The Vibrance of Tradition

Words Maia San Diego
Photography Santi Albalate

Artist Francis Nacion

This is an excerpt from Art+ Magazine Issue 89. To read the full story, get the latest issue available on collectibles by artplus, Shopee, and on select stores of National Bookstore and Fully Booked.

Born and raised in Aklan, Francis Nacion’s colorful works mirror the vibrance of the Ati-Atihan Festival. Reminiscing on the stories his elders would tell the young, Nacion draws inspiration from folklife and love of country and holds such memories close to his heart. While today’s generation might feel detached from their own roots due to the dominance of Western culture, Nacion’s works remain grounded in traditional Filipino culture and values, which he hopes to instill in the younger generation.

Nacion apprenticed under Fernando Sena, organizing art materials for Seña’s workshops. He was able to observe and paint during the workshops. His break came when the Tuesday Group of Artists were having a session at Megamall near Crucible gallery and a group of church people approached them to discuss a fundraising project. As they were chatting with Tuesday Group co-founder Angel Cacnio, one of them saw Nacion busy at work, painting. They became interested in his art, though he was not a member of the Tuesday Group. They asked to see his other works. Nacion had them on hand, as he would always carry them, just in case. They ended up including Nacion’s pieces in the fundraiser, and his works sold out. Nacion was off to a good start.