Ricky Francisco was born and raised in the vibrant city of Baguio. His family migrated from different provinces and settled in this mountain city.
Ricky Francisco PHOTO FROM LANDER BLANZA
He studied Social Sciences with a major in Anthropology and Sociology at Ateneo de Manila University.
He never imagined he would work in the arts, because he took a job unrelated to his course. During the Asian Financial Crisis, he found a position as a curatorial assistant at the Ayala Museum. At that time, the museum needed assistance with conducting an inventory of its collection and organizing the archives. This role gave him the rare opportunity to study closely the works of Filipino masters such as Amorsolo, Zobel, and Arellano, as he spent countless hours handling their pieces in storage.
His dedication caught the attention of his supervisors, leading to an assignment in Singapore, where he accompanied eight Amorsolo paintings and worked alongside German conservator Renate Kant. Later, Francisco helped mount the BPI 150th anniversary exhibition at the Ayala Museum, under the direction of Sandy Castro and Nina Baker.
His next opportunity, which further deepened his understanding of Philippine art and curatorial work, came when he joined the Lopez Museum as a collection management consultant. The museum boasts an extensive collection of books, maps, prints, and artworks spanning from the 16th to the 21st century. There, he worked closely with curators Eileen Legaspi Ramirez and Yeyey Cruz, enhancing his experience in the field.
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Later, Francisco continued his journey by accepting a curatorial position at a small space in Singapore called White Canvas Gallery. He subsequently worked at the Singapore Tyler Print Institute. Although the experience was valuable, he found himself deeply missing Manila.
After about two years, he returned to the Philippines and began an independent curatorial practice. One of his consistent clients during this time was Fundación Sansó, where he served as a curatorial consultant from 2014 to 2019. In 2019, he was appointed as its director.
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Moreover, upon returning from Singapore, artists Anton del Castillo and Francis Nacion invited him to write about their exhibitions. Boy David of Altromondo and Rio Ambrosio of Artes Orientes provided him with his first opportunities in curating.
Although he painted privately, he never considered himself an artist until the pandemic. The threat of mortality prompted him to reflect on his capabilities and realize that if a gallery believed in his work, it was worthy of public display. He decided to trust their judgment instead of constantly comparing himself to the many masters with whom he had worked.
In 2021, he showcased several pieces through Suzzaine Tiausas from Art Lounge Manila, who included him in an abstract group exhibition. Francisco submitted seven works, and all of them sold. This was a sign for him to keep moving forward. Tiausas then offered him a solo exhibition in 2022, but Francisco wanted to be practical and decided to build a stronger collector base first. He continued to exhibit regularly until he established a steady sales record.
In 2024, he finally had his first solo exhibition at Galerie Stephanie. He accepted the offer because they provided a manageable space, which was essential for him since he still worked full-time and could only paint from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The exhibition was a success, and now he is preparing for his second solo exhibition with them in September 2025.
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As an artist, he aimed to convey the peace and gratitude he experienced through his creations. During the pandemic, he spent time reflecting on sunsets, which filled him with awe and appreciation for the Creator. This quiet beauty is something he wants to share through his art. His vision is to create a series of works that promote traditional handweaving by incorporating indigenous handwoven textiles into his pieces.
Francisco advises young artists: “Being a professional artist isn’t easy. You must be honest in your expression and strong enough to accept that not everyone will appreciate your work. Selling art is especially tough now, with many artists and collectors already having acquired pieces during the lockdown. But if you’re serious, persevere. Your body of work will define you. Stay true, be authentic, and keep creating — only sincere, relevant works stand the test of time.”
