Those familiar with San Pascual`s work, particularly his circle series, often note the influence of fellow abstractionist Nena Saguil. San Pascual confirmed this, sharing “I used to spend time at her Paris studio by the River Seine. I introduced myself, and as a budding painter, I closely observed and emulated her techniques.”
Another significant influence was printmaker Ofelia Celvezon-Tequi, whose house in France he frequently visited. “Spending time in her studio had a profound impact on me. I was young and eager, often dining at her place and watching her create prints,” he reminisced.
The work of San Pascual is primarly influenced by the 1980s growing up. His works are not just abstracts. In fact, if the eye is discerning enough, it can spot whale-like figures, the eye itself staring back at the spectator, spirals, people in profile or in full face, masks, bubbles, wheels, breast nipples and whatever else the imagination dictates.
Popo San Pascual studied Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines major in Painting under Roberto Chabet. He worked as a trainee to master printmaker Gianfranco Gorini in Venice, Italy and American artist David Webster in Paris, France. In 1988, he was a recipient of the 13 Artists Awards granted by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Recently, Qube Gallery showcased 20 of his smaller pieces in Helsinki, Finland, creating the effect of one large, cohesive artwork.