ABOUT GINA
Gina Tyquiengco is a vibrant fusion of cultures, an embodiment of the rich tapestry of her Guamanian and African American heritage. This inherent duality is not just her story but the very pulse of her abstract creations. Each piece is a dialogue, a delicate balance between two distinct worlds, brought to life on canvas.
Palette and Technique
In the realm of black, white, and 24k gold leaf, Gina's art resonates with profound intent and raw emotion. Her choice of hues is deliberate - black explores the depths of her experiences, white symbolizes renewal and purity, and gold, perfected during a transformative residency in Puebla, Mexico, weaves in her multifaceted identity and spiritual connections.
Gina's technique is a meticulous dance between intuition and precision, layering texture upon texture to echo the complexities of life itself. Each layer interacts with the next, revealing hidden stories and unexpected surprises, inviting viewers to lose themselves in the depth and intricacy of her work. The final flourish of gold leaf not only enriches the visual experience but also encapsulates Gina's dedication to her craft and her ongoing artistic journey.
Music: The Soulful Rhythm of Gina's Canvas
For Gina, music transcends its role as mere background ambiance; it's the lifeblood of her artistic essence. Her childhood home resonated with the rich, earthy tones of her father's congos and bongos, and the air at family gatherings was often filled with the light, melodic strumming of ukuleles. These experiences weren't simply auditory; they were immersive, weaving a rich tapestry of memories and emotions that now find expression on her canvas. Each brushstroke and hue she chooses carries the rhythm and melody of these early musical encounters, imbuing her artworks with a vibrant, pulsating energy.
Gina's musical palette is as diverse as her cultural heritage, encompassing the soul-stirring depths of blues and jazz to the eclectic beats of global tunes, thanks to her father's wide-ranging tastes. This exposure to a myriad of sounds has endowed her with a unique ability to translate the essence of a melody into visual form, capturing the spirit of a song in the textures and flows of her paintings.
Music is an integral part of Gina's creative sanctuary, with carefully curated playlists setting the mood in her studio. Each selection is deliberate, chosen to resonate with the emotions and narratives she weaves into her art. This harmonious interplay between music and painting is central to her creative philosophy, underscoring the interconnectedness of all artistic expressions and enhancing the depth and dynamism of her work.
Beyond serving as inspiration, music is a medium through which Gina communicates the intangible—conveying emotions and stories that words alone cannot capture. Her art invites viewers to not just see but to feel and hear the cultural resonances and personal narratives embedded within each piece, offering a multi-sensory exploration into her world.
To offer a glimpse into the sonic landscape that shapes her art, Gina has curated a special Spotify playlist, "Play & Paint." This collection features a blend of current favorites, from the eclectic vibes of FKJ and Drama to the soulful rhythms of Masego and Jungle, and the thoughtful lyrics of Mac Miller. It's more than a playlist; it's an invitation to experience the music that moves her, providing a complementary auditory journey to the visual feast of her art.
From Digital Design to Abstract Art
Gina's artistic path was anything but straightforward. Armed with a degree in Media Arts & Science from IUPUI and a keen eye for digital design, she ventured into the digital realm before the tactile world of paint and canvas called her name. Transitioning from pixels to paintbrushes, Gina brought with her the precision and detail-oriented approach of her digital background, infusing her abstract art with a unique blend of discipline and passion.
Motherhood: A New Layer of Inspiration
As Gina embraces the journey of motherhood, her artistry unfolds in new, profound dimensions. The interaction with her daughter—through the shared touch on canvas, the delight in each new creation, and their collaborative painting sessions—imbues her artwork with a distinctive depth. These moments are less about adding layers of paint and more about weaving pure emotion, connection, and familial bonds into the fabric of her pieces. The resulting art carries a dual essence: the confident, deliberate strokes of Gina harmonizing with the free-spirited expressions of her child.
This fusion of mother and daughter in the creative process extends beyond the personal, touching on the universal themes of identity, heritage, and the enduring nature of love. The imprints left by her daughter, whether a spontaneous splatter, an inquisitive mark, or a gentle stroke, become integral to the texture and narrative of Gina's work. They ground her abstract visions in the real, tangible joy of shared creativity. Through this unique partnership, their artwork becomes a narrative of continuity and creativity, a dialogue between generations that resonates broadly, linking the intimate realm of their family life with the collective human experience.
Gina Today
Gina's art now graces spaces across North America and Europe, each piece a narrative of resilience, love, and introspection. As an artist-in-residence at Studio Art Farm in Mount Dora, Florida, she continues to push the boundaries of her craft, welcoming collaborations and bespoke commissions that invite others into her world of abstract exploration.
For a deeper dive into Gina's artistic ethos and her journey, visitors are encouraged to explore her Artist Statement and Curriculum Vitae (CV). Open to connections and creative collaborations, Gina's journey is an invitation to all who are drawn to the world of abstract art, whether seasoned enthusiasts or curious newcomers.