If you peer into the horizon, what do you see? You see light blossoming from an imaginary line. You see all the tomorrows just waiting to be born. You see possibilities. You see hope.
For the members of the two art groups — Arte Bauan and Arte Likha — the horizon symbolizes the boundless human spirit and that unyielding desire for exploration, as well as the breathtaking beauty and incredible diversity of the world around us.
In terms of art, what can be seen on the horizon are the youth, according to artist and Arte Bauan Founding President, YelCast.
There is a need for more experienced art group members to be mentors to those who are next in line. “Igalang at irespeto ang mga artist na nauna.Suportahan ang mga kasabayang nagpipinta.Tulungan at gabayan ang nagsisimula pa lang magpahid ng pintura.Patuloy na ibahagi ang passion at i-serve ito sa mga tao at sa bayan para mas maging meaningful ang buhay nating bilang artist.”
Both young and experienced artists define what is to see beyond the vistas of art in “Horizon,” on view until July 31 at the Robinsons Land ARTablado art space, on the third level of Robinsons Galleria. “Horizon” is the first time that both Batangas-based groups are mounting a joint exhibition in Metro Manila. The experienced hands in Arte Bauan have taken the young up-and-comers in Arte Likha under their wing, so to speak. The participating artists include: Yelcast, Cheyzer Manalo, Sarah Jane Tumambing, Doy Kastilyo Jerwind Magnaye, Ada Panopio, Marigonz, Ruby Bagsit, Marck Ogbac, Dhennis Sigua, MJ Cuasay, Joy Bagay, Kier Insigne, Temyong and Windsor Magnaye.
“We’ve created Arte Likha kasi bawat isa sa amin ay ramdam na maraming bata na gustong maging artist pero kailangan pang i-guide in terms of skills,puso at professionalism. So, parang training ground ito sa mga gustong maging professional artists. Gusto din naming ma-sustain ang mga art projects at advocacy namin. Saka naniniwala talaga kami na ang nasa kabataang artists ang pag-asa ng sining ng bayan.”
Art Bauan — forged by friendship and passion for art, founded by members who share an affinity for art talks and food tripping — was established in 2018 by Yelcast One of the most rewarding and meaningful projects of Arte Bauan is the founding of its young art group, Arte Likha, in 2020. Arte Bauan initiated this during the pandemic, gathering young artists in Bauan and nearby municipalities who wholeheartedly share the same passion ideas and artistic value as the members of Arte Bauan. Through its Arte Bauan Calendar Project (“Sa Pagsikat ng Bagong Umaga”), Arte Bauan has provided Arte Likha members with free art materials and exposed them to art exhibits, campaigns and conventions.
Arte Bauan and Arte Likha chose ARTablado as the venue for their exhibition because they believe in ARTablado’s core principles and advocacy: to support Filipino artists from all walks of life. “Magandang ang pangarap ng ARTablado para sa art scene ng Pilipinas. Kaya para sa amin, mahalaga na i-connect namin ang aming grupo sa ARTablado na may puro at magandang adhikain para sa sining ng Pilipinas. Bakit kami bumalik sa ARTablado para mag-show? Actually, hindi kami bumalik kasi palagi kaming nasa ARTablado. Naghanda lamang kami para maisabay namin sa exhibit ang mga inaakay namin sa mundo ng sining.”
The people behind Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) believe in the ingenuity and artistry of Filipinos. RLC has allocated spaces in Robinsons Galleria (Ortigas) and Robinsons Antipolo to hold exhibitions for art practitioners who deserve to showcase their hard work, grit and perseverance. ARTablado’s impact has been instantaneous for members of the art community who have been pining for a platform where every artist — young or old, established or up-and-coming. A much welcome development in the local art scene.
For the “Horizon” show, each of the artworks unveils a “narrative that encapsulates the essence of man’s quest for adventure.” Art, after all, is in itself a sort of quest. And artistic quests and advocacies often benefit from people and organizations with like minds and same intentions.
“Our goal is to showcase our art and our talent to a wider audience. So, we tried to find networks and avenues to connect to the world. (We got the help we need from) Kunst Filipino (2021 Banaag Presidential Awardee) and, very recently, Rotary Club of Hearts (Helping Empowerment through Arts and Sports). These are two organizations that are also into promoting art in the global arena. And with the help of these two groups, we were able to send Arte Bauan artists to Europe to showcase their skills.”
What lies on the horizon for members of Arte Bauan and Arte Likha? More paintings, much discussions about art, and the start of a journey from ARTablado and onto the world stage.
