“We should search for our inner child again, to be curious and daring in exploring our journey in life. I hope my work would remind people that we should not take life too seriously and see things with children’s eyes.” — Nixxio Castrillo
For his latest exhibition, distinguished sculptor Nixxio Castrillo revisits his sentimental childhood; a heartfelt reminiscing of his carefree and jovial past as a young boy, innocent and ever curious of the world surrounding him.
Nixxio Castrillo takes inspiration from his younger self upon creation of his latest works, consisting of playful, whimsical and animated teddy bears sculpted from stainless steel and brass — a medium that the Castrillos are outstandingly renowned for. The artist explores his buoyant and carefree characteristics into creating the comical characters — a refreshing concept from the abstract, figurative and historical qualities of his previous work. “I delved back into my inner child and figured who and what I was — well, people say that I’m like a cuddly teddy bear,” the artist mentions. With his zealous and accomplished skill in brass-sculpting, Nixxio has auspiciously developed a new and exciting art style that he, as well as the family name, will be remembered and celebrated for once again.
Truly enough, there is a rather bleak monotony in the realities we face today, influencing us to forget the importance of a life fulfilled in a positive light. With this in mind, the artist hopes for us viewers to shift this perspective and search for our inner child, endlessly curious and brave to seek further a world that is presented to us.
Nixxio’s artistic style infuses color, with architectural forms and tight compositions, nuances which he learned and understood as a departure from the particularly defined creations of his father, Eduardo Castrillo. Each facet of Nixxio’s own unique oeuvre explores in the form of odes and tributes to his renowned and highly accomplished father. His background in architecture has made an impact on his body of work, most apparent in how his artworks interact with the environment, creating canyons and valleys of shadows between lines.
“Inner Child” by Nixxio Castrillo will be on view until October 16, 2022. Galerie Joaquin Podium is located at the 3rd level, the Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
