Tag: Arte Likha

Music that inspires art and vice versa might seem like a stretch but artists have long been influenced by the things around them. By tapping into their five senses, they are able to come up with something hopefully fresh and new.

Take, for example, the Russian abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky who believed music and color were inextricably linked. Kandinsky associated each musical note with a color on his palette and once said that “the sound of colors is so definite that it would be hard to find anyone who would express bright yellow with bass notes or dark lake with treble.”

Granted that Kandisky had a rare neurological condition called synesthesia—where he saw colors when listening to music—but the idea is certainly one worth experimenting on. This is exactly what two artist groups from Batangas have done in their ongoing exhibit at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria.

“Playlist 3: Symphony of Sight and Sound,” which runs until February 15, is a group exhibit featuring artworks inspired by movie soundtracks. The participating artists from Arte Bauan include Yelcast, Ada Panopio, Windsor Magnaye, Jerwind Magnaye, Cheyzer Manalo, Ruby Bagsit, Sarah Jane Tumambing, Bill Perez, Batilyo and Doy Kastilyo. Those from Arte Likha are Temyong, John Kier Contacte, Justin Magbojos, Joy Bagay, Sleygh and Ria Manalo. It’s a concept they tackled in two previous exhibits where their artworks were inspired by their favorite songs. This time, however, they chose movie soundtracks that hopefully more people can relate to. To complete the experience, there will be codes next to each piece that viewers can scan to hear the soundtrack that served as inspiration.

“In Playlist 3, we aim to capture the essence of beloved movie soundtracks through captivating artwork. Our goal is to immortalize the emotion and spirit of these iconic soundtracks in visual form, creating a unique fusion of music and art,” said Yelcast, founder of Visual Poetry Philippines and Arte Bauan.

Given how most Filipinos are hopeless romantics, the two-week exhibit is bound to resonate with them.

“Painting a song from a movie soundtrack is a beautiful and meaningful creative process that allows artists to tap into the emotional, interpretive, narrative and personal aspects of the music and translate them into visual art,” Yelcast added.

The group chose to hold their exhibit at ARTablado, citing how it’s an “ideal platform to showcase their work to a diverse ad engaged audience” and pointing out that is “renowned” for promoting local artists.

“By collaborating with this esteemed gallery, Arte Bauan and Arte Likha gain access to a professional, well-equipped space that enhances the presentation of their artwork. This partnership also signifies a mutual dedication to fostering creativity and supporting emerging artists within the local community,” Yelcast said.

The outspoken artist then shared a message of empowerment to artistically inclined youth. “As young Filipino visual artists, you possess the ability to shape narratives, challenge perceptions, and inspire others through your art. Embrace your identity, hone your skills, and continue to push boundaries—your voice matters, and it has the potential to resonate far and wide.” “Playlist 3: Symphony of Sight and Sound” is on view at ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria until February 15.

 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.