Russel Trinidad (Doktor Karayom)
Details
Born
1992
,
Makati
Based
Makati
,
Metro Manila
Medium
Painting
Sculpture
Installation
Style
Figurative
Street Art
Bio
Russel Trinidad, professionally known as Doktor Karayom, is a Filipino contemporary visual artist born in 1992. He graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from the Technological University of the Philippines. Initially starting as a graffiti artist, he developed his distinctive style using predominantly red ink/paint while working as a graphic designer. Trinidad is known for his macabre imagery that explores human anatomy and societal issues through various mediums including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
Notable
- The name "Doktor Karayom" comes from the Filipino saying "Kahit butas ng karayom, papasukin ko" (I'll pass through the eye of a needle to achieve my dreams)
- Recipient of the prestigious Thirteen Artists Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2018
- Winner of the Ateneo Art Award in 2017
- Known for his exclusive use of red in his artworks, often depicting distorted human figures and anatomy
- Featured artist at the Palais de Tokyo's Summer Exhibition in Paris in 2019
- His most famous work "Isla Inip" features a 13-foot sculpture of national hero Jose Rizal with miniature figurines atop it
- Creates interactive installations that invite viewer participation
- Often accompanies his exhibitions with Tagalog poetry as artist statements
