Angelo Omar Merano | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Name c. 1981 | |
| Born | Angelo Omar Merano July 24, 1981 |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Known for | Pencil Drawing, Digital Art, sculpting |
| Movement | Intimism, Postmodernism |
Angelo Omar Merano (July 24, 1981 – Present), is a Filipino painter, pencil artist, concept and digital artist. He became known for his drawing “Sunrise on a Grateful Universe" which features Thanos, the antagonist in Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame
He won first prize on art - competition; andthis artwork was then acknowledged by Marvel in 2017 which led to again, his important role in the creation of the two aforementioned movies, and also led to his major breakthrough in the art community.
Biography
editEarly life and education
editBorn in the town of Benguet in the southern tip of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Omar is an only child. During his childhood, despite coming from an ethnic group, Igorot, he was not allowed to use instruments for their rituals or other traditional dances and/or music that involved the use of instruments. The most famous dance they do is Maglalatik which uses coconut husks. When these husks are hit together, it creates a snapping sound which then led him to learn how to snap instead of using coconut shells. In 1982, the Merano family moved to Zambales and there he entered secondary school at Zambales Elementary School.
Family tragedy
editWhen Mount Pinatubo erupted on June 15, 1991, his parents died so he was taken care of by his English teacher, Ronaldo de Ascunsion, who volunteered to help those who have been affected by the disaster. Ronaldo de Ascunsion was a famous journalist at the time of Martial Law period and a prominent supporter of the former president Ferdinand E. Marcos. Ascunsion legally adopted him and he was brought back to Benguet and lived his life there.
Discovery and Breakthroughs
edit
One day, when he was at home reading marvel comics, he decided to draw his own version of his comics. When Ascunsion came home, he saw his potential in arts so he let him join art festivals and competitions. After graduating from Benguet National High School he entered college and took Bachelor of Arts in Computer Arts for his undergraduate degree at the Technological Institute of Baguio. During his last year in college, he decided to join an art competition, and he drew the well-known “Sunrise on a Grateful Universe” which featured who we know now as Thanos, the antagonist in Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. He won first prize and this artwork was then acknowledged by Marvel through his friend’s recommendation in 2017 which led again, to his important role in the creation of the two aforementioned movies, and also led to his major breakthrough in the art community.
Artistic Career
editHis breakthrough in making inspiration for the popular antagonist of the movie has led him to exhibit his artworks in the National Museum of Fine Arts, Ateneo Arete Art Gallery, and Benguet Museum. His works also became popular online and this has led him to become one of the most influential artists in the Philippines. In 2017, Marvel gave him the job to design and conceptualize on the antagonist of the Avengers: Infinity War on one condition, this was that the character of Thanos had to be in line with his personality. During and after the creation of Avengers, he also started creating more artworks such as the Josie Rizal, Jaywalking, Jejugurot. He was criticized a lot on his work Jejugurot for the reason that some felt that Merano was already crossing the lines of Igorot's culture.
Style and Technique
editMost of his artworks have an evident touch of Postmodernism and Intimism. He made use of cartoon themed designs, and majority of his works were digital. His work "Sunrise on a Grateful Universe" shows a particular scenery in his ethnic group in which Thanos, together with the Igorots are peacefully sitting on the green pastures. This work touches the emotions of the audience by delicately using colors that convey emotions. Additionally, there is a friction between traditional and modern art on his work. This can be seen in his other works such as Josie Rizal, Jaywalking, Jejigurot.
Intimism
editThis movement was during the late 19th to the early 20th century which emphasizes on warmth and comfort of a scenery. The type of art being produced in this movement is shown through the use of dynamic colors in order to convey more emotions in the art. This was seen in his renowned art "Sunrise on a Grateful Universe"
Postmodernism
editHe kept the concept of traditional Filipino arts and maintained the culture of the Philippines but in a more modern concept. This is a broad movement that developed in the mid- to late 20th century across philosophy, the arts, architecture, and criticism, marking a departure from modernism. The term has been more generally applied to the historical era following modernity and the tendencies of this era.
Critical Evaluation
editLegacy
editHis works have greatly influenced not only the artistic community but also the social community. He successfully established a connection between the undying traditional culture of the Philippines and the modern culture of the society. He also contributed to the cinema industry by introducing a character of interest for one of the most popular movies of all time the Marvel: Avengers.
Response of critics
editThe critics responded both positively and negatively to his artworks, depending on what he was featuring since it showed concern for social issues mostly on country-related problems in beautiful and emotion full art. However, some critics would say that he was a bit careless when depicting modern day tribal cultures and traditions, as mentioned previously.
Public’s response to art
editThe public greatly appreciated his artwork since his arts were featured in Marvel’s Infinity War. It also greatly appealed to majority since it features how the Philippine history would have been if it happened at present. The public was also able to easily connect to his works since it was what usually happening in their everyday lives.