With his 23rd solo exhibition “Drop of Point” unveiled at Art Cube Philippines, Demetrio dela Cruz — known in the art world as Demet — continues to assert his place as one of the most thought-provoking artists in Philippine contemporary art.
With his 23rd solo exhibition ‘Drop Off Point,’ the artist continues to assert his place as one of the most thought-provoking artists in the country. PHOTO BY LANDER BLANZA
Known for blending graphic design and fine art, the artist presents a compelling new collection that draws on both his advertising background and deeply personal themes.
In Drop of Point, dela Cruz works across various media — oil on cut-shaped wood in trompe l’oeil style, pen and ink drawings, serigraphs, installations, and functional sculptures. The pieces are marked by technical finesse and conceptual depth. Viewers are encouraged to touch, interact and reflect, turning the exhibition into an immersive conversation between object and audience.
At its core, the exhibit is a meditation on arrival — whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. By portraying parcels in transit, vehicles caught mid-route, or symbolic journeys through trials and faith, the artist explores themes of motion, struggle, and survival. It’s a powerful reminder to not only celebrate the journey but also acknowledge the unseen weight carried along the way.
Dela Cruz was born and raised in Novaliches, Quezon City, to Ilocano farmer parents from San Quintin, Pangasinan. He attended Gulod Novaliches Elementary School and Capitol Institute for high school, where he began joining art competitions and consistently won accolades for himself and his school.
He pursued a degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Advertising, at Far Eastern University (FEU). Under the mentorship of Dean Ventura and professor Robert Ko, he was encouraged to enter major student art competitions. During college, he represented FEU in the PLDT Art Cover Competitions and gained recognition in contests held by Metrobank, the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP), and GSIS.
After graduating, dela Cruz spent a decade in the advertising and design industry, working as an illustrator, graphic designer, and computer graphics artist. In 2004, he received the People’s Choice Award at The Sovereign Asian Art Prize in Hong Kong, and two years later, he won the prestigious Philip Morris Art Competition — now known as the Philippine Arts Awards — which became a turning point in his decision to pursue art full-time.
His early exhibitions included a group show at Gallery Y in 2005 and a solo show at the Art Center in Megamall in 2008. In 2010, he began long-term collaborations with Boston Gallery and Pinto Gallery through the support of respected collector, Joven Cuanang.
To date, the artist has held 23 solo exhibitions across leading galleries in the country. He is a member of the AAP, the oldest and most respected art group in the Philippines, and serves as curator at Boston Gallery. He also plays a vital role in the artistic committee of Pinto Gallery, helping shape exhibitions and mentor emerging talent — further cementing his influence in the local art scene.
With each new body of work, dela Cruz continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in themes that reflect the Filipino experience. Drop of Point is his latest and perhaps most resonant statement yet — a powerful testament to journey, place and purpose.