Memory has always been a problem for photographer/photo-manipulator Michael Vincent Manalo, and re-thinking or recollecting a memory has always been hard. It will always be a blurry illusion of the past. So he just did what the camera was for, to take memories and withdraw the memories in the time he might want to look back to it.

Some of these memories, (the posed ones) for me, are a signal or a guide to remember the events that happen in between taking the photos. Some, more personal stories that I could take inspiration from, or feel good from as I age.
-Michael Vincent Manalo

I kind of aimed on portraying nostalgia and showing personal sides of the people I was with and the places I was in, in relation to my self at that time.
-Michael Vincent Manalo

My inspiration really is a memory bank, as I always considered the past, a possible illusion, or controlled illusion. Well, of course not in a way where you have grandiose illusions or schizophrenia, not that. I just wanted a source where I could gather memories from my past, also for those people I’ve taken photos of to see how it was in the past in relation to our relationship with the space and the time we had.
-Michael Vincent Manalo

In contemporary photography, I really like Benoit Paille’s photographs, and also Michal Karcz. I think, I want to relate it to what I’ve done, don’t let people destroy your spirit/passion for creating. Better yet, stay away from people who could destroy your passion. :P Also, do lots of work, find yourself and what you really want to make.
-Michael Vincent Manalo

About Michael Vincent Manalo

Michael Vincent Manalo consider himself a free-spirit - he loves games, rain, winter but also, the beach. He was born in Manila, Philippines in 1986, but now he's based in Taichung, Taiwan. He is a visual artist who focuses on photography and its other forms, digital paintings, installations and occasionally make music. His work are inspired by the imagined memories of nostalgic and dream-like environments; his works documents their decline into post-apocalyptic, nightmarish creations. He have exhibited in several countries - Australia, Azerbaijan, Denmark, England, Germany, Georgia, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Philippines, Poland, Serbia, South Korea, Taiwan, UK and USA. He have won the 1st prize in the Digital Art Category at the Art Museum of Chianciano Terme, Italy and Best Photography Illustration from The Redmond Digital Arts Festival in Washington, USA. See more of his works on Behance or his website.