Arno Salvador was born in 1981 in Ilagan, Isabela, and was awarded a diploma in 2002 from The Philippine Women’s University Bachelor of Fine Arts program. He works primarily on mixed media but also creates acrylic and watercolor paintings. Most of his creations revolve around memory, dreams, illusions, humor, and the duality of life. He also draws inspiration from the various authors he reads, and his affinity for animation and comics also lends a lot to his style. His practice ranges from painting, graphic design, illustration to photography. He currently lives and works in San Pedro, Laguna.
Arno Salvador is part of hellochildrenclothing (Instagram). Check it out.
What music did you listen to growing up?
Mostly it’s pop and rock music. I discovered The Beatles, Queen, Jackson Browne, and The Cure because of my parents, and then I started leaning towards heavier music during my teens: Guns & Roses, Metallica, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, Soundgarden, among others. I grew up in the ‘90s so I was lucky enough to experience the local band explosion at that time which spawned the Eraserheads, The Youth, Yano and many other bands that no one remembers anymore.
What work of art last caught your eye?
Nothing new, but I rediscovered Onib Olmedo’s works at this year’s Art Fair right about the start of the pandemic. Onib’s art always resonates with me. He makes me emotional for some reason.
Can you let us in on a current or upcoming project that excites you?
I’m doing a lot of smaller works using watercolor and drawing pens. It’s fast and easy.
We’re playing charades. What is the hardest thing you could have someone guess?
Electric ant.
What do you think deserves more attention?
Holding public officials more accountable—and of course, world peace.
What would be your last meal?
My mother’s Chicken Adobo. And a legit Pancit Cabagan from my home province of Isabela.