Ola

(b. 2000, Philippines)

Portrait of the artist Ola — 奧拉｜Olab. 2000, PhilippinesPhoto courtesy of the artist

Ola (b. 2000, Philippines), born Emmanuel B. Olasiman, is a new contemporary artist from Silang, Cavite. He translates the fine lines of pen and ink into detailed acrylic brushwork, so finely that at first glance it is hard to tell ink from paint. Marionettes free of their strings and flames of passion carry his meditations on emotion and memory. Neverland Gallery is a gallery in Xinyi, Taipei; here you will find the original works he presented at ONE ART Taipei 2024.

奧拉｜Ola (B. 2000 / Philippines)

“Pen-and-ink precision in acrylic — marionettes cut free, flames of longing”

@peculiar_ola

Emmanuel B. Olasiman, known as Ola, is a new contemporary artist from Silang, Cavite. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising from the Technological University of the Philippines Manila in 2022. He was a finalist in the Shell National Student Art Competition (2018), and in 2021 contributed to Novice Special Issue #6 "Haraya" and to Papanzine.

A love of detail and line led him to develop his own approach in pen and ink, which he later carried into acrylic. Translating those thin ink lines into meticulous brushwork creates an illusion at first sight — is it ink, or is it paint? Most of his inspiration comes from human emotions, memories and experiences, which he renders with a heavy, subtle and deep atmosphere. For Ola, a work must touch the heart of whoever stands before it, even if it stirs feelings buried deep in the soul.

His characters drift through a world without strings, meeting fellow marionettes and other creatures of their kind. He also loves to paint flames — a symbol of passion, love and the eagerness to thrive.