Augustine Paredes, born in the Philippines in 1994, is a multi-disciplinary artist who weaves a mesmerizing exploration of migration, identity, and longing into his creative expressions. Through the mediums of photography, painting, poetry, and installation, Augustine delves into the complex realm of desire, provoking thought and introspection.
In 2022, Augustine’s artistic prowess shone on the international stage with his first solo exhibition, ‘PARADISE 4EVER,’ hosted by Gulf Photo Plus in Dubai. His talent has been sought after by prestigious institutions and organizations, including Alserkal Arts Foundation, Art Dubai, Warehouse 421, Goethe Institut, and the Royal Commission of AlUla, where he has undertaken captivating, commissioned projects. Augustine’s artistic journey has taken him across borders, exhibiting his works in the Philippines, Malaysia, Latvia, Australia, the United States of America, and the United Arab Emirates, leaving an indelible mark on the global art scene. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Augustine Paredes is an accomplished author and independent publisher. He has authored several art books, including “Conversations at the end of the universe” (2020), “Long Night Stands With Lonely, Lonely Boys” (2021), “Happy to be here to be happy” (2022), and “The Bitter Taste of Sweetness” (2022). These books serve as an extension of his artistic vision, further immersing readers in his evocative world of emotions and desires. Augustine’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and uplifting Filipino art and creatives led him to co-found the Sa Tahanan Collective alongside curator Anna Bernice. This platform serves as a dynamic space for exhibitions, art sales, and collaborations, providing a much-needed platform for Filipino artists to showcase their talent and perspectives.
Beyond his personal artistic practice, Augustine Paredes also thrives as a commercial photographer, specializing in fashion, portraits, and lifestyle. His expertise in capturing the essence of his subjects has garnered him representation by the esteemed Dubai-based agency, Seeing Things. Through his commercial work, Augustine continues to showcase his artistic sensibilities, creating visually stunning imagery that resonates with audiences. The artistic journey of Augustine Paredes is beautifully encapsulated in a series of captivating artist books. From “Conversations at the end of the universe” (2020) to “The Bitter Taste of Sweetness” (2022), these publications offer an intimate glimpse into the artist’s profound exploration of desire, emotions, and human connections. Education has played a pivotal role in Augustine’s artistic development. He pursued Fine Arts under the guidance of Prof. Haegeu Yang at Hochschule für Bildende Künste–Städelschule, where he honed his craft and expanded his artistic horizons. Prior to his formal art education, Augustine obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Ateneo de Davao University, laying the foundation for his creative storytelling and communication skills.
Augustine Paredes’s artistic journey has been further enriched by his participation in notable residencies and fellowships. The AlUla Artist Residency offered by the Royal Commission of AlUla in 2022 provided a transformative space for creative exploration. Augustine was also selected as part of the esteemed Salama Bint Hamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship Cohort 8 in 2021, Warehouse 421 x Gulf Photo Plus in 2020, Campus Art Dubai 7.0 in 2019, and the International Summer School of Photography in 2018. These immersive experiences have allowed Augustine to expand his artistic repertoire, collaborate with fellow creatives, and push the boundaries.
