Omok (b.1993) is a multimedia artist based in Cavite, Philippines, his practice revolves around exploring what it means to be human. Through painting, he creates abstract reflections of himself and his lived experiences. His work is rooted in honest introspection, often presented in a bare-bones visual language that invites viewers to observe the quiet complexities of the self. He approaches this by reducing his figures to their most minimal expression, depicting them in casual repose and situating them within quiet, contemplative settings. By stripping away excess detail, the work opens space for reflection, allowing viewers to encounter something both deeply personal and universally human.
HELLO OMOK, WELCOME TO THE 4YBYSIX FAMILY. THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SPEAK TO US ABOUT YOUR ART PRACTICE AND THE WORK YOU HAVE MADE FOR OUR VEHICLES FOR CHANGE SERIES. TO START, HOW DID THE LINK BETWEEN YOUR SIGNATURE COLOUR PALETTE AND THE FEELING OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EXISTENTIAL UNDERTONES EVOLVE OVER TIME?
I think my attraction to the color blue has always been evident ever since I was a child. But few years ago, after resigning from a decade of corporate work and leaving behind my past self, the color blue has become a symbol of self authorship for me. It feels like taking back my sense of self again. I think that’s where the existential and psychological undertones come from.
THE NUMEROUS USE OF THE HEAD MOTIF HAS BEEN AN EFFECTIVE WAY OF DEPICTING AND REINTERPRETING YOUR DEEPLY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES. HAS THE DIRECTION OF YOUR COMPOSITIONS ALWAYS BEEN SUBTLE AND HOW DID YOU DEVELOP THIS VISUAL FOCUS ON THE HEAD?
The head is the symbol of ego in my works, but not in the negative sense we usually assosiate with people. For me, it represents the sense of self and the act of managing and taking care of it always interests me. I also like placing the figures in quiet compositions, especially when it feels minimal enough to encourage the viewers to look past them and interpret the subtext of the work.
HOW DO YOU FIND THE INTERNAL ACT OF NAVIGATING CURRENT EXPERIENCES AND PLACING YOUR SEARCH FOR AN AUTHENTIC EXISTENCE INTO A PHYSICAL ARTWORK? DOES IT COME QUITE NATURALLY OR ARE YOU REQUIRED TO ENTER A SPECIFIC STATE OF MIND OR FEELING?
A bit of both. Usually an idea comes naturally to me when the theme is potent to my genuine experience and it’s just a matter of writing my feelings down. But most of the time I always start with asking “why”.
WHAT COMPELS YOU TO MAKE ART IN THE FIRST PLACE? IS IT A WAY OF UNDERSTANDING YOUR OWN EXISTENCE, OF REACHING TOWARD OTHERS, OR OF CREATING A SPACE WHERE MEANING CAN BE SHARED?
I’ve always liked to draw ever since I was young, but since I transitioned to fine art, it has become my way of understanding my thoughts and the self.
YOU RECENTLY MADE A NEW PIECE ON LORRY TARPAULIN FOR 4BYSIX’S VEHICLES FOR CHANGE SERIES. DID THE PROCESS SPARK ANY INTERNAL REFLECTION FOR YOU ON THE CONDITION OF THE WORLD’S ENVIRONMENT?
I’d say I’m always exploring ways to articulate my work through different materials. Being given the opportunity to create a piece on tarpaulin made me realize that we all have access to materials and spaces that can be repurposed, and something as ordinary as a tarpaulin can be used as a medium and tool to reflect on the environment.
CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THE WORK YOU HAVE MADE FOR 4BYSIX?
The painting I created for 4BYSIX deeply reflects where I am at the moment. Seeing and hearing what’s happening in the world right now has pushed me to balance myself in being present to grieve with people while also finding a quiet space to breathe and contemplate. Working on an unconventional surface has helped me ground myself from the world’s chaos, somewhat like a “touch grass” moment.
FINALLY, HOW ARE YOU AND HOW ARE YOU FINDING LIFE IN THE STUDIO AT THE MOMENT? CAN YOU TELL US WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU?
Aside from exploring texture on my paintings, I recently made a large concrete sculpture, which opened up new ways for me to express myself. Hopefully it snowballs to more exciting mediums in the future.