Escora, Kiko

Born in 1970, Kiko Escora emerged during a critical period of cultural liberalization in post-1986 Manila. This shift allowed alternative, underground expressions to thrive. Escora discovered his path early on through a childhood lesson from his father, who taught him to associate the colors of the color wheel with specific songs—a formative experience that linked his visual choices to auditory rhythms.

Beyond the gallery circuit, Escora is a legendary figure in Manila’s subcultural history. Under his Manila Animal moniker, he accidentally launched a prolific parallel career as a club DJ at Malate's historic Dawn club, forever intertwining the worlds of fine art, street culture, and electronic soundscapes. He is primarily represented by The Drawing Room in Makati City.

Major Awards & Institutional Highlights:

2003: Recipient of the prestigious Thirteen Artists Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), cementing his status as a progressive vanguard of his generation.

Secondary Market Success: His landmark works, such as Spectacle for the Ladies, are highly valued on the international secondary art market, regularly tracking top-tier results at premier regional auctions.

Selected Solo Exhibitions:

2022: EKLAT – The Drawing Room, Makati City, Philippines

2018: Kenkoya (A satirical sculptural installation examining the post-colonial Filipino psyche through traditional Bulul motifs) – Secret Fresh Gallery, San Juan City

2009: Mono (His 23rd milestone solo exhibition) – Singapore

2007: Map of the Problematique (A landmark series of 19 raw charcoal renderings documenting Manila’s creative and bohemian elite) – The Drawing Room, Manila

2000: Pencil Posturing (Debut breakthrough solo presentation) – The Drawing Room, Manila

Selected Global Group Showcases:

2023: Me Love You Long Time Please Touch Me Not Feature – National Gallery Singapore Gallery Benefit

Global Footprint: Frequently showcased across premier international art destinations, including dedicated features at the Jane Lombard Gallery in New York City, as well as regular, high-profile presentations at Art Fair Philippines.