Charlie Co created Foo Dogs and Dragons as a vivid and symbolically rich painting that draws on traditional East Asian motifs to comment on contemporary societal issues. He employs the imagery of foo dogs—mythical lion-like Chinese guardian lions—and dragons, both symbols of protection and power in Chinese culture. Co uses his distinctive style, marked by vibrant colors and surreal compositions, to infuse the painting with dynamism and urgency. He portrays the interplay between the foo dogs and dragons to symbolize the tension between preservation and change, tradition and innovation.

About the Artist:

Charlie Co, a prominent Filipino contemporary visual artist, creates vivid, symbol-laden works that blend socio-realist themes with expressionist and surrealist styles. He uses a vibrant palette and allegorical imagery to address pressing social and political issues. He explores topics such as war, environmental degradation, and societal injustices, demonstrating his deep engagement with both local and global concerns. He employs various mediums—including acrylic on modeling paste, clay, oil pastel, and pen and ink—to produce dynamic compositions that convey powerful emotions.