INTERVIEW
Why do you take and create images?
It’s my way of experiencing the present time and possibly tell stories for the future. For me, I see it as an approach to life.
How do you define your photographic/artistic body of work? What subjects do you often explore in your work?
As of now, I don’t have the exact definition of my work. I’m still on the phase of experimenting as much as I can with subjects and framing and all that. Most of the time I like exploring human behavior as I am fascinated with human emotions in random moments.
What motivates your work?
To create an identity for myself. As of now, I still don’t have a clue to what path to take in the future so maybe this might be one of it.
What relationship does your work have with reality?
Reality is in tuned with my work since my main goal is capturing the now. It is the essence of my work as I try to project my experiences through photos.
For you, what is the purpose of art?
The purpose of art is to show how creative people can be. How we have the power to express our inner selves and project our emotions to other people.
How do you want the public to respond to your work? Do you have a particular audience in mind?
I want the public to see my work as a reflection of who I am as a person. I don’t have any particular audience in mind as long as they see my work as something positive.
What is your training? Were you trained as a photographer?
I taught myself the basics on how the camera works back in high school and learned through experience with people who share the same interest as I have.
How do you define your actual professional situation? What are your expectations?
As of the situation now, I see myself more of a hobbyist than a professional. I don’t have much to expect other than me improving my style of work.
It’s hard to live off art. Does this affect you and your work?
Absolutely. It’s also the thing that motivates me and my work ethic. Artists have a different stand point in our world which truly defines who they are, which makes it all interesting in a way it is considered unique to live off art.
Have you worked with gallerists, curators, institutions and other art professionals? Can you discuss more about this particular relationship?
I just recently had my first exhibit. And it was my first time reaching out to gallerists, curators, institutions, and other art professionals. I learned a lot from that experience knowing how everybody helps one another in the art community and I think it’s a step closer to something big about to happen.
In your opinion, what is the current state of contemporary photography in the Philippines?
From my recent exhibition, I think it’s evolving. People are starting to have the same feels as compared to painting and sculpture since photographs are somewhat pieces of artifacts in the present era.
How do you want contemporary photography to develop in the Philippines?
I want it to be enjoyed by everybody. I want it to be something big.
CV
Name: Juan Victor D. Basio
Location: Lives in Bacolod City and goes to school in Cebu City, Philippines
Email: jv.basio24@gmail.com
Website: https://www.flickr.com/photos/147433624@N05/
Education:
2013-Present – Cebu Doctor’s University (Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy)
2009-2013 – University of St. La Salle-Integrated School (High School)
Exhibitions:
Group show:
2017 Sooner or Later, Paderna Art Space, Bacolod City, Philippines