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Yanno Cruz
Yanno Cruz
	portrait Yanno Cruz
Born	Yanno Cabrera Cruz; November 10, 1980; Paco, Manila
Known for	Painting
Movement	Impressionism, Social Realism

Yanno Cabrera Cruz (November 10, 1980 - Present) is a renowned Filipino painter and social activist.

Regarded as one of the courageous activist in the modern times, he became popular through his exhibit called “Linlang” (The Deceit) wherein he bared all the corruption of capitalism and contractualization. He uses his skill to make the society realize the harsh realities of life. He started off as a painter of western paintings such as impressionism. He had a few works portraying landscapes and sceneries. Upon the death of his father, his worked focused more on realism.

Despite his dedication to his work and purpose, some people consider his actions and decisions as impulsive and irresponsible

Biography

Early life

Yanno Cabrera Cruz was the only child of Esmeralda Cabrera, a seamstress, and of Eduardo Cruz, a factory worker. He was born and raised in Paco, Manila wherein he spent his childhood days helping his mother and practicing his artistic skills through drawings and paintings. His mother first noticed his creative gifts when she saw the elaborate lines and designs on his son’s drawing of piko (Hopscotch game). She then helped her son hone his skills by giving him a picture of landscapes or beautiful views which in turn will be the focus of Yanno’s painting in his early years in college.

Education

Yanno begun his studies at Paco Elementary School and continued to Paco National High School where he both graduated as one of the top in his class. He was accepted to a number of state universities like Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and University of the Philippines, Diliman (UPD). He studied Fine Arts in UPD and got a scholarship which assisted him in the early years of his college life. During these years, his focus were mainly on western art, specifically, impressionism.

Artistic Career

During his first years in college, he presented his impressionism paintings through his first exhibit held in Vargas Museum. A lot of people loved and bought his paintings. He used the money acquired to support his education.

in a museum

among the masses

Turning Point

The factory where his father was working experienced a layoff and his father was one of the unfortunate workers who were kicked out. Days after losing his job, Eduardo was hospitalized due to kidney failure. Because of lack of money and no benefits from the factory he used to work at, Eduardo died a few months after.

Yanno, crushed by the death of his father and angered by the injustice experienced by Eduardo, dedicated his work to exposing the cruelties and harsh realities of life through his painting. His worked revolved from impressionism to social realism. Through exhibits which Yanno organized himself with the help of his supporters and private connections, he got to earn enough money to pay for his father’s medications and other fees.

Style and Technique

Cruz has been described as the “most well-known social realistic artist” as he was one of the first artists who themed their artworks with the social issues. But before he even became an activist, Cruz’s artworks are usually landscapes and scenery which he had seen during his first years in UP Diliman. His works were bright in color theme, usually vibrant shades of green, yellow, blue, and red. When he became an activist, his style had almost completely changed. This can be clearly seen in his choice of colors: bright colors turned into dark hues. His impressionistic subjects also changed into realistic themed pieces which focus on individuals affected by social issues.

Critical Evaluation

His unexpected change in movement shocked the people. The responses of his critics are divided because of this. Some adored him more for focusing into social issues as basis for his paintings. There are also others who thought he could’ve just focused more on painting sceneries and landscapes instead of wasting his talent on artworks based on political issues.