Magzoid Magazine - Luxury Magazine in the Creative Space | July 2023 |

Unveiling Desires: The Artistic
Tapestry of Augustine Paredes
- Exclusive to Magzoid
Augustine Paredes, born in the
Philippines in 1994, is a multi-disciplinary
artist who weaves a mesmerizing
exploration of migration,
identity, and longing into his creative expressions.
Through the mediums of photography,
painting, poetry, and installation, Augustine
delves into the complex realm of desire, provoking
thought and introspection.
In 2022, Augustine’s artistic prowess
shone on the international stage with his first
solo exhibition, ‘PARADISE 4EVER,’ hosted
by Gulf Photo Plus in Dubai. His talent has
been sought after by prestigious institutions
and organizations, including Alserkal Arts
Foundation, Art Dubai, Warehouse 421,
Goethe Institut, and the Royal Commission
of AlUla, where he has undertaken captivating,
commissioned projects. Augustine’s
artistic journey has taken him across borders,
exhibiting his works in the Philippines,
Malaysia, Latvia, Australia, the United States
of America, and the United Arab Emirates,
leaving an indelible mark on the global art
scene. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Augustine
Paredes is an accomplished author
and independent publisher. He has authored
several art books, including “Conversations
at the end of the universe” (2020), “Long
Night Stands With Lonely, Lonely Boys”
(2021), “Happy to be here to be happy”
(2022), and “The Bitter Taste of Sweetness”
(2022). These books serve as an extension
of his artistic vision, further immersing readers
in his evocative world of emotions and
desires. Augustine’s commitment to fostering
a sense of community and uplifting Filipino
art and creatives led him to co-found
the Sa Tahanan Collective alongside curator
Anna Bernice. This platform serves as a dynamic
space for exhibitions, art sales, and
collaborations, providing a much-needed
platform for Filipino artists to showcase their
talent and perspectives.
Beyond his personal artistic practice, Augustine
Paredes also thrives as a commercial
photographer, specializing in fashion,
portraits, and lifestyle. His expertise in capturing
the essence of his subjects has garnered
him representation by the esteemed
Dubai-based agency, Seeing Things.
Through his commercial work, Augustine
continues to showcase his artistic sensibilities,
creating visually stunning imagery
that resonates with audiences. The artistic
journey of Augustine Paredes is beautifully
encapsulated in a series of captivating artist
books. From “Conversations at the end of
the universe” (2020) to “The Bitter Taste of
Sweetness” (2022), these publications offer
an intimate glimpse into the artist’s profound
exploration of desire, emotions, and human
connections. Education has played a pivotal
role in Augustine’s artistic development.
He pursued Fine Arts under the guidance
of Prof. Haegeu Yang at Hochschule für
Bildende Künste–Städelschule, where he
honed his craft and expanded his artistic horizons.
Prior to his formal art education, Augustine
obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Mass
Communication from Ateneo de Davao University,
laying the foundation for his creative
storytelling and communication skills.
Augustine Paredes’s artistic journey has
been further enriched by his participation
in notable residencies and fellowships. The
AlUla Artist Residency offered by the Royal
Commission of AlUla in 2022 provided a
transformative space for creative exploration.
Augustine was also selected as part of
the esteemed Salama Bint Hamdan Emerging
Artists Fellowship Cohort 8 in 2021,
Warehouse 421 x Gulf Photo Plus in 2020,
Campus Art Dubai 7.0 in 2019, and the International
Summer School of Photography
in 2018. These immersive experiences have
allowed Augustine to expand his artistic repertoire,
collaborate with fellow creatives, and
push the boundaries.
-feature@magzoid.com
www.magzoid.com July 2023
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