Mitch Mauricio, creator of Anik-Anik Love, a blog showcasing unique spaces of creative Filipinos, debuts her first contribution to 2bU.
Here she features JP Cuison, a Fine Arts graduate of the University of the Philippines, who works as a senior art director in an advertising agency. Cuison has twice been the Philippine representative to the Cannes Young Lions International Advertising Festival.
Last May 2010, Cusion mounted his first solo exhibition at the Pablo Gallery in Cubao X titled “Gigzilla,” a collection of his gig posters. His personal works include “Rizalborg/Cyborg” and “Juan Luna on Drugs.” He is also part of the group that produces the underground comics sensation “Punnx Comix.”
Name: JP Cuison
Occupation: Senior art director; CEO and founder, Gigzilla, an independent lifestyle brand of Manila’s gig posters.
Website: www.jpcuisonart.blogspot.com
Favorite toy as a child: Masters of the Universe’s “He-Man” (Mattel), WWF’s “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Playmates’ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle “Raphael”
Favorite toy now: Bandai/Popy Voltes V , vintage 1970s (Thank you, Mr. Edmund Yanga.)
Turn-ons: Being real, comic, unconventional
Turn-offs: Pretentions, seriousness
What are five things that inspire you right now?
Future
Daughters and wife, family
Banksy
Matt Groening
Richard Branson
Who are your influences? American comic book artist Jack Kirby, artist and cartoonist Ed Roth, American graphic artist Frank Kozik, pop icon Andy Warhol, pop artist Roy Lichtenstein, Filipino artist Dina Gadia
Top five movies:
“Fly Me to the Moon” (1986), starring Tito, Vic and Joey
“K-PAX” (2001)
“Kakaba Kaba Ka Ba?” (1980)
“Iron-Man” (Part 1 and 2)
“Kick-Ass” (2010)
Top five books:
Bible
“Basic and Beyond Language”
“Gig Posters Volume 1” (Clay Hayes)
“Kikomachine Komix” (written and illustrated by Manix Abrera from the Philippine Daily Inquirer)
“It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want to Be” (Paul Arden)
Music you listen to:
Phoenix, Blur, MGMT, Beatles, Supergrass, Eraserheads, The Limousines, Coconut Records, Beulah, Tito, Vic and Joey (tough hits)
Five favorite websites:
GigPosters.com (https://www.gigposters.com)— gig posters, flyers and handbills from around the world.
9gag (https://9gag.com)— comedy website
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com)
The Art of JP Cuison (https://www.jpcuisonart. blogspot.com/)
The Vigilant Citizen (https://vigilantcitizen.com)—Discover occult symbols and hidden meanings in famous landmarks, songs and movies.
When you’re not busy with work, what do you do in your free time? When I’m not busy with work (advertising), I do art.
If you were to choose a different job, what would it be? Full-time painter/artist and musician
If you can have any super power, what would it be? Brainwashing.
What is the biggest problem of the world right now? The Illuminati.
What do you think is the solution? Resist the New World Order.
What’s the most important life lesson you’ve learned so far? Just be yourself.
Most inspiring statement you’ve read. “True Skill Comes Without Any Effort” by Li Mu Bai (Chow Yun- Fat) of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (2000)
Check out Mitch Mauricio’s website at https://anikaniklove.blogspot.com for more creative spaces.