Michael Sagaran’s neon dreamscapes at Xavier Art Fest
My goal was to evoke smiles and a sense of connection for everyone who experiences the collection
Riding High
Photographs courtesy of Michael Sagaran
A series of vibrant acrylic paintings stood out at Altro Mondo Gallery’s booth during last weekend’s Xavier Art Fest. A Chinese-Filipino mother and her teenage daughter pointed at a neon, cyberpunk-inspired painting of a relaxed pug cruising on a Vespa against a sunset backdrop, inquiring about its price.
The girl lingered by the painting for a while, clearly captivated — probably imagining it adorning her wall, or admiring the skilled brushstrokes and vivid colors that seemed to leap off the canvas and drawing viewers into a bubbly, escapist, neon-lit realm.
The artwork is by Michael Sagaran, a contemporary Filipino artist renowned for his lively pop art pieces. He recently debuted his latest works at Xavier School’s landmark art event, and DAILY TRIBUNE had the privilege of speaking with the artist about his newest collection:
Michael Sagaran’s artwork displayed at Booth 39 (Altro Mondo Gallery) at the Xavier Art Fest.
DAILY TRIBUNE (DT): Your new collection features playful and nostalgic themes blended with pop art. What inspired you to explore this particular direction for the Xavier Art Fest?
MICHAEL SAGARAN (MS): My inspiration came from a deep desire to create art that brings people back to a time of joy, innocence and carefree moments. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion — it connects us to our happiest memories and reminds us of the simple pleasures that shaped who we are. For this collection, I wanted to merge that sense of familiarity with the vibrant, playful energy of pop art to spark happiness and wonder. The Xavier Art Fest felt like the perfect platform to explore this direction, as it attracts an audience that appreciates creativity and meaningful expression. My goal was to evoke smiles and a sense of connection for everyone who experiences the collection.
Neon Rider
DT: How did the Xavier Art Fest offer a unique platform for your work compared to previous exhibitions you’ve participated in?
MS: The Xavier Art Fest has a special vibrancy and warmth that makes it stand out. It’s not just an art exhibition — it’s a community gathering that celebrates creativity in all its forms. This setting allows my work to reach a diverse audience, from seasoned art enthusiasts to families and young minds seeing art as a source of inspiration for the first time. What makes it unique for me is the opportunity to connect more personally with viewers and share the stories behind my pieces. The festival atmosphere encourages dialogue, which adds a new dimension to how my art is experienced. It’s a chance to see firsthand how my work resonates with different people, which is incredibly fulfilling as an artist.
