Pintura Kid
Artist’s Contact Information:
Email: pinturakid@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Pinturakid
http://www.instagram.com/pinturakid
https://dateline-ibalon.com/2023/01/watercolor-artist-of-the-peripheries-rommel-perez/
Collaboration
Finding the Artist (2006)
In 1991, I wrote Grandfather’s Moon—a heartfelt story and collection of essays crafted for the new generation in my family, so they could connect deeply with their Filipino roots and heritage.
By 1995, as my siblings’ families grew, I felt the words needed visual life. Illustrations would bring the tales to vivid reality, and I knew watercolor—soft, luminous, and evocative—was the perfect medium to capture the essence of Filipino life and spirit.
I began searching for a talented Filipino artist skilled in watercolor. That search led me to Ed Yu, whose inspiring editorial titled "Sunshine / Hope" caught my eye and filled me with optimism. Through his recommendation, I was introduced to Rommel Perez, known as Pintura Kid—a gifted watercolorist whose work beautifully blended everyday provincial scenes with emotional depth.
Our collaboration began in 2006. Rommel embraced the project with enthusiasm, and we met in person along with his family—a warm, unforgettable encounter that reminded me of the power of shared cultural connections. Thank God for that meeting.
Rommel created a series of stunning commissioned watercolor illustrations, sending the completed pieces from the Philippines to me in the United States. Yet life intervened: my work in demanding, contingent environments left no time to finalize the full story and bring everything together.
The manuscript and paintings remained carefully stored—hidden away in a vault—for nearly 20 more years.
And here we are today. After decades of waiting, the story and Rommel’s evocative artworks are finally ready to share. This long journey—from my vision in 1991 to this moment of revival—stands as a testament to patience, cultural pride, and the enduring beauty of collaboration across time and distance.
Rommel Perez aka Pintura Kid
Rommel Perez, also known as Pintura Kid, is a Filipino visual artist based in Naga City, Bicol region, Philippines.
He studied Fine Arts, majoring in Advertising Arts, at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila. He is a high school alumnus of Ateneo de Naga.
Perez works primarily as a freelance visual and graphic artist, while dedicating much of his time to personal painting. His style blends elements of surrealism and social realism, drawing inspiration from masters like Salvador Dalí and H.R. Giger, as well as Filipino social realists such as Elmer Borlongan.
He is versatile in media, working with watercolor, acrylics, and assemblages. His works often explore themes from the "peripheries"—everyday life, societal nuances, and evocative imagery in provincial and urban contexts.
Notable achievements include:
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Semi-finalist in the Metrobank Young Painter’s Annual Award (watercolor category) in 1992 and 1999.
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Finalist in the prestigious 30th Kulay Sa Tubig watercolor competition in 2014.
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Participant in the 31st and 32nd Kulay sa Tubig invitational competitions in 2019 and 2020.
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Exhibitions include a two-man show at Altromondo Artspace and a four-man exhibit at Art Asia Gallery in 2018.
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Featured in group shows and collections, with pieces like "Nocturnals" (acrylic on canvas, 2024) and others appearing in galleries such as Nami Art Gallery and mentions in artist communities.
He is an active member of the Salingoy Art Group in Naga City.
As of recent records (including gallery features and mentions up to 2024–2025), Perez continues to create and exhibit. He maintains an online presence under the handle Pintura Kid (email: pinturakid@gmail.com; associated with Facebook and Instagram accounts). His art remains available through platforms like Saatchi Art and select Philippine galleries.
Contact
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