The Philippines’ first and only organization of illustrators for Children, Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK), will open its annual exhibit titled “At Home” on Thursday, April 13, at Parola: UP Fine Arts Gallery in Quezon City. The exhibit opening will be followed by a public reception on Saturday, April 15.
Featuring 60 house-shaped art pieces in various digital and traditional media, the exhibit presents a behind-the-scenes look at the home life of Ang INK members or “Inkies”. The collection also showcases various interpretations of what “home” means to Inkies or what “home” could be like.
“It is where the heart is, but sometimes, also where the ‘asar’ is,” say the Inkies. “Life at home is complex and nuanced. More than shelter, the home is witness to myriad activities, experiences, and memories.” Among the works are Viel Vidal’s “Safe Safe Space Space”, which spotlights a figure who appears to be dreaming while reclining comfortably with closed eyes. Mickey Velarde’s “Shelter” depicts several dogs of various breeds at play indoors. “Clingy” by May Tobias-Papa zooms in on a child enfolded by kisses of his parents.
Jomike Tejido’s “The Maker’s Space” is a non-representational mixed media piece while Angela Taguiang’s “You Feel Like Home” is a conceptual portraiture piece rendered in an analogous palette. “Furever Home” by Tinay Sison features a multi-panel narrative highlighting vignettes from the life of a cheerful pet owner.
Kim Santiago’s “Salubong” is a vibrantly coloured illustration that presents frisky pets welcoming their owner who has just come home. “Batkivshina” by Benedict Reyna shows a solitary figure in a steampunk-esque sleeping area who seems to be communing with spirits, while Rex Aguilar’s “Growing Home” is a multimedia collage with delicately cut-out trees.
Ian Reverente’s “Uwian Na”, a playful digital art depicting comic book references to a “Baston of Destiny”, “Blazing Tsinelas” and “Striking Walis Tambo”. Liz Ranola’s bold black, white and red rendering of “Home is Anywhere the Fam is” shows a cheerful family with pets, while Patricia Ramos’ “After School Special” focuses on a student who has just come home sharing a snack with her dog.
“After being away, a taste of home is delicious and a glimpse of home can be very precious,” they add. “We can welcome people into our home for some company or choose to shut the door if some solitude is in order. We can be ourselves, wear our rattiest clothes, make a mess, and just be ‘at home’.”
Mini Art Fair and Panel Discussions
Held in conjunction with the exhibit will be a series of panel discussions and a mini art fair offering books, artworks and craftproducts produced by Inkies.
The art fair also takes place on Saturday, April 15 at 12PM together with a panel discussion 1 to 3PM on “What makes a good picture book?” Moderated by Zeus Bascon, the discussion features publisher Frances Ng, librarian and storyteller Zarah Gagatiga; Adman, children’s book author and comics creator Russell Molina, and illustrator Fran Alvarez.
The panel discussion on “The Artist as Storyteller: How Illustrations Shape Stories” is set for 12NN on Friday, April 18. Moderated by Liza Flores and Rommel Joson, the discussion features “Ang Batang Papet” illustrator Angela Taguiang, “Tintin’s Birthday Party” illustrator Marcus Nada, “Tapak! Tapon! Tama!” illustrator CJ Reynaldo, and “Ang Unang Engkantada” illustrator Jap Mikel.
“Elsewhere: Philippine Children’s Illustration within the Global Landscape”, a panel discussion moderated by Isa Nazareno, will be held on Saturday, April 29. The discussion features writer and reading advocate, Xi Zuq; writer and children’s storybook development specialist, Al Santos; and illustrator Bianca Lesaca.
