Erik Go

MANILA, Philippines -- Abstractions and colors usually go hand in hand when it comes to the realm of the arts. After all, the colors are the ones that breathe life onto the canvas.

But when it comes to colors, abstractions and figures, the vision of Erik Go is a bit post-modern as he is able to create abstractions without colors. Recently, the artist unveiled his latest works in his one-man show entitled “Blind Colors” held at Paragon Tower in Ermita, Manila. The exhibit wittingly showcased the possibility of abstract paintings without the usual loud colors.

The exhibit was sponsored by ZMANN Builders which is a building company specializing on modern building designs as well as interiors. The company picked Erik Go’s artworks as they embody the company’s goals, concepts and visions.

“His works are exactly what we’re looking for and what we want to incorporate in our products. The way he paints, the way he creates art, and of course, the final result is parallel to what our company has envisioned when it comes to satisfying our clients as well as the company’s image,” said Rommel de Guzman, ZMANN Builders president.

Erik Go started painting when he was studying at the University of Santo Tomas. Back then, he was studying to become an engineer who has a fancy for the arts. For him, he would rather paint than produce buildings.

“Taking up engineering as a course in college was more about heeding what my parents wanted (for me). After getting my diploma and spending some time at work, I realized that painting is something innate and is something that I really wanted to do,” shared Go.

It was none other than the late Lito Mayo who taught the artist the basic of colors and introduced him to the world of arts. According to Go, he was really fascinated with Mayo that all he did back in college was to follow him on campus and watch him create his works.

“I really admired his works and I really enjoyed watching the process that I kept following him wherever he went. Until one time, he got tired of me trailing him around the campus and finally gave me a piece of canvas and asked me to paint so that I would stop following him,” recalls Go.

Since then, the artist has never stopped painting and continued to paint until he found his own strokes.

“I think the most important thing for an artist is finding his own identity when it comes to his works. It’s important for an artist to find his own niche, especially when you studied under a master. But it’s not always easy to divert from your comfort zone and find your own style and direction. But I know, that if Lito were alive, he would have been mad if up to now I was not able to evolve; he would have appreciated what I’m currently doing and have become,” said Go.

Indeed, his works have taken on an identity uniquely Erik’s mind and creativity. The ambidextrous artist even paints two works at the same time especially when inspiration kicks in. His current works can be described as unique abstract paintings as he loves painting on various surfaces which include wood, metals and even glass.

His background and mastery of the medium has also enabled Go to produce masterful works of art that capture the imagination of the viewers. He seldom paints on usual canvas as well as easily recognizable figures when it comes to his paintings. His works, especially on his latest exhibit, have the elements of mystery through fascinating interpretations of reality. The glass works, the colors and the craftiness used on each piece exude Go’s mastery when it comes to unusual surfaces.

“I just love experimenting with colors on different surfaces and see how they come about. I also love working on glass as it is one of the most interesting materials to work with. For me, painting on glass panels is very unique especially when you try to create something that will produce more than just three-dimensions,” summarized Go.