Catching Up with the Art World’s Favorite Insect: Garapata

Culture / February 05, 2018

 

February is in full swing. I’m about to leave for a big trip abroad this month so I can tell how busy we’re all going to be in the coming months. The shortest month of the year seems to be packed with events, don’t you think? One show I’m excited to see is that of Dex Fernandez aka Garapata. He will be having the artist’s reception to his exhibit at the Cultural Center of the Philippines this Feb. 15.

Entitled GC:123, you will see his various works divided in three chapters, and also see how far his worked has reached from Art Fair Philippines to the streets of Tokyo, Japan. Isn’t so fun to see how art takes artists to different places and how we experience what they discover through their works?

You can already catch GC:123 until Mar. 4. You can also read up on my interview with him right now.

Artist who you hate because you admire their work so much?

Andy Warhol. He revolutionized the artworld. Such a bad ass. He’s evil but my kind of hero.

What would you do if suddenly was art was banned in the Philippines?

It’s gonna be exciting for us because for sure lots of underground scene will sprout out. I will create more arts no matter what happens. Duh! I can sell my works overseas.

What would you to if you woke up to a million pesos suddenly in your bank account one morning?

OMG. I will pursue all of my crazy ideas.  One them is to build-up a themed park Garapata. I will put up a Garapata foundation for the kids. And for the remaining money will be [used as a] budget for homeless feeding program.

Which superhero is overrated? Why

Superman or Jesus Christ.I don’t know.

A childhood fear you still carry with you today?

The fear of getting old physically.

The scent that will always remind you of home?

Scents of mothballs and Albatross bathroom deodorize, especially the sampaguita scent.

Can you draw Duterte as Garapata? 

Sure.

Would you choose garapata over kuto?

Garapata for life!

What do you wear while you work?

Underwear or shorts only if alone in my studio. Easier to move.

What music would you listen to while working?

Classical music to set my mood Then LCD Soundsystem and Rhye. I don’t have particular genre of music, as long as it gives me feelings it would be fine.

What are your next projects? 

Manila Biennale Artists’ Balls ( Garaparty with guests Dj’s from Japan) on February 23 from 6pm onwards and Garapata x Zacarias, around February too.

 


Dex Fernandez, Garapata, GC: 123

STORIES YOU MAY LIKE

SOCIAL MEDIA

LATEST STORIES
INSTAGRAM