“Hollow” is a thesis on acceptance and fastidiousness in the face of harsh critique. Months prior, Yao Sampana recounts that certain negative comments have halted his production, and have forced him to reflect on both his artistic portfolio and his approach to taking in criticism. In the process of re-evaluation, the artist turns towards simply doing what he does best: painting.

Yao Sampana’s 6th Solo Exhibition extends the narrative of confronting demons from his previous show “Behind the Shadows”, by stirring his emotions into a series of studies rendered poignantly. Though upsetting words may always present themselves within one’s path, Yao deems it necessary to confront them in stride by way of painting them on canvas; encapsulating his feelings outside so as not to paralyze him inside.

 

Rommel “Yao” Sampana was born in Bulacan, Philippines in 1988. His interest in visual arts grew, even more, when he was still a student of Fine Arts major in Advertising at the Bulacan State University and joined the prestigious Shell National Art Competition in 2007 – giving the young man his first recognition as an artist when he bagged 2nd place in the watercolor category. From then on, various national art competitions came like waterfalls that ignited his passion for painting, landing in the top three of various competitions before he graduated in 2009. He then joined the Philippine Art Awards (sponsored by Philip Morris), where he made it among the Top 10 finalists in the Luzon region. He joined the Metrobank (MADE) painting competition also in 2009, and became a consistent semifinalist until the next succeeding years of participating (2010-2011).