LOOK: Christine Sioco is the latest artist-in-residence at Crimson Boracay

The artist brings fresh point of view to the heart of creativity at Station Zero

“I sculpt flowers so they won’t die; I have fallen in love with the boldness and fragility.”

These are the words of artist Christine Sioco, inspired by the immortal words of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who sought to immortalize the ephemeral beauty of spring blossoms in her work.

Known for her exquisite canvases splashed with vibrant colors and thought-provoking imagery, as well as delicate-looking bas reliefs depicting mythical figures, Christine joined the arts program at Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay last December 2023 as its third artist-in-residence, succeeding Je An “Govinda” Marquesto, who held the position from 2022 to 2023.

Born in 1984, Christine is a native of Oriental Mindoro, the only daughter among her parents’ four children. From an early age, she showed great promise in her creativity, with a marked eye for beauty and a penchant for expressing herself in beautifully rendered images.

Following a stint at the Philippine High School for the Arts in Laguna, the artist earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Technological University of the Philippines in 2005. She later gained undergraduate credits in sculpture from the University of the Philippines.

Combining different artistic techniques to create her magnificent bas relief pieces and gloriously brilliant sculptural canvases, she presents a strong point of view characterized by a studied mix of feminine delicacy, the resilience of the overseas Filipino worker, and the storied lore of local myth and legend, particularly that of her home province.

Her work has been featured not only domestically but also at exhibitions in Singapore and Dubai. More recently, one of her early acrylic on canvas pieces from 2013, titled “Breaking the Invisible Chain,” was among the artworks auctioned in October 2023 at Leon Gallery.

As artist-in-residence, she handles the daily art sessions at Crimson Boracay. The morning sessions are devoted to children’s classes, while the afternoon sessions are for participants thirteen years of age and older.

Held from Wednesday to Saturday, these sessions are meant to help resort guests bring out their more creative side even while they’re on holiday. Likewise, the lessons aim to decrease the stresses of everyday living and boost the confidence and mental health of individual participants.