Tag: artablado

In the art community, participating in group exhibits is a way to share one’s vision with others as well as a chance to explore one’s artistic capabilities, whatever the chosen medium. For a newly-formed Antipolo-based group of young artists, it’s also an opportunity to foster and build the community after three years of pandemic restrictions.

The ARTipolo Youth Group was established in 2022 to give its members a platform to share their talent to a wider audience and reach out to one another. “We now consider one another as family,” said group head Crishaira Peliño-Bode. “We are young artists in the process of finding our signature art style. At this point in our artistic journeys, we’re all still exploring how we can express our concepts and creativity. That’s what binds us together,” she added.

For their ongoing exhibit at ARTablado at Robinsons Antipolo—incidentally, their second at the venue—the group chose “Introspection” as its main theme. Bode explained that introspection can lead to “discovering the individual expression or identity of an artist or individual.”

The 19 participants in the ongoing group show on view until November 15 are all 36 years old or younger. 

A self-taught artist, Aminah Sioson has worked with mixed media like gouache, charcoal, colored pencils and acrylic paint. Last year she won People’s Choice Award in the visual art competition at the 19th National Youth Congress. Alexandra Monserrat is a Fine Arts student majoring in studio painting at the University of the Philippines Diliman. She is able to juggle school and her passion for art. 

Ashley Lleno Is a young artist who has tried different styles like abstract expressionism, surrealism and realism using acrylic and oil paints.

Crishaira Bode graduated with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, which did not stop her from her creative pursuits. She has participated in various art exhibits held around the country. 

Fine Arts major Dominic Fabio’s art style leans towards abstract and digital painting, focusing on lines and shapes. Many of his pieces are inspired by music. Fifteen-year-old Jae Zyril Contridas’ works with both traditional and digital media. 

Aside from drawing and painting, Jayson Borlon also works with styro cutouts, rubber models, paper mache, miniatures and murals. He also learned t-shirt printing and carpentry which he now uses to repair and make the canvases for his paintings. 

Fine Arts major Jenella Medina has been painting for several years. Since joining ARTipolo, she now favors a more realistic approach when making art with subjects like various flora and fauna. 

Jodel Francisco said he is drawn to and inspired by “the interplay of light and shadow, the brilliant colors of nature, and the rich tapestry of human emotions,” while John Mark Navarro said he is inspired by realism and tries to capture current social reality when he paints.  

Katlene Enriquez’s parents nurtured her interest in the arts, enrolling her in classes led by artist Fernando Sena at the UP Vargas Museum. Her first solo exhibit in 2015 consisted of 40 of her artworks.

Freelance artist Liana Mariz is a self-avowed pet lover who chose pets as her subject in a group show at Blanco Museum last year. She favors a contemporary style using acrylic paint on canvas. 

Mark Joseph Beloria is also a freelance artist who paints landscapes and portraits in realism and modern art style. He also does food painting. Marque De Leon works with different media like graphites, pen and ink, charcoal pencils, watercolor, soft and oil pastels, alcohol markers, and acrylic paints. To make his works look alive, he uses a combination of dark and light tones. 

Visual artist Ma. Cerlina Dalida’s forte is realism and impressionism. A favorite subject is the sea although she also does portrait commissions. Architecture major Yurika Lhora Palmones continues to nurture a deep passion for painting, and believes “an artist is born to create, express and inspire other people.”

The decision to hold a second exhibit at ARTablado in Robinsons Antipolo was agreed upon because, as Bode explained, “it’s a great venue to display the group’s artworks.” 

She added that “a lot of people visit the mall daily so there are more chances for our works to be seen and appreciated. It will also help boost tourism in Antipolo.”

In more ways than one, the pandemic was a lifechanging and gamechanging experience for people all over the world. While some chose to barricade themselves at home, others saw it as an opportunity to try something new. 

There were those who sewed fabric face masks or began experimenting in the kitchen—remember those trays of sushi bake and ube cheese pandesal that small enterprisers sold on social media?

Unable to perform before audiences, hip-hop artist Jhomar “Jhoms” Lim founded a Facebook group that he dubbed Filipino Artists, Collectors and Enthusiasts (ACE) of Art. As a child growing up, he developed a sense for the visual arts as he participated in different art activities in school and in church. His interest later expanded to include the performing arts in college which led to his becoming a professional dancer and theater actor. Jhoms has continued to paint and focuses on realistic depictions of flora, fauna and food. 

In the span of two years and with the help of the page’s admins and moderators, ACE has grown into a community with over 20,000 followers. In its aim to “bring people together through art by providing harmony and a sense of pride with every artist’s creation,” ACE of Art is holding a group exhibit at ARTablado at Robinsons Galleria until November 2.

The theme “Pagsibol: Tawag sa Pag-asa” was chosen to focus attention on the continued growth and development of Filipino artists despite the hardships brought about by the pandemic. 

“With every endeavor, Ace of Art aims to present beautiful art collections from a mix of the group’s varied but unique-styled artists whom one can be proud of to present locally and internationally,” the group said in a statement. 

The ongoing exhibit features paintings as well as sculptures and mixed media. Some of the featured talents include steampunk artist Ferdinand Sanchez who incorporates metal art into wood, resin, fiberglass as well as Paete’s traditional crafts. Instead of metal, he sometimes uses recycled materials like old toys and gadgets to accessorize his works.

JL Timbreza-Siao is a baker, carpenter, and web and graphic designer who combines her skills to produce her pieces. Riyadh-based Joseph Cabugos is an architect whose hobby is crafting miniature versions of the iconic jeepney, many of them made almost entirely of scrap material. 

Shine Vitto was one of the “100 Female Artists of the World” featured on the billboard at Times Square in New York last July 2023, and is known for her hyperrealism portrait of an old woman smoking tobacco titled “Mensahe Patungo sa Lumikha” which garnered a million views and thousands of reactions on social media.

This is ACE of Art’s second ARTablado exhibit; the first was staged in ARTablado at Robinsons Antipolo. The group returns because, according to Jhoms, “the venue shines a light on the different artists who now have a chance for their innate talents to be recognized.”

The participating artists include: Box Populi, Rey Adolfo, Juvy Teope Mago-Abne, JL Timbreza-Siao, Eleanor Oberio, Alexander Balmaceda, Jessa Velonero, Phia Elizalde, Willet Esquilona, Joseph V. Cabugos, Angie Lazaro, Yana Orais, Yek Herrera, Vovoi Lim, Jully Lim, M. Sta. Maria, Maribel Cortez, Jhomar Lim, Sunnyfae Macaraeg, Anne Margaret Villanueva, Ferdinand Sanchez, Mark Villanueva, Gigi Manalastas, Konica Faustino, Nathaniel Umale, Bernadette de Leon, Shine Vitto, Don Verano, Row Bean Paz, Jonna Fe Adraque, Emmanuel dela Cruz (Ibonman), Art Wang Gonzales, Gary Montenegro, Ramon Cajipe and Ameer Catandihan. 

Established in 2020, Robinsons Land ARTablado, a portmanteau of “art” and “entablado” is Robinsons Land’s very own stage in showcasing the Filipino ingenuity and creativity. This platform allows emerging and established artists to freely express themselves through art and paves the way to greater recognition of their talent and hard work. To date, ARTablado has mounted numerous exhibitions and hosted over 400 artists.

As schoolchildren, we often sketched an idealized depiction of country life with square houses with thatched roofs surrounded by a rice field and several coconut trees. The sun was always shining or peeking behind perfectly placed mountains, and the family unit consisted of mom, dad and kids. 

There’s a sense of that uncanny perfection in the oil paintings of three San Mateo-based artists featured in the ongoing ARTablado group exhibit at Robinsons Antipolo (upper ground floor, main mall). 

Eliezer Dimaculangan, Gabz Mendiola and Joel Janer have been painting for years, participating in numerous group shows as well as having the spotlight trained on them in their respective solo shows. 

Dimaculangan is a visual artist specializing in landscape paintings and is partial to a vibrant palette with a touch of the abstract. His paintings are a mix of the natural and the manmade—mountains, oceans and waterfalls, white doves and playful fish but also ancient stone archways, mossy stairs and glazed earthenware jugs.  

Unlike Dimaculangan, Gabriel “Gabz” Mendiola prefers muted colors when he paints. A former ceramic artist and businessman, he returned to his first love, painting. Mendiola has since joined a number of group shows organized by the San Mateo Artists Guild where he got to meet art patrons and supporters.

His paintings share a distinct provincial vibe and often feature female protagonists: women washing clothes in a stream, and a couple of Madonna and Child paintings. Mendiola is open to experimenting as seen in the mother and child pieces where one pair is painted in a two-dimensional style while a second is more realistic and shows a young mother carrying a sleeping toddler who nuzzles serenely against her neck. 

Joel Janer’s canvases are also light-filled and breezy but vastly different from his childhood spent in polluted and congested Metro Manila. His decision to focus on barrio life—a man astride a carabao with his wife and child walking a few meters ahead, rolling hills seen from a distance with texture provided by tiny bumps of paint—is perhaps a reaction to that upbringing.

Janer discovered his passion for the visual arts in a parish art workshop in Marikina, and has continued pursuing it to this day. His other pieces include vibrantly colored orchids on a wooden platter as well as a stylized vision of sword-shaped leaves.

“Visions of Sereni3: Dimaculangan x Janer x Mendiola” was curated “to convey a sense of nostalgic tranquility” with the three artists drawing inspiration from their own experiences and their reflections of their hometown.  The exhibit will run until October 15. Established in 2020, Robinsons Land ARTablado, a portmanteau of “art” and “entablado” is Robinsons Land’s very own stage in showcasing the Filipino ingenuity and creativity. This platform allows emerging and established artists to freely express themselves through art and paves the way to greater recognition of their talent and hard work. To date, ARTablado has mounted numerous exhibitions and hosted over 400 artists.

Someone once quipped that artistic practice can be compared to a laboratory: a place to experiment, analyze, discover. True, since artists and scientists are ever-restless lifelong learners, and that a collaborative procedure yields the most fruitful of results.

For Filipino artists from all walks of life, a gallery space has proven to be most welcoming when it comes to unbridled artistic expression and collaboration. Robinsons Land ARTablado has given a platform for these artists to follow their own muses and revel in the simple act of creation and interaction.

The members of the artist group behind the “Colab” exhibition, which is on view until Sept. 30 at the ARTablado space in Robinsons Antipolo, present their recent works while remaining connected to their creative roots.   

“Matagal na rin kasi kaming hindi nakakapag-exhibit sa ARTablado,” says Ovidio Espiritu Jr. “The last time was in Robinsons Galleria years ago, kaya naisipan naming mag-organize muli.”

The selection process for participating artists was refreshingly organic. Rather than relying on rigid criteria, the group valued recommendations made by each member. This open-minded approach ensured a diverse array of artistic styles and voices, enabling each artist to showcase their current preoccupation. Having previously exhibited in various galleries across Makati, Quezon City and other places, the artists bring a wealth of experience and innovation to the table.

The artists’ return to ARTablado is not merely motivated by nostalgia but is rooted in their appreciation for the gallery’s unwavering support for both established and emerging talents. The venue itself exudes elegance and offers a visually captivating backdrop for their artwork. However, it’s not just the aesthetics that draw them back; it’s the extensive promotional efforts and post-exhibition assistance provided by ARTablado. The inclusive spirit extends to the audience as well.

Espiritu points out that should any last-minute issues arise, the ARTablado team is always ready to lend a helping hand.

“And most importantly, feel mo ’yung sincere, personal touch ng ARTablado team in dealing with everyone. It’s not just a business; there is a relationship. Very comfortable for us ’yung parang ang tagal ng magkakasama. Minsan may mga concerns along the way, pero madaling napag-uusapan, Very much appreciated naming lahat ang ARTablado.”

“Colab” features the works of Esang Bejasa Adame, Ismael Esber, Jhael Mataverde, Joanne Rebustillo, Lorielito Puserio, Orly Espiritu, Reynaldo J. De la Peña, Rodgie Gapayao, Viel Samaniego, Warlito Gabriel, Ovidio Espiritu Jr. and Ovidio Espiritu III.

Espiritu explains how each of these individuals embody the hard work and sacrifice needed in order to make a life out of art. Art flows through their veins, he says, and even on days when inspiration seems elusive, they return to their craft because it’s an intrinsic part of who they are. Their motivation is driven by the heart and a genuine love for art, not solely by financial gain or the anticipation of sales. They understand that, in the world of art, appreciation and recognition follow those who stay true to their passion. In their eyes, creating art is an expression of the soul, a labor of love that transcends the boundaries of commerce.

These artists are thankful that there is such a space that allows them to pursue their artistic passion. “Karamihan sa amin ay nakapag-exhibit na sa ARTablado, kaya muli kaming bumabalik upang mag-exhibit ulit dahil sa laking suporta ng ARTablado sa mga artists — lalo na sa mga baguhan. Napakaganda rin ng kanilang lugar at eleganteng pagmasdan.”

The paintings on display at the ongoing exhibit at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria are by an artist with a strong faith in a higher power. In fact, when asked who her favorite artist is, Marie Claire Olondriz chose God. “He’s the ultimate artist who created everything… matter, space, time, the entire universe.”

In the years that she has spent honing her painting style, she has come up with canvases awash in color and light. Some of them are of Marian images like Our Lady of Aranzazu and Our Lady Star of the Sea but there are also her floral paintings including a beautiful one of a magnolia flower in full bloom. Another theme is the Madonna and Child although the artist opts to leave their faces blank, inscrutable. 

Unlike other painters who utilize both portrait and landscape, Marie Claire’s canvases are all vertical—even one that features a tiny cottage at the bottom of the frame, bluish mountains in the distance. 

“I’ve been passionate about art since I was a child. I believe that art is in everything not just in drawing, but in how we do things every day. It’s how we dress, show love, talk, smile, and our dreams. It’s there in what we believe in and how we write. Even in small stuff like arranging things, cooking, and the words we use. Art is all around us,” Marie Claire said.

When she was younger, she would grab a sketch pad and her pencils and draw whatever caught her eye—sketching and coloring based on how she felt. 

It taught her to be unafraid of color, of adhering too closely to what colors can be used for certain objects. “Sometimes, if someone asked me to draw something, I’d do it their way,” she said.

Marie Claire came up with her style of painting when she was confined in the hospital. She started out scribbling in her sketch pad which led to continuous circles that initially seemed directionless. 

“Later, I expanded this to my paintings, using contrasting colors against the backdrop to create a textured look. What I enjoy is the sense of playfulness these scribbles bring to my art,” she said. “Amidst the sea of realist styles in my art group, mine feels unique. That’s why I began calling it ‘olondrizism,’ after my own name. It reflects my heart and soul when doing art.”

When the time came to pick a title for her ARTablado exhibit, she chose “Obra ni Maria Clara.”

Coming up with new paintings for the exhibit, however, took a while as she struggled with tennis elbow as well as carpal tunnel syndrome, the latter afflicting both hands.

“On top of that, fibromyalgia would give me pain every single day,” she recounted. 

She took a break for a while and entertained thoughts she might not be able to meet the deadline. “Instead of having an operation, I tried therapy and kept trusting in God, believing He’d bless this exhibit somehow. I couldn’t let the doctors operate on my hands [because] that would mean no painting for over a month, or maybe even no more painting at all. But I held onto my faith, and after going through therapy and taking some rest, I managed to finish all the paintings I needed for the upcoming exhibit. It’s all thanks to God.”

The exhibit that runs until September 15 will highlight Marie Claire’s take on “the beauty of everyday life, of common things we seldom appreciate.” 

The artist is grateful to Roseann Villegas, Corporate Public Relations Director of Robinsons Land Corporation for approaching her after spotting a painting Marie Claire had made for a group show. “It was like a dream come true. I felt overwhelmed. I thanked God because I knew deep down that this was a gift from Him.”

Established in 2020, Robinsons Land ARTablado, a portmanteau of “art” and “entablado” is Robinsons Land’s very own stage in showcasing the Filipino ingenuity and creativity. This platform allows emerging and established artists to freely express themselves through art and paves the way to greater recognition of their talent and hard work. To date, ARTablado has mounted numerous exhibitions and hosted over 400 artists.

Creativity and passion defy the boundaries of age, bringing forth art that resonates deeply with people. Rolando Delos Santos, a septuagenarian artist, perfectly embodies this ethos. His evocative paintings transport us back to quieter, simpler times. His paintings, transcending time, invite viewers to a slower, more serene era.

Delos Santos takes center stage at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria from June 1-15, showcasing a collection that paints tranquility in every stroke. His canvas comes alive with serene pastoral scenes, bursts of flowers, and intricate still life depictions featuring Chinese blue and white porcelain and detailed white tablecloths.

Born and raised in Tanay, Rizal, Delos Santos fell in love with drawing as a young boy, sketching out comic book illustrations. “In grade school, I would copy the illustrations in comic books. Most of the time, these tended to be human figures in action or at war.”

He drew inspiration from renowned comic illustrators such as F.C. Javinal, Nestor Redondo, and F.V. Conching. “I wanted to do what they were doing so I would copy their drawings.” 

His artistic journey led him to study Fine Arts at Feati University, where he honed his distinct painting style. His work has been celebrated in numerous solo exhibits and acclaimed group shows, including “100 Years, 100 Artists” at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

A notable commissioned project found Delos Santos painting 27 floral artworks that adorned the lobby of the Heritage Hotel Manila. This significant commission allowed him to build his own house. “I was able to have a house built from the commission I received for that project. I had been living in an apartment for five years before I was tapped by the hotel,” he said. Another cherished memory is when former First Lady Imelda Marcos purchased one of his paintings during a solo exhibit held in a department store in Makati.

His upcoming exhibit at ARTablado, aptly titled “Vision of Reality,” highlights the importance of an artist’s vision. It is this vision that gives life and color to everyday objects, creating vibrant images from the mundane. “From that singular vision, we are able to create images and pictures solely from our minds. It really depends on what you see as an artist and how you are able to bring those images to life. As artists, we gaze at the mundane, the everyday items and imbue color and meaning to them,” he shares.

To budding artists, Rolando offers sage advice: “Use your God-given talents wisely. Figure out what your passion is and stay the course. Even as a child I already knew what I wanted to do, and that was to make art.”

Being featured in renowned art books by Manuel Duldulao has extended his artistic reach. Delos Santos considers his feature in ARTablado a blessing, as it provides artists an avenue to showcase their talents without worrying about the financial aspects of holding an exhibit.

Established in 2020, ARTablado (a portmanteau of “art” and “entablado”) is Robinsons Land’s tribute to Filipino creativity and ingenuity. It empowers emerging and established artists to express themselves freely through art, paving the way for wider recognition of their talent and dedication. So far, ARTablado has hosted over 300 artists and numerous exhibitions.

Experience the timeless artistry of Rolando Delos Santos this June and immerse yourself in his captivating world where every brush stroke tells a story.