Gio Karlo, a visual artist hailing from the Philippines, has carved a unique niche for himself with his striking illustrations that delve into the complexities of social media, digital culture, and the post-internet era.
Let’s delve into Gio Karlo’s background, his artistic journey, and the profound themes that underpin his captivating NFT artworks.
The Influences That Shape His Art
Gio Karlo’s artistic expressions are a reflection of his background and experiences. His works explore the intersection of sensuality and social criticism, encapsulating the essence of the digital age.
Utilizing techniques such as 3D modeling and photo composting, he weaves together visually stunning illustrations that captivate the viewer’s imagination.
Moreover, he draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists who have influenced his creative vision. During his dark and macabre art phase, he found inspiration in the works of Marcela Bolivar.
However, as he transitioned into his current era of art with a message, the impactful works of Norman Rockwell left an indelible mark on his artistic perspective.
Gio Karlo’s Journey with NFTs
The world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) opened up new horizons for Gio Karlo’s artistic career. Inspired by the success of digital artist Beeple, he recognized the immense financial potential NFTs held for artists like himself.
Overcoming a period of discouragement and financial struggle, he embraced NFTs as a way to monetize his art and connect with a global audience.
NFTs entered my world through Beeple, and suddenly I discovered a new way for digital artists to thrive financially. This hit home for me because I had given up on art for four years due to a lack of financial success. But thanks to NFTs, I found a path to earning money I had never dreamed of before.
It’s not yet sufficient for me to leave my graphic design job, but it’s a step in the right direction. What’s even more mind-blowing is that NFTs have allowed my art to transcend boundaries, reaching cities like Singapore, London, Beijing, Tokyo, and this year, even places like Indonesia, Chicago, and Lisbon.
Themes and Messages: Unveiling the Complexity of Modern Life
Gio Karlo’s art aims to convey profound messages that mirror the intricacies of our contemporary world. While his “Love in Likes” series initially set out to critique the concept of “sex sells,” it evolved into a powerful exploration of the multifaceted nature of love and the impact of social media on human connections.
“It made me realize that my art has a voice, a message to convey. This realization sparked a significant transformation in my artistic style. I shifted from creating surreal, dark, and macabre pieces to crafting satire and art that reflects the complexities of our modern world.”
Gio Karlo’s Magnum Opus
Choosing a favorite among his own creations is a challenging task for Gio Karlo. With each new artwork, he finds himself pushing his boundaries and discovering new facets of his talent.
However, “Pacifier” holds a special place in his heart. This piece had the honor of being exhibited in Chicago and featured in a local newspaper, making it a notable milestone in his artistic journey.
“The ‘Love in Likes’ series is incredibly dear to me. However, if I had to pick one piece, it would be “Pacifier,” which had the honor of being exhibited in Chicago and even featured in Mindanao Times, a local newspaper in my city.”
Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others
Becoming an NFT artist entails navigating technical challenges while maintaining artistic integrity. Gio Karlo acknowledges the pressures that come with witnessing the success of other artists in the NFT space.
Despite these challenges, he strives to strike a balance between technical finesse and staying true to his creative vision.
“Becoming an NFT artist is no easy task. It’s a constant struggle. Every day, I scroll through Twitter and witness the staggering prices attached to abstract art, cow images, glitch art, and more. It can be overwhelming. The pressure builds to create something similar just to make a sale.”
Moreover, like many artists, Gio Karlo has faced self-doubt and fear of failure. Overcoming these challenges requires taking breaks, reminiscing about the joy of first sales, and reconnecting with the underlying passion that drives one to create art.
Gio Karlo encourages aspiring artists to persevere through their doubts and fears, reminding them of the immense potential that lies within the world of NFT art.
As an artist, experiencing imposter syndrome is practically inevitable. It’s crucial to take breaks and remember that feeling of pure joy from making your first sale, as well as the underlying reason why you create art in the first place, especially during those moments when sales are slow or you see other artists making big sales.
Furthermore, for beginners looking to connect with other artists in the NFT space, Gio Karlo recommends three vibrant local art communities: NFT Asia, Cryptoartph, and Anifam, the latter being particularly beneficial for anime artists.
Proudest Accomplishments and Future Aspirations
Gio Karlo’s journey as an NFT artist has been filled with memorable milestones and accomplishments. Witnessing his artworks reach different corners of the world has been an exhilarating experience for him.
Co-organizing and co-curating an exhibition at NFT Bali for NFT Asia stands out as a significant achievement that solidified his dedication to the NFT art scene. Looking ahead, Gio Karlo is excited about the upcoming event in the Philippines, which promises to further contribute to the growth and recognition of local NFT artists.
“As a member of NFT Asia, I’m excited to announce that we are currently planning an upcoming event in the Philippines. To my Filipino and CryptoArtPH family, stay tuned for more details!,” Gio Karlo proudly announced.
Conclusion
Gio Karlo’s art is a testament to the power of NFTs in amplifying artistic expression and creating connections in the digital realm. Through his exploration of sensuality and social criticism, he invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of our modern society.
Moreover, as Gio Karlo grows as an artist, we look forward to witnessing more of his future creations. In the meantime, make sure to follow him and NFT Asia on Twitter to be updated about the upcoming NFT Asia event in the Philippines.
