Oliver Marquez
As an artist is a testament to perseverance, cultural awareness, and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. Born on April 30, 1974, in Angeles City, Pampanga, he was raised in a family deeply involved in wildlife illustration, an early exposure that shaped his artistic foundation. However, his journey was not without obstacles. The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo forced his family to relocate to Malolos, Bulacan, disrupting his formative years in art.
Despite financial limitations preventing him from formally pursuing Fine Arts, Marquez enrolled in a Drafting course at Bulacan State University in 1993. Though technical in nature, this education did not satisfy his artistic aspirations. His father, a respected painter, became his mentor, instilling in him discipline and a profound respect for the power of visual narratives. For over a decade, Marquez set aside his artistic pursuits to run a sign-making business. However, in 2011, a friend’s encouragement reignited his passion for painting, marking his return to the art world with renewed purpose and depth.
Major Awards
- Grand Prize – PAGCOR National Art Competition
- Grand Prize – Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) On-the-Spot Painting Contest
- Grand Prize – Governor Ejercito’s Pagsanjan Art Competition
- Winner – Life of Dr. Jose Rizal in Europe Painting Competition (2014)
- Winner – The 6th Mandala Art Festival (2017)
- Winner – GSIS National Art Competition (2013, 2021, 2022, 2023)
- Honoree – Dangal ng Lipi ng Bulacan (2019)
- Other Recognitions
- Honorable Mention – Miguel Malvar National Art Competition (2012)
- 1st Place – AAP Mabini Art National Painting Competition (2013)
- 2nd Place – Dr. Jose Rizal in Europe National Art Competition (2013)
- Honorable Mention – GSIS National Art Competition, Representational Category (2017)
- Finalist – GSIS National Art Competition (2020, 2021, 2022, 2024)
- 2nd Place – GSIS National Art Competition, Non-Representational Category (2023)
- Governor’s Choice Award – Tarlac National Painting Competition (2024)
- 2025 GSIS Grand Winner Non Representational Category
