Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – DARWIN GUEVARRA – The Art Hero

Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf – DARWIN GUEVARRA – The Art Hero

Darwin ‘Japat’ Guevarra Photo by Alex Callueng for Illustrado Magazine

Darwin Guevarra had tough times in breaking through Dubai’s competitive arts circle. However, his creative mind, talented hands and passion for the arts strengthened him to pursue his great lovebeyond challenges. Now, a recognized artist in the emirates, Japat’s masterpieces has opened a space not only for himself, but where Filipino artists would be accepted, respected and honored.

Despite his notable awards and accolades such as the Sheikha Manal New Signature and Young Artist Grand Prize Award in 2008 and Sony World Photography Portrait Category (shortlisted), his solo exhibition ‘Time of Humanity” in 2009, curated by SheikaLateefaBint al Maktoum, owner and director of Tashkeel Gallery, and his involvement in numerous projects around the City of Gold, including commissions for the Dubai Arts and Culture Authority, Japat’scontribution as the community’s very own “Art Hero” demonstrates that one talentedFilipino, no matter the odds, can earn respectthrough awe-inspiring works and open the doors of opportunity for others.

Remaining modest through it all, Japat admitted that beyond the awards he won and masterpieces he presented, what gave him the most satisfaction was the experience of being a Filipino gaining recognition and respect in a foreign arts scene, able to closely compete with other nationalities. Deciding to move back to join his family in the Philippines this year, the artist shares his simple wish, “That when people would list down Filipino artists in Dubai, I hope to be counted as one.”

Read about another Filipino artist making waves in the UAE