Chris Pizarro

Chris Pizarro is a versatile Filipino visual artist known for his vibrant use of color and ability to navigate between traditional and contemporary styles. Born in Bataan in 1964, he has built a reputation for capturing reality through an abstract lens, often drawing inspiration from music, dreams, and urban landscapes.

Background & Education

Pizarro earned his Bachelor of Arts, Major in Painting, from the University of Santo Tomas (UST). He studied under influential mentors such as Antonio Austria and Jose Tence Ruiz. His formal training in classical art provided the foundation for what he describes as a “transformative” style—one that draws from masters like Vicente Manansala and Jose Joya but evolves into a unique personal expression.

Artistic Style & Mediums

He is celebrated for his “abstract restraint,” a disciplined approach to abstraction where he uses mixed media, acrylics, and even unconventional materials like kusot (wood dust/sawdust) to create texture.

• Themes: His work spans a wide variety of subjects, including koi fish, botanical forms, gemstones, and kaleidoscopic patterns.
• Urbanization Series: Inspired by aerial drone shots, these works survey sprawling cityscapes from a high vantage point, translating buildings and streets into exhilarating patterns of light.
• Sereni-Tree Series: A well-known collection featuring colorful, “magical” trees that evoke a sense of radiance and calm.

Notable Works & Achievements

• Public Murals: He painted the La Naval mural at the Light and Sound Museum in Intramuros.
• Dioramas: In 2003, he was commissioned to create 15 pieces depicting Philippine history for venues like the Museo Pambata and Cupang Elementary School.
• Professional Memberships: He is an active member of several groups, including The Visual Arts Collective (TAVAC), the Koi and Fish Artists of the Philippines (KFAP), and the Las Piñas Art Society.