Antonio Pacuan Jr. talks how pandemic affected his creative process and artistry

By Nimfa Estrellado Antonio C. Pacuan Jr., a self-taught contemporary artist from Calbiga, Western Samar, who now lives in Malate, Manila, p...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Antonio C. Pacuan Jr., a self-taught contemporary artist from Calbiga, Western Samar, who now lives in Malate, Manila, paints with the lenticular technique.

LUCENA CITY - When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it brought unprecedented challenges and disruptions to all aspects of society. These challenges and disruptions continue to impact us today. While some people struggled with the abrupt changes and financial hardships brought on by the pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns, others devised creative solutions to adapt and thrive in this new environment.

Antonio C. Pacuan Jr., AKA Tonying, a self-taught contemporary artist who uses lenticular technique and lives in Malate, Manila, saw the pandemic as an opportunity to explore new artistic avenues and connect with a wider audience through virtual platforms.



He worked as a banquet captain's waiter at one of Lucio Tan's hotels, but it had to close due to the lockdown, leaving him unemployed. The lockdown made him realize he should pursue his love of art and his childhood dream of becoming a painter.

Antonio Pacuan Jr.

Since then he was able to concentrate solely on his artwork. As a result, his abilities significantly improved, and he eventually received praise from the art world for his talent. He has dedicated himself to honing his skills and eventually discovering his unique artistic style, which is the mesmerizing 3D-Lenticular technique.

"From that transformative day on, I have wholeheartedly pursued my artistic journey, finding fulfillment and purpose in my newfound craft. Every time I create a new piece using the mesmerizing 3D-Lenticular technique, I am reminded of the day that changed my life," he said.

Throughout his artistic journey, he has honed his skills and experimented with various mediums. With each new piece he creates he pushes the boundaries of this mesmerizing technique, constantly challenging himself to explore new possibilities and captivate viewers with his unique perspective.

Antonio Pacuan Jr.

But Pacuan, who has a cousin who is a visual artist and sculpture expert, is not a newbie in the art community. He has been captivated by drawing ever since he was little, and since his elementary school days, art has been a profound passion for him.

In his early years, Pacuan would spend countless hours sketching and doodling, immersing himself in the world of art.

As he grew older, his passion only intensified, leading him to pursue formal training and education in the field. Today, his dedication and love for art continue to drive him towards creating extraordinary pieces that leave a lasting impression on anyone who encounters them.

He believes that being an artist is something that one is born to do and not learned at school; he went on to study through practical experience, learning through trial and error, and self-learning by studying the works of Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz as his teacher.

According to him, he enjoyed being an artist model for his peers and having his artwork proudly displayed on the classroom walls as a source of inspiration for others.

"My interest in art continued through high school and college, where I frequently participated in poster and painting competitions and often became the champion. Those formative years were when I first discovered the power of art as a form of self-expression, and I knew it would always play a significant role in my life," he said.

To him, when art ceased to be just a hobby, it became an integral part of someone's identity, allowing them to express their creativity and passion through a platform for self-expression. It allowed them to share their unique perspective with the world.

He explained, reflecting on how those experiences shaped his passion and commitment to art, that Ms. Betty De Leon, his late art teacher, recognized his talent and encouraged him to join art contests on his campus, which filled him with delight and excitement."

"The support and recognition I received during that time fueled my artistic aspirations and solidified my determination to pursue my passion," he said.

This encouragement and recognition fueled his passion for art even more, motivating him to constantly push the boundaries of his creativity and strive for excellence in every piece he creates.

It was here that he further expanded on his knowledge of mixed media artworks, where he executed pieces that led him to be recognized in some national art competitions like the Manila Bulletin Sketch Fest Exhibition, wherein he was chosen as one of the top 20 for two consecutive years, 2020 and 2021.

His other achievements include the following:

*Top 9 finalists at Diwa ng Tarlac National Art Competition March 2023
*One of 153 virtual artists from 19 different countries participated in the International Art Exhibit "TransMISSION Il April 2023
*One of 30 selected artists to participate in the International Art Exhibition at Village Suisse-Cour Angalise sous-sol, Galerie, 1510 Avenue Champaubert, Paris, France October 2022.
*Top 8 finalists in the 50 Shades of Blue National Art Competition Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay last June 2022
* One of the top 20 Finalists in the MANILA BULLETIN Sketchfest Exhibition Category 2020
*One of the top 20 Finalists in the MANILA BULLETIN Sketchfest Exhibition Category, Nov. 2021
*Top 13 artists in the J.Roaster Coffees National Art Competition
Sept. 2021
*Finalist in the Rotary Club Makati West Likhang Sining National Art Competition, Aug. 2021
*Shortlisted in the GSIS NATIONAL ART COMPETITION, June 2021
*One of the top 30 finalists in the Philippine Postal Corporation Art Competition 2021 in cooperation with the Art Association of the Philippines, Inc. (AAP)
*A 2nd and 3rd placer in the 2006 Mural Art Painting Competition in Calbiga W. Samar
*Champion in the Philippine Centennial Celebration On the Spot Poster Making Contest - Calbiga National High School in 1998

Lenticular Art

The process of lenticular printing involves interlacing several images that have been divided into strips. Then, for the 3-dimensional effect to function, a plastic sheet with a predetermined number of linear prism-like lenses is placed on top, precisely aligned with the images.

Over time, he developed a passion for creating visually striking and immersive experiences, which led him to experiment with lenticular art.

With a curious and experimental mindset, Tonying taught himself the technical aspects of lenticular art by studying a simple technique.

Lenticular art made by Antonio Pacuan Jr.

He has combined trial and error, extensive research, and a willingness to take risks to develop a unique style that blends his traditional art background with the dynamic possibilities of a lenticular approach.

He now combines traditional mediums with lenticular art to create captivating and dynamic artworks.

He noted that, as a lenticular artist, his art style and authentic approach set him apart in the field of visual arts.

Being recognized by a father of "Imaginative Figurism," Maestro Nemesio "Nemi" R. Miranda Jr. considered his masterpiece the first ever in the Philippines to offer extraordinary mediums with moving and changing images based on the viewer's perspective, which is a remarkable achievement as a local artist.

"My keen eye for detail and dedication to pushing creative boundaries elevate my work to new levels. Keeping up with industry trends and incorporating innovative techniques demonstrate my commitment to staying relevant and unique in my artistic expression," he said, emphasizing the importance of constantly evolving and challenging himself to deliver exceptional artistic outcomes."

On being a 3D artist , he added that while facing challenges like managing tight deadlines and creative blocks, he has honed his time management skills and sought inspiration from various sources, further enhancing his growth as an artist. His ever-evolving portfolio reflects his constant drive to improve and create captivating and inspiring 3D artwork.

As a lifelong learner and creative problem-solver, he is constantly exploring new techniques and styles to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of 3D art. His passion for 3D artwork fuels his determination to continuously refine his skills and produce work that leaves a lasting impact on viewers.

"As a 3D artist, art, to me, is a boundless form of expression that transcends the confines of reality, allowing one to communicate emotions, ideas, and narratives through various creative mediums," he said.

Lenticular art made by Antonio Pacuan Jr.

Lenticular art made by Antonio Pacuan Jr.

Lenticular art made by Antonio Pacuan Jr.

Lenticular art made by Antonio Pacuan Jr.

Lenticular art made by Antonio Pacuan Jr.

Futuristic Artistic Exploration

He envisions art evolving in the future to become even more immersive and interactive, blurring the lines between traditional forms and technology.

Virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI-generated art might play a significant role in shaping the artistic landscape. In today's society, art holds several essential roles. It serves as a medium of expression, allowing individuals to convey emotions, ideas, and cultural perspectives.

Art also challenges societal norms, provoking discussions and promoting critical thinking. Moreover, it contributes to cultural preservation, inspires creativity, and provides a means of escape and introspection for people in their daily lives. What is your own definition of art, and how has it influenced your own work?

Art is the bridge between imagination and tangible existence, shaping worlds that inspire, provoke thought, and evoke profound emotions. In my own work, the essence of art has guided my creative decisions, enabling me to push the boundaries of visual storytelling and craft immersive experiences that resonate with audiences on a deeper level, foster connections between the virtual and real realms, and ultimately leave a lasting impact on those who engage with my art.

Pacuan Self-expression and Growth Through Art

Tonying's artwork has been featured in numerous exhibitions and galleries, and he has received recognition from prestigious organizations for his innovative approach to lenticular art.

His artwork is a testament to his creativity, skill, and willingness to take risks. His unique blend of traditional art and lenticular approaches creates immersive and visually stunning experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind.

He said the support and appreciation he receives from his kids, family, and those who admire his artwork truly serve as an incredible source of inspiration for him.

Antonio Pacuan Jr., a renowned artist, showcased his exceptional talent at an art exhibit held in Tarlac.

He believes that the connection he has with his loved ones and the positive feedback he receives from his audience fuel his passion and drive to continuously push the boundaries of his artistic expression. With their unwavering support, he feels motivated to explore new techniques and ideas, constantly striving to exceed expectations and leave a lasting impact on the art world.

He also finds satisfaction in the ability to collaborate with other artists and professionals in the industry, as it allows for the exchange of ideas and the opportunity to learn and grow.

"As a 3D artist, the benefits I derive from my career are deeply fulfilling and rewarding. The greatest joy comes from expressing my creativity and bringing imaginative worlds to life through lenticular art. It offers me a sense of purpose and accomplishment as I see my work appreciated by others."

It has improved his emotional well-being by providing an outlet for self-expression and personal growth. Professionally, pursuing art has opened up new doors, allowing him to collaborate with talented people and work on exciting projects that constantly put his skills to the test.

He explained that after COVID started, he found solace in his art even more. With the world slowing down and people seeking comfort, his lenticular art became a source of inspiration and joy for many. Through virtual exhibitions and online platforms, he was able to connect with a wider audience and share his unique creations, making the most of the challenging times.

Garlic Skin Art by Antonio Pacuan Jr.

Coffee Painting made by Antonio Pacuan Jr.

Acrylic on garlic skin made by Antonio Pacuan Jr.

Pacuan life is a living testament to the resilience and adaptability of artists in the face of adversity. Despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic, he managed to find new ways to showcase his talent and reach out to art enthusiasts around the world. His ability to pivot and embrace technology not only allowed him to continue pursuing his passion but also opened doors for future collaborations and opportunities.

His life has transformed positively, as he has found his passion and turned it into a fulfilling career that brings him continuous inspiration and a sense of fulfillment. He has become a role model for aspiring artists, demonstrating that with determination and adaptability, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve success. His story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for growth and innovation in pursuing one's dreams.

He invites you to visit his https://www.facebook.com/twonie.paqwan to view Tonying's masterpiece and experience the wonder and beauty of his artwork.