Hero Granada

Hero Granada stands as a digital illustrator and graphic designer hailing from La Union, Philippines. In addition to his creative pursuits, he excels as a Digital Marketing Specialist and Web Designer & Developer, demonstrating a multifaceted skill set. Hero holds a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University - MLUC.

At the young age, art became his true interest. Igniting a passion that drove him to refine his craft across diverse mediums, including pastels, acrylics, graphite, and charcoal. This exploration ultimately propelled him into the realm of digital art.

His artistic prowess shines through a unique fusion of surrealism and animation, breathing life into his creations using Augmented Reality. Guided by personal experiences, emotions, and a unique perspective on the human condition, Hero's work resonates with depth and meaning; creating a modern visual metaphor.

His artistry has graced both local and international stages, including prestigious exhibitions like Art Fair Philippines 2023-2024, Luzon Art Fair 2023, NFT NYC 2024, NFT Paris 2024, NOX Gallery – Japan, ETH Milan 2023, to name a few.

Artist Statement

In my work, I strive to capture the delicate balance of something as temperamental as life. I often blend elements of nature and flowers with skeletons or decaying individuals, creating a unique synergy that reminds the viewer of the beautiful dance between death and rebirth of beauty.

My creative journey is a testament to the idea that art knows no boundaries, transcending the conventional and merging with the digital landscape. Art has transcended the confines of traditional frames on walls and is now evolving into a profoundly interactive experience. It is a voyage into the uncharted waters of surrealism and animation, where the lines between the real and the fantastical blur. – Hero Granada

- www.herogranada.art

- https://www.instagram.com/herogranada

- https://x.com/GranadaHero

Restore 2.0

Digital, no AI used

Whats the inspiration / story associated with the artwork?

Restore 2.0, the sequel to 'Restore,' delves deeper into personal restoration, drawing inspiration from 'Kintsugi,' the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with precious metals. In the depths of life's trials, there come moments when one feels utterly shattered, enveloped in anxiety, stripped of joy and peace. But shall we allow ourselves to remain broken? Let us learn to gather the pieces of our once whole selves; act, and refuse to linger in ruin. With determination and resilience, let us utilize the inherent strength within our hearts, akin to precious gold, to reconstruct our shattered beings. For even in times of despair and brokenness, there is hope and support available from our one true Father to help us heal and restore.

God Hand Digital, Augmented Reality Animation, no AI used

Whats the inspiration / story associated with the artwork?

God Hand is a collaboration artwork with Dave Lock. It dissertates the near-omnipotent nature of art and how it has become a language that transcends time and the cultural pillars of different generations. Aesthetically, the artwork shows gestural mastications of form and structure, suggesting an intensified state of emotional freedom. In concept, the painting discusses the ability of art to transform human perception, from situations as simple as healing a broken heart, to conquering the world by giving face to different gods and elements of worship. It's purpose is one that defies classification, as its maker can only do so much. It all boils down to how people would interpret it; be it a weapon, a comforting embrace, or an elixir of eternity.

This NFT is paired with an exclusive, redeemable 3 x 4ft physical artwork created by Dave Lock, brought to life through Augmented Reality.

Whats the inspiration / story associated with the artwork?

A piece that draws inspiration from 'Kintsugi', the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with precious metals. It symbolizes the enduring cultural influences of Japan to the Philippines, showcasing the beauty that emerges from shared experiences of conflict and recovery, and the mending of cultural ties.

The piece connects together elements of Japanese culture encapsulating the resilient Filipino heart. It celebrates the striking blend of artistry and lifestyle connection between these two nations, reminding us that beauty can emerge even in the mending of broken bonds.

Whats the inspiration / story associated with the

Exhibitions and Awards

• NFT Bali 2024: The Soul's Palette Superlative Gallery, Bali, Indonesia – June 05-06, 2024

• Belgium Takes Over by Artcrush Gallery Exhibition from over 1,000 screens all over Belgium – May 21-27, 2024

• NFC Summit 2024 Lisbon, Portugal – May 28-30, 2024 Tokyo Solid Mexico II Museo Internacional del Barroco, Puebla, Mexico – May 23, 2024 – June 30, 2024

• 2024 East Asian Theme Art Exhibition Times Square, New York City, USA – May 18, 2024

• Hong Kong International AR Art Fair 2024 Asia-World Expo, Hong Kong – May 16-19, 2024

• NFT Bucharest NORD Events Center by Globalworth, Bucharest, Romania – May 8-9, 2024

• Arts & Healing Exhibit for Mental Health Awareness Month The Crypt Gallery, New York City, USA – May 1-31, 2024

• BananaConf Tallinn 2024 Tallinn, Estonia – April 22-24, 2024

• Arts DAO Fest 2.0 The Agenda, Dubai, UAE – April 20-21, 2024

• NFT NYC 2024 Hudson Yards and Times Square, New York City, USA – April 3-5,2024

• HUGFest NYC 2024 Canvas 3.0 Gallery, Oculus, World Trade Center, New York City, USA – April 2, 2024

• Artcrush Gallery – NFT NYC 2024 Times Square, New York City, USA – April 3,2024

• Super Burrito 366 x Superchief Gallery NFT The Canvas 3.0, 185 Greenwich St, New York City, USA – March 5, 2024

• NFT Paris 2024 Grand Palais Ephémère, Paris, France – February 23-24, 2024

• NOX Gallery – Japan Web3 Week Tokyo Big Sight / Tokyo International Exhibition Center, Tokyo, Japan – February 20-22, 2024

• Art Fair Philippines 2024 The Link Ayala Center, Makati, Philippines – February 16-18, 2024

• L'Éclat “The Spark” Iham Gallery, Paris, France – February 8-22, 2024

• NFT UK – Digital Futures Samsung King’s Cross, 1 Stable St, London – December 20, 2023

• SHILLR Mobile Galleries x Unfold Gallery Art Basel Miami, Miami, USA –December 7-10, 2023

• <imnotArt> Community Gallery 22 1010 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, Illinois, USA –October 31 - November 11, 2023

• Luzon Art Fair 2023 Diwa ng Tarlac & Bulwagang Kanlahi, Tarlac City – October 26-29, 2023

• ETH Milan 2023 Palazzo Delle, Stelline, Milan Italy – October 5-6, 2023

• Blockchain Brushstrokes – AR Tech Fest 2023 Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig, Philippines – August 26-31, 2023

• Art Fair Philippines 2023 The Link Ayala Center, Makati, Philippines – February 17-19, 2023

• Volume 5: 101 Contemporary Artists and More...

• The Daily Tribune Newspaper – "Luzon Art Fair celebrates regional talent, fosters artistic connections"-

• Manila Bulletin Newspaper – "Luzon Art Fair 2023: Showcasing regional talent and nurturing artistic connections"

• Business Insight Newspaper –"Celebrating regional talent and fostering artistic connections"

Artist Bio

I obtained a first class honors degree in Fine Art from ottingham Trent University, 1996, and undertook postgraduate studies at Loughborough University, where my tutors included John Atkin FRBS and Dan Archer FRBS.

I have worked on large-scale sculptures 4 meters high and at a more intimate scale 30 cm in mixed media. My early sculptures were constructed from mild steel, using a variety of ready-made fixings such as nuts, bolts and silk ribbon. The materials were used metaphorically as I made vessels. These expressions of the body conveyed the relationship between our inner and outer selves, strength and fragility, the hidden and vulnerable. The fascination with contradictions emerged from learning about cultural practices; studies by anthropologists such as Nigel Barley (Smashing Pots), and Mary Douglas (Purity and Danger) and the zoologist Desmond Morris (Man Watching).

Trained originally as an illustrator, I work in a Baroque style. Influenced by Bernini, Anthony Gormley, Phillip King, Cathy de Monchaux, and Grayson Perry. Currently working in bronze I like to place figurative forms in precarious positions using strong geometric steel shapes as supports.

A multi award-winning sculptor (‘Mind Body Spirit’ International Art – Competition.net, Best in show, APT Deptford 2015, Nominated by Richard Deacon CBE, Silver Gilt Award at Chelsea Flower Show 2022 and Gold at Blenheim 2021), I sell through various gallery platforms in the UK and USA, with work in the permanent collection of The Robert T Webb Sculpture Park, Georgia, USA.

I work to commission with clients including Juliet Sargeant, Blue Peter, BBC1 and Netflix, Stonewater Housing, AK des igns, Best and Lloyd Lighting Design Ltd. and various private clients.

Press includes: Portobello Radio April 2023, BBC coverage of Arthur for Blue Peter Garden 2022, The Times Newspaper May 2022, I Weekend June 2021; BBC1 Home is where the Art is. Netflix – Drama series Dracula, Flux Review Magazine 2021, CAKE 2020 and London Live 2018 amongst others.

Artist Statement

With an ethical consciousness, I create work that examines the contradictions of human action and thought, in an attempt to survive. Rule breaking, disconcerted relationships, miscommunication, isolation, vulnerability, and fragility fascinate: as do tenacity, ingenuity, forgiveness and strength. I use the medium of sculpture to communicate that it is our whole selves complete with flaws that make us fascinating.

www.teresawells.co.uk