Pio Abad
b.
1983
,
Manila
,
Metro Manila
Conceptual
Mixed Media
Biography
Pio Abad (b. 1983, Manila) is a contemporary Filipino artist based in London. He began his artistic education at the University of the Philippines before receiving his BA from The Glasgow School of Art and an MA from the Royal Academy Schools, London. His work explores the intersection of political histories, cultural memory, and objects. He is notably one of four artists shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 Turner Prize. His most significant work includes 'The Collection of Jane Ryan and William Saunders' – a decade-long artistic project examining the Marcos family's accumulated wealth. In 2015, he received the Fernando Zobel Prize for Visual Art from the Ateneo Art Gallery in Manila. His practice spans various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation.
Notable information
- Shortlisted for the 2024 Turner Prize, one of the most prestigious awards in contemporary art
- Recipient of the 2015 Fernando Zobel Prize for Visual Art
- His work has been exhibited in major institutions worldwide including the Tate Britain, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, and the Kadist Art Foundation
- Known for his research-based practice that investigates themes of power, political history, and cultural memory
- Currently based in London where he continues to create work that bridges Filipino and international contemporary art
- His work often addresses post-colonial narratives and the intersection of personal and political histories
- Regular contributor to international art discourse through lectures and writings
Notes on Decomposition (Lot 394)
(
2021
) —
Ink and gouache on heritage woodfree paper
,
23.39h x 16.54w in • 59.4h x 42w cm (diptych) (each) (unframed) 24.21h x 17.44w in • 61.5h x 44.30w cm (diptych) (each) (framed)
.
Image courtesy of
Silverlens Galleries
.
Every Tool Is A Weapon If You Hold It Right XLI
(
2018
) —
Unique acid dye print on hand-stitched silk twill
,
100h x 100w cm (39.37h x 39.37w in)
.
Image courtesy of
Silverlens Galleries
.
Every Tool is a Weapon if You Hold it Right XL
(
2017
) —
Unique acid dye print on hand-stitched silk twill
,
39.37h x 39.37w in (100h x 100w cm)
.
Image courtesy of
Silverlens Galleries
.
