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A native of Paete, a town famous for its sculptors, painters, musicians and poets, Paul Cainto Balan is a descendant of Pablo Bague, one of Paete's master sculptors. He began drawing at a young age inspired by the land and folk lore he often heard as a child. Paul was an active participant in the Philippine art scene during his studies in fine arts at University of Santo Thomas in Manila. He entered numerous competitions, including the Annual Metro Bank's Young Painters and the Art Association of the Philippines, where his pieces were among the finalists and named juror's choice. Many of Paul's religious work, ranging from murals to stained glass, can be seen at various churches in the Philippines. At the age of 17, he designed all of the stained glass windows at St. James Apostle Parish in Paete, Laguna. He also designed reredos at Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Most Holy Redeemer Parish, and Holy Cross Parish. His commissioned work for murals include: Stigmatization of St. Francis, Franciscan Seminary (oil on canvas, 5' x 7'), and Blessed Trinity, Philippine Independence Church (oil on canvas, 48' x 8'). In May 2001, Paul immigrated to Chicago, IL. He continues to produce a wide range of pieces. Thematically, Paul remains true to his roots: faith, nature and his Filipino heritage. However, he has also enhanced and expanded his scope to include his experiences in the U.S. and environmental differences like the four seasons. Paul's work has been featured at the June 2001 Filipino Art Exhibition at Rizal Center and Daley Center during the 103rd Anniversary of the Independence of the Philippines Celebration, and at the 19th Annual Juried Art Show at the Elk Grove Village Art Center in 2003. In February 2005, he designed and painted Ter Sanctus (oil on canvas, 7' x 5'), the sanctuary cross at Prince of Peace Parish in Lake Villa, IL. He was also awarded recognition as Laguna's Best: Outstanding Achievement in Arts/Painting by the Laguna Association of the Midwest, Inc. in January 2006. In late 2004, Paul began experimenting with three dimensional art. He has since completed three bronze sculptures: Wind, Water, and Pag-Asa (Hope). |
 Paul Cainto Balan |
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Awards and Recognition January 2006 Outstanding Achievement in Arts/Painting Laguna Association of the Midwest Inc. (Chicago, Illinois) August 1999 Finalist Metro Bank's Young Painters' Annual Exhibition (Metro Manila, Philippines) July 1996 Juror's Choice Art Association of the Philippines National Painting Competition (Metro Manila, Philippines) Commissioned Work 2005 Ter Sanctus Prince of Peace Parish (Lake Villa, Illinois) 2001 Blessed Trinity St. James Apostle Parish (Paete, Philippines) 1999 Our Lady of the Angels
Sta. Ana Church (Manila, Philippines) Commissioned Reredo Designs 2000 Holy Name of Jesus
Parish Biñan, Philippines Private Collection 2006 The Calling of Martyrdom of San Lorenzo Ruiz Mr. and Mrs. Tarco Cagandahan (Berwyn, Illinois) 2005 Four Season Dr. Remigio C. Milan (Ripon, Wisconsin) 2004 Most Holy Redeemer
Mr. and Mrs. Eduardo Paraiso (Toronto, Canada) 2003 Prince of Peace
Price of Peace Parish (Lake Villa, Illinois) 2002 The Messenger Mrs. Ludovica M. Adao (Mt. Prospect, Illinois) 2001 Sacred Heart Ms.
Kathy Villa (Chicago, Illinois) 2007 Philippine Consulate General Chicago National Arts Month Ani ng Sining (Harvest of Art) Chicago, Illinois 2001 A Filipino Art Exhibition Chicago, Illinois 2000 San Santiago de Apostol Parish Paete, Philippines 1999 Metro Bank's Young Painters' Annual Exhibition Metro Manila, Philippines 1997 Metro Bank's Young Painters' Annual Exhibition Metro Manila, Philippines 1996 University of the Philippines
Vargas Museum Quezon City, Philippines 1993 Galleria de Las Islas
Metro Manila, Philippines 1992 Galleria de Las Islas
Metro Manila, Philippines 1991 Arkiskien Art Exhibit
Quezon City, Philippines Education 1989-93 Fine Arts University of Santo Thomas (Manila, Philippines) |
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