Kultura Kreatives started with the idea that we were finding difficulties connecting with creatives that actually genuinely interested us. Social media dynamics have a heavy focus on the quickest and easiest post to drive interactions, instead of pure genuine discovery. We were shuffling through too many irrelevant videos and shopping ads, when really what we wanted was to see more art, more culture.
We’re using our platform to help bring a spotlight to creatives who need help breaking through that wall of exposure.
Follow us every week for new artistic endeavors.
Week of April 14th, 2021
Mark Abaygar Guinto
(b. 1991) Mark is originally from New Jersey, and currently based out of Chicago. He’s currently in the MFA program for painting, at UIC, where he’s working on a project focused on the “encounter” that happened in human zoos in the late 1800s in America. Another project in the works is a retrospective collage on the evolution of revelation.
We’ve included several images of his works that we particularly like. Mark uses thick layers of bright, and often bold colors to emote an ode to his heritage. The strokes that are visibly popping out of the paintings are almost sensory.
The button below will link you to his website with more of his works.
Read on for the full interview with Mark.
An Interview with Mark Guinto
with Jeanette González
How long have you been working on your craft?
“About six to seven years. So not too long.”
What do you feel the purpose of your work is?
“My work is for celebration, cultural edification, and exposition. I want my work to be honest. A catalyst for breaking dysfunctional systems.”
Who is the audience you're trying to reach with your work?
“Everyone I would say, but I am aware my work is more legible by Filipinos and Americans.”
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
“History, my heritage and ancestors, complicated nuances of growing up in America as a first generation Filipino-American.”
Do you have any upcoming exhibitions? If not, would you be interested in a group show?
“No exhibitions for now. I am currently in the MFA program at UIC and my work has been evolving quite drastically so I have been hesitant to present my work in any way. I'm closing out my first year so I know my thesis show will be around this time next year.”
What resources do you use to help improve your artistic skills?
“Academia, deep research, personal experiences. My family and identity are major components in how I meet the fundamentals of my paintings.”
Would you rather paint with one color for the rest of your life, or only paint with your fingers?
“I guess I can paint with one color. Maybe black or brown. I would just treat it like drawing. My work has been simplifying so I think the transition wouldn't be as terrible as I would imagine.”
What's your favorite painting tool?
“The plain old paintbrush. Of course different sizes. My work is dedicated to the pedigree of painting so for now I keep it traditional.”
