Our featured artist today, JC Vargas, is on a mission: to make viewers pause and reflect on the environmental, social and emotional realities often taken for granted.
His work doesn’t just portray life — it questions, provokes, and inspires.
In his exhibit “The Golden Hour 01,” he captures the quiet gratitude of fishermen hauling in their sunset catch. His paintings depict the faces of street children selling flowers or wiping windshields, and workers navigating the grit of dockyards and steel vessels. These scenes are layered with meaning and emotion.
We spoke with the visual artist recently and here is that conversation.
Can you take us to your journey of becoming a visual artist?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to art. I was around four years old when I started sketching and became fascinated by colors and creative expression. My curiosity led me to join poster-making contests throughout elementary and high school, which helped me hone my skills early on. Later, I pursued a degree in Architecture to gain a broader perspective on design and deepen my artistic foundation. This blend of technical knowledge and creative practice has shaped my journey as a visual artist.
How do you manage to merge your background in architecture to your artworks?
I believe my background in architecture adds a unique edge to my artworks. The discipline and technical training it provided—especially in perspective, symmetry, and proportion—greatly influenced the way I compose my paintings. It also made it easier for me to explore different views and angles with confidence. Being an architect exposed me to the field, allowing me to travel and visit project sites, which became a rich source of inspiration for many of my concepts.
What is your message behind each art work. Do you have an advocacy?
I believe I bring a unique perspective to my art by combining different disciplines to create meaningful and thought-provoking pieces. In one of my series, I’ve experimented with using unconventional materials — like air pollutants from vehicle soot and urban dust — as pigments. I use these to paint scenes featuring street children, who are among the most affected by poor air quality. Beyond raising awareness, I aim to give back by donating a portion of the proceeds to organizations that support these children. Through my art, I hope to make a positive impact and inspire others, especially aspiring artists, to find purpose in their creativity.
When you started your career, what goals did you set for yourself — and have you achieved them?
My journey as a visual artist is — and will always be — a work in progress. I’ve reached several of the goals I once set for myself, but the drive to create meaningful and distinctive art keeps evolving. As long as I can connect with people who share the same passion and vision, I’ll continue to create — not just for expression, but to leave a lasting impact and legacy through my work.
What’s next for you?
Are there any upcoming exhibits or events we should look out for?Aside from being an architect and an artist, I’m also a triathlete — a discipline that helps me stay grounded and maintain my overall well-being. Swimming, biking, and running have become part of my weekly routine. Right now, I’m focused on training for an upcoming triathlon, a personal milestone I’ve been working toward. At the same time, I’m gearing up for a solo exhibition later this year, featuring a series that’s more playful and visually engaging. I’ll be sharing more updates on my social media soon — stay tuned!