Emmanuel Garibay

Emmanuel Garibay is a Filipino artist born in Kidapawan, North Cotabato, Philippines in 1962. He holds a Sociology and Fine Arts degree both from the University of the Philippines as well as a Master of Divinity from the Union Theological Seminary in Cavite, Philippines.

His experiences and studies coalesce in his works which show a stunning combination of social realism and avant-garde figurative expression, seriousness and humor, sharp social critique and humane character depiction. What is achieved through his carefully crafted work is an effective storytelling of people in scenes of social, political, and religious complexity.

A prolific and internationally established painter, he is also an active organizer and has headed various art and cultural organizations ever since he was a student. He has spearheaded art projects with advocacies such as Tutok Karapatan (artists for human rights, 2006-2008), Kritikal Katoliko (art festival tackling Religion’s impact on Philippine society, Quezon City, 2008), Project Bakawan (campus-wide Environmental Arts Festival, University of the Philippines- Diliman, 2013-2015), and the Paghilom Arts Festival 1-3 (Regional Arts Festival, Cavite, 2016-2020) among others.

He is currently chairman of Artletics Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit organization that empowers young artists to transform communities through art education.  Garibay believes that art can be an effective medium for awakening consciousness which can empower people to bring about positive change.