After enjoying a respite, far from the once-epicenter of events, hotelier and public relations expert Michael Anthony Sagaran, self-described as a simple gentleman with humble beginnings but high standards, has finally reconnected with his ever-present passion: Art.
As a child, he looked forward to cartoons on television such as Batman, Tom & Jerry, and Spider-man.
These animations kept him imaginative until high school, where throughout his education, he joined and won in art competitions.
“As my confidence grew, my thirst for knowledge also increased. My fascination for film and arts, plus my dream to work in a corporate setting led me to decide to major in advertising,” he shared.
Thus, armed with a Fine Arts degree from the University of Santo Tomas, Sagaran was mentored by industry veterans Ronald Ventura and Cenon Rivera.
For his first post-graduation stint, he initially started as a graphic artist at a hotel.
“Under my supportive general manager, Luchie Javier, and colleagues, I was promoted to head the new unit of PR and Creatives. Afterwards, my career trajectory shifted to PR and Marketing,” he recalled.
Today, he explores a brighter future through Moving Forward, an exhibit of acrylic paintings of various vehicles, a two-pronged metaphor to move on and ultimately, to fast forward in life.
“The lockdowns after lockdowns during the height of the pandemic provided lone time to express the uncertainties and strong emotions I felt as we witnessed families and friends struggling with Covid-19,” he bitterly narrated. “It pushed me to produce colorful and calming paintings that exude peace and happiness. I wish these will somehow help the viewers repel the sadness and anxiety brought by the pandemic.”
This fervent wish for a “new normal” takes the form of vibrant images of iconic cars, motorcycles, scooters, and a jeepney, which celebrates the joy of life after the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdowns.
These pieces stem from Sagaran’s endless fascination with mechanisms that make life easier for all.
“Our commitment in championing local artists and artistry continues as the world heals and recovers as one from the many challenges of the recent years,” shared Linda Pecoraro, Conrad Manila general manager.
She added: “This exhibit, aptly entitled Moving Forward, embodies Conrad Manila’s optimistic outlook in sharing the light and warmth of hospitality with our guests complemented by inspired touches of luxury.”
The exhibit is curated by Nes Jardin, consultant of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, the mind behind the highly successful Of Art and Wine series of Conrad Manila, which exhibits the best from promising newcomers to seasoned artisans.
During the global standstill, Sagaran launched his first online exhibit entitled Vespa History Series, in partnership with ArtPH Online. The showcase featured nine noteworthy models of the iconic Italian scooter brand.
As an artist, his main inspiration comes from the Impressionist Era, where most other movements, to include Expressionist, Surrealism and Contemporary, stemmed from. His favorite maestros include Claude Monet and Frederic Bazille and masters Hieronymus Bosch and Jan van Eyck.
If he had to choose one artwork that changed his life, it has got to be the Scène de Naufrage (The Raft of the Medusa), an oil painting of 1818 to 1819 by the French Romantic artist Théodore Géricault.
“It’s all about the details, composition, brushstrokes, depth and, most of all, the story and hidden meanings!” he interjected.
On the other hand, his most meaningful piece is his rendition of the Taal Volcano 2020 eruption, as it serves as a recording of history.
Personally, meditation, research, and relaxation are vital parts of his creative process.
Looking forward to the future, Sagaran wishes to hop back into the corporate world and lend his artistic expertise in the rebranding process of a five-star hotel.
Of Art and Wine: Moving Forward at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C runs from 30 August to 22 October. For inquiries or reservations, call (632) 8833 9999 or email conradmanila@conradhotels.com.