'ManilART '24' presents multi-awarded artist Ed Coronel's masterpieces

MANILA, Philippines — Ed Coronel is a multi-awarded Filipino artist who hails from Betis, Pampanga. After initially pursuing a career in physics and technology consulting, the former University of the Philippines (UP) Physics professor ventured into the world of art.

Self-taught in various media, including oil painting, he made his public debut in 2006 with a focus on social realism. His breakthrough came with support from Neil Doloricon, former Dean of the UP College of Fine Arts, and Amy Loste of Gallery Nine.  

Coronel’s works are recognized internationally, after having joined —and won — top honors in the American Art Awards competition. He won first prize in the American Art Awards of 2022 and 2020 for his gummy bear paintings, topping the categories of both still life and pop art.

His most recent is winning at the 2023 American Art Awards for the portrait painting, "Rays of the Sun." His winning works are also posted in the American Art Awards website.

It comes as no surprise that "ManilART ’24," which is the Philippines’ National Arts Fair, will be proudly presenting two of Coronel’s latest masterpieces when it opens at the SMX Convention Center in SM Aura on October 9.

These two masterpieces are his 2023 American Art Awards-winning portrait, "Rays of the Sun," and his most recent work, "The Wave Mural Triptych," which offers a detailed inquiry into realism and expression.

Coronel’s artistic journey is both self-taught and driven by lifelong passion. Now, his work is represented by Galerie Du Soleil Manila, as he dedicates most of his time to art and family, and continues to evolve as an artist well into his 60s — a testament to his lifelong commitment to his craft.

"Rays of the Sun" is an oil painting commissioned by the Rayos del Sol family — Danny, Tess, and their daughter, Belay.

Danny and Tess are prominent figures in the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), deeply immersed in the cultural and artistic landscape. Danny is a renowned ostrich egg sculptor and mixed-media artist, while Tess serves as Head of the National Committee on Art Galleries (NCAG), a role previously held by Danny from 2015 to 2021.

Their daughter, Belay, is a