Sergon (20th Century) Philippino-American Now a California resident, Sergon grew up surrounded by the diverse cultural influences of China, Japan and South East Asia. After winning first place in a nationwide painting competition, he was admitted as a scholar at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, and later went on further studies at the Scudla Lorenzo de Medici in Florence, Italy. Sergon, who was born in Manila, is noted for his paintings of brilliant still-life and lush gardens. His highly prized canvases of Japanese Koi fish and lovely, mysterious women garbed in richly colored Japanese kimonos give one an insight into his skills as an artist. The paintings are realistic in form and detail, and yet there is an impressionistic aura surrounding each piece. Sergon is achieving recognition as an exceptional talent here and abroad. His works are on display in various private and government offices, notably the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. His numerous collectors include such noted figures as Uri Geller, Gabe Kaplan, and the former First Lady of the Philippines, Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos, who not only owns a substantial number of his paintings, but in addition, specially commissioned Sergon murals for the Chief Executive Palace. His work has been exhibited by the prestigious "Galleries Atelier Gourdon Japan Ltd" at the art fair in Tokyo, January 1991. Sergon's works have also been exhibited at Merril Chase Galleries - Chicago, as well as Simic Galleries - Beverly Hills, La Jolla, and Sergon's recognition continually grows and excells, here and abroad.