An outstanding Filipino artist who has been making waves in the international arts scene is back to signing his works with his full middle name — B CARVAJAL KIAMKO, from simply “Boy Kiamko”. He talks to Filipino Journeys:
“I am a true-blue Cebuano. My family name is indigenous to Cebu. Anyone who goes by that family name, anywhere in the world is a near or distant relative.
I had three years of architecture in college. That was where I learned the aesthetics of good design and visual fundamentals…but I spent my childhood learning how to draw and am still learning today.
I believe that God has given me life and talent. Nature has given me the inspiration and Man has given me encouragement.
I have always loved to depict ‘Mother and Child’ and family themes. In these subjects I can see humanity. There is love, unity, protection, affection and all the virtues we should expect from mankind.
Biblical themes fascinate me. Depicting them is my way of thanking our Lord for the blessings we enjoy from Him.
I’ve had solo exhibits in Hollenbach, Munich and Mainz, Frankfurt from October 1994 to March 1995, thanks to the German-Philippine Association that invited me.
During my exhibit in Rome, five large paintings were collected for the Philippine room in the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization under the United Nations. It is the home to 74 member-countries. Their artworks in the FAO headquarters are now the subject of research and documentation.
The St Bonifaz Cathedral in Munich owns three of my sculptures: “THIS IS MY BODY, THIS IS MY BLOOD” a hi-relief modern sculpture weighing 400 kls. in the dimension of 6.5 x 8 ft.
The Philippine chapel in Rome has the main altar created from natural-colored Philippine fossilized stones.
The second sculpture is a candle stand titled “THE OFFERING HANDS” made of reinforced concrete laid with Italian carrera marble. This work expresses my gratitude to God for making the trip possible.
The third sculpture is a pedestal where the statue of the “Lady of Pakil” now stands.
Being a visual artist, I always aim to give life to my art and give art to another person’s life.”
