WHEN Spencer Ozo made his solo exhibition debut in 2022 at Conrad Manila’s Gallery C, he was touted as the hotel’s homegrown artistic talent, serving as its assistant front desk manager.
Four years later, Ozo returns for his follow-up showcase at the hotel’s long-running Of Art and Wine series with Intimate Reflections. The 25-piece presentation serves as a visual diary that logs his deepest emotions, personal experiences, and ongoing journey with self-discovery. It also carries the theme of duality beyond Ozo’s titles with a balanced mix of figurative and abstract artworks.
‘Through this collection, I hope to encourage reflection and meaningful conversations about identity, growth, and the shared human experience,’ the multihyphenate said.
Born and raised in Baguio City, Ozo joined Conrad Manila in 2017 and only began painting during the height of the Covid-19 global pandemic. He lost several loved ones during that time, and channeled his emotions on canvas using materials gifted by his cousin.
Ozo proved to be a natural. Given his state of mind then, his earlier pieces centered on darker tones and themes, before expanding in concepts, colors and techniques. The growth takes center stage in Ozo’s ongoing show, which runs until September.
The exhibition features several triptychs that visualize the artist’s psyche and appreciation for natural beauty. Inner Thoughts shows a human subject with its eyes closed and hair shared, as if caught deep into a state of introspection, turning in the series from one side to the next. Then, Whisper of the Wind shows a maya mid-flight, flapping its wings rendered in realistic detail. Meanwhile, Oro del Mundo and Sun Glints serve as series of textured, cosmic-inspired abstractions heavy on gold and its complementary tones of blue and black.
Ozo also presents a creative rendition of Osaka, with some of its culinary and pop-culture iconographies orbiting a heaping bowl of ramen.
Whenever asked how he balances his day job with an art career, Ozo cites those who juggle the same roles as inspirations, including SM Investments executive vice president/feng shui artist Lizanne Uychaco and senior business analyst/environmental artist Lara Latosa, who have both exhibited at
Gallery C as well. Ozo also points to a Japan trip
with his wife, saying it keeps him inspired to create new artworks.
In his speech during the show’s opening reception, Ozo shared that he encountered the Japanese concept of misogi during their most recent trip. It’s about conquering a life-defining challenge as a key to self-discovery and happiness. Ozo said that this stretch of his exhibit feels like the payoff of his misogi, because he also learned the day before it opened that he’s going to be a dad.
From his current post as front desk manager to his expanding role as visual artist and upcoming function as a father, Ozo has learned over the years to blur the boundaries between his many duties. After all, the path toward self-discovery is less about an either-or proposition and more of an amalgamation of all things at once.
‘Art has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of who I am,’ Ozo said. ‘It allows me to navigate personal histories, cultural influences, and emotional truths with honesty and intention.’