Diaz, Ramon

Born on September 5, 1944, in Manila, Ramon "Mon" Diaz is a cornerstone figure of the Philippine contemporary art scene. Navigating early childhood challenges with dyslexia, Diaz found his true voice through fluid physical gestures. Though initially sent to Europe to study graphic industries to prepare for his family's paper enterprise, Diaz chose a nomadic path of backpacking across Europe, eventually breaking free from corporate constraints to commit completely to a life of full-time fine art.

His global exposure heavily shaped his artistic landscape, paving the way for numerous solo presentations across France, Canada, the United States, and Asia. Alongside his own prolific studio practice, he shares an extraordinary legacy with his wife, Italian-born Silvana Ancellotti-Diaz, the legendary founder of Galleria Duemila—the oldest continuously operating contemporary art gallery in the Philippines. Together, they have nurtured and documented the careers of generations of the country's vanguard creators. He is also the father of successful trailblazers Romina, Marco, and famed social entrepreneur Illac Diaz.

Education & European Technical Training:

General Studies: Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Manila

Graphic Arts: Akademie für das Grafische Gewerbe – Munich, Germany

Color Separation Tech: Specialized training at Dr. Hell Electronic Color Separation (Kiel, Germany) and Tetterode (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Master Photography: Technical certifications from Agfa Photography (Brussels, Belgium) and Kodak Photography (England)

Selected Solo Exhibitions:

2019: A Collection of Sail Boats, Koi, Sumo and Horses – Galleria Duemila, Pasay City, Philippines

2018: Solo Show – Gallerie MX, Toronto, Canada

2017: Dawn of a Lucky Day – Charlie’s Art Gallery, Bacolod, Philippines

2014: Mythical Horses – New World Makati Hotel (in partnership with Galleria Duemila), Philippines

2012: Water Marks – Novotel Paris Les Halles, Paris, France

2011: Water Marks II – The Gallery at the Sofitel, Philadelphia / Lumen Gallery, New York City, USA

2010: Bord de Mer – Anagama Galerie, Versailles, France

2009: Passagemakers – Galleria Duemila, Pasay City, Philippines

2007: Celestial Horses – Galerie Astra / Le Soufflé at The Fort, Taguig City, Philippines

2004: COUNTERVISION – Galleria Duemila, Pasay City, Philippines

Selected Group Exhibitions & Surveys:

2022: EBB & FLOW: A Return to Nature (Euro-Pinoy Visual Arts Exhibition) – Yuchengco Museum, Makati City, Philippines

2002: PASSION AND SOLITUDE (Defining joint exhibition with master painter Justin Nuyda) – Galleria Duemila, Pasay City, Philippines

2000: ISABEL & RAMON DIAZ (Contemporary Filipino Artists Survey) – The Philippine Association of Hong Kong, Furama Hotel, Hong Kong