest and relaxation) with his family.
United by their common passion for the photographic art, Alex Constantino, Joey Gatmaitan, and Chris Linag, showcased their works in 'Perspectives', a photo exhibit at Likha Diwa Cafe, Krus na Ligas, Quezon City from December 2009 to January 2010. Their works are manifestations of how they see things around them, their worldview, their thesis, their perception, their sentiment.
In this particular exhibit, Mark Villanueva helped out with the exhibit's layout and design.
Upon exhibit's ingress
Mark hanging the photos on the wall
Mark played violin at the exhibit's launch
Mark jams with artists Eghai Rojas, Govinda Jean of Kadangyan, and Jean Paul Zialcita
Here are some exhibit posters and documented photos of Mark Villanueva's art exhibitions in the past.
Unang Hayag Sining Emerging Artists 2009 exhibit poster
Mark's painting for this exhibit, 'Struggle and Living', oil on canvas, 30 in. x 30 in.
Mark Villanueva with his fellow artists in Unang Hayag Sining exhibit
DreamTime group exhibit poster, 2010
The Thesis Gallery
2nd Dream Time art exhibition at the Intellectual Property Office, Makati, 2010
Mark Villanueva performing at his own exhibit, Dream Time, at the Thesis Gallery
(The portrait of his cousin, actor Cris Villanueva, which he painted, was showcased in this exhibit together with his self portrait and that of his father's)
