by Noel Sales Barcelona
ArtisteSpace in partnership with Bastedor Art Project and UniMart Capitol Commons, launched Art-Works, as show about artistry and environmentalism and sustainable living, combined.
Marky Lagdameo Almadin, Nicole Anares, Hilario Barrozo, Arnel Borja, Noel Bueza, Ramon Cajipe, Joel Cristobal, Rina De Guzman, Jerico De Leon, Regie Somera Dela Torre, Rigor Esguerra, Binong Javier, Adler Llagas, Norlie Meimba (the head of Bastedor), Bastee Orobia, Sam Penaso, Pauline Juliet Racelis, Rainiere Ramiro, Aann Reynales, Jun Rocha, Ferdinand Sanchez, James Sanorjo Jr., Valen Valero, Rowel Vicencio, Michael Vincent Zacharias, and Ranilo Zapanta graced the show with their works focused on humanity, environment, and human experiences, realizations, and thoughts.
Noel Bueza’s stainless steel sculptures have captured the serenity and simplicity of life, down in the countryside, which are slowly fading due to massive urbanization of the towns in the provinces. While urbanization and industrialization are key to economic development, there is also a need to re-assess its impact in the environment and the livelihood of farmers, fisherfolks, and small businesses operating outside the urban areas. This beautiful message is shared by the works of Adler Llagas and Jun Sergio Rocha.
Norlie Meimban’s tribute to the icons like The Beatles’ legendary John Lennon, Michael Jackson and even SpongeBob SquarePants, has this strong message of popularization and elevation of human consciousness towards the preserving our home planet, Mother Earth. Lennon’s “Imagine” has become an anthem during the 1970’s calling for world peace, unity and brotherhood among people regardless of race, culture, religion and creed. SpongeBob, the popular cartoon series by Nickelodeon, is based on the ocean ecological studies done by its creator, Stephen McDannell Hillenburg (August 21, 1961 – November 26, 2018) who is a marine biologist and animator.
The world’s oceans, which covers 71% of earth’s surface, are home to myriads of creatures; and according to scientists, there are still lots of places in our oceans left unexplored.
“An estimated 97 percent of the world’s water is found in the ocean. Because of this, the ocean has considerable impact on weather, temperature, and the food supply of humans and other organisms. Despite its size and impact on the lives of every organism on Earth, the ocean remains a mystery. More than 80 percent of the ocean has never been mapped, explored, or even seen by humans. A far greater percentage of the surfaces of the moon and the planet Mars has been mapped and studied than of our own ocean floor,” said an article published by the National Geographic ‘s Encyclopedia.
Arnel Borja’s sculptures, mostly made from found materials, honor one of the most intelligent mammals of the sea – the dolphins. With more than 40 species, including the dreaded orca, these intelligent creatures roamed the oceans and even the rivers of the Amazons and other countries, some 40 million years ago and came from the extinct land mammal called Indohyus, from the Artiodactyla family.
Another interesting pieces from the exhibit are from Ramon Cajipe, reminiscent of the old lighthouses, which serve as guide and warning to the vessels plying in the night oceans. Unlike your typical lighthouse, Cajipe’s works are comprised of miniature houses, just like the small houses carved in rock formations in the European region.
Meanwhile, Ferdinand Sanchez’s sculptures also take the center stage because of its steampunk motif. The bull, which is an animal of power and strength, has a special place in Sanchez’s impressive body of works.
The newcomer Pauline Racelis also gives her audience delight with her women cladded with the classic Filipiniana.
One of the pieces, which caught this writer’s attention, is the work of Nicole Asares entitled Vital Organs. The playful and colorful rendition of the parts of human anatomy gives her work added beauty; and so her Anno Domini.
It is just hard to squeeze into one essay the value and beauty of all the works present in the exhibit. All in all, ArtisteSpace and Bastedor Art Project, have successfully pulled up a show which is significant not only because they show how creative the participating artists are, but it also put into the fore the importance of art as part of humanization of our society and the preservation of our environment. More so, it has also showed the sensibility of the artists involved in the project.
The show started on June 10 and runs until June 30.
