RJ Rey Agones Burlat, 34, known by many as “King,” has taken the world of art by storm with his unique approach to creating masterpieces.
Living in the picturesque town of Carrascal, King Burlat has not only embraced his Filipino heritage but has also translated it into his breathtaking artworks that have garnered attention both locally and beyond.
Hailing from Carrascal, Burlat is a multi-talented artist who specializes in mixed media, 3D art, and hyperrealism.
He describes himself as a self-taught artist who found his passion for creating art at a young age.
“Since elementary grade 1, hilig ko na po mag-drawing, pinagpatuloy ko lang,” he shared in an online interview with The Filipino Times.
His journey into the world of art eventually led him to become a top-ranking contender in various art contests, such as the prestigious Haring Ibon Artwork Contest where he secured a spot among the top 3 champions nationwide.
Burlat’s artistic evolution took a significant turn in 2019 when he delved into the world of realistic 3D drawings of Philippine currency.
“I was inspired by the works of Italian 3D artist illustrator Marcello Barenghi. I saw his timelapse drawings and learned techniques from him,” Burlat explained.
This newfound inspiration led him to experiment with different materials and techniques until he successfully captured the intricate details of currency notes on paper.
When asked about his motivation for creating these unique artworks, Burlat explained, “Kasi nga po ito ay pera nating mga Pinoy kaya na-inspire akong gumawa at gawin para sa sarili ko.”
He emphasized the significance of incorporating Filipino currency into his art, turning everyday objects into intricate pieces that reflect the heritage and culture of the Philippines.
His art materials include a diverse range, from watercolors and markers to colored pencils, ballpoint pens, acrylics, and even airbrushing techniques for shadow effects. These materials, combined with Burlat’s dedication and skill, allow him to bring life to seemingly ordinary pieces of paper.
Burlat’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
“Life has set me on a new path, and I have just moved to work as a draftsman of LGU Carrascal,” he shared. Despite the changes, his love for art remains unwavering. “Painting brings me peace and offers me a place to meditate on the beauty in the world & the grace I feel while living in it,” he added.
Burlat’s art has not only resonated with fellow artists but has also attracted buyers and admirers worldwide through social media platforms. His unique approach to art, combining patriotism and creativity, has turned heads and inspired others to look at everyday objects with fresh eyes.
As RJ Rey Agones Burlat continues to push the boundaries of art. His journey from elementary doodles to hyperrealistic currency art shows that when you put your heart into what you do, you’ll definitely flourish.
“Sa bawat gawa kong pera art, isang pagsilip sa kasaysayan at kultura ng ating bansa,” Burlat proudly shared, encapsulating the essence of his extraordinary artistic journey.
