It’s Quiet Down Here (22.86 by 30.48 cm, acrylic, 2023) by Dugs, who related, “Instead of drowning in the noise of the world, I sometimes imagine that I am drowning underwater instead. Yes, it may be a bit morbid, but hey at least it’s quiet down here.”Inner Beast (40.64 by 30.48 cm, acrylic, 2023) by JussDC. “Inside all of us lies a beast that seeks only to survive and protect in this cold and harsh environment we live in,” the artist said.
Ever since the year 2006, Art in the Park continues to strike awe and wonderment into the hearts of the continuously expanding, more appreciative Philippine arts and culture community. After all, the annual event gathers sterling galleries with artists of note as well as budding art spaces and independent collectives together all in one fun-filled eye-opening affair.
It keeps its mission of making visual arts accessible in two ways. The event finds home at the laidback, newly-enhanced Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, Makati City, a welcome reprieve right at the heart of the desired residential area, and the price range ranges from P70,000 and way below, for new collectors or to serve as ideal gifts for those who have everything.
‘Folded but Hanging on by the Finger Tip (121.92 by 91.44 cm, acrylic on canvas, 2022)’ by Astrud Moscoso, which is described as ‘a sense of atypical wonder that is a moving curiosity on playful insights. Connecting the dots just by exploring unintentionally, that harnesses the power of observation. The free will of being transformative with bold new perspectives.’‘Amara Averion’s Impulse 1 (30.48 by 45.72 cm, acrylic on canvas, 2023),’ which is part of a series called Impulse. The works are made out of spite and out of fun. These dancing blobs are free, loud and colorful.Dawn (22.9 by 31 cm, monoprint with watercolor, 2023) by Francesca Alyssa Rinen, who said, “I wanted to show contrast and depth most especially on how the light bounces of the flowers. This piece gives me an array of hope.”
Amongst the camaraderie and chaos of the first physical show since 2019, art enthusiasts and the curious once again drowned at the excellent selections of paintings, sculptures, mixed-media works, drawings, prints, photographs, potteries, pieces of furniture, zines and stickers.
With no more wall space available due to the art pieces I have collected and have been gifted over the years, I found myself under the lush fire trees that abound in the green patch to observe what’s new and what moves buyers in the year 2023.
Joining this year’s edition was — surprise, surprise — another familiar name — the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, which I soon learned was on their second participation.
’27-Minute Drawing: Tipsy at a Gallery (15 x 10 cm, mixed media on paper, 2023)’ by Aevan Georgeline de Jesus, who explained, ‘From February through March 2023, I timed myself drawing for 27 minutes 27 times.’3% (30.48 by 45.72 cm, digital art, 2023) by Carlo Miguel Cuvin. This art piece aims to portray Virgil Abloh’s Design Approach which he called the 3% ApproachThe Loud Mouth (18.5 by 26 cm, trace monoprint, 2023) by Jess Cordero, who said, “I made this during one of the lowest points in my life and let my emotions speak through it. For me, it represents the voices that prevent us from achieving greatness and that it should leave chained inside an artwork.”
“The open call for artworks was offered to students, faculty and alumni,” shared Arts Management Program professor and supervising faculty member Thea Garing. A pavilion was set up at the campus to receive entries, complete with certificates of authenticity, ready for the possible purchase of the obras.
With an initial plan to limit the submissions to only 120 works, it was eventually expanded to 215 due to the overwhelming turnout. The displays at the Benilde Booth had to be rotated throughout the day, with 50 to 60 on view at a time.
First-time participant Carlo Miguel Cuvin shared his feelings: “I was really excited but also nervous for this is my initial art-related event outside of the college. Seeing my craft at the booth, together with the works of my colleagues, made more intense by other groups of artists, really motivated me. It was surreal.”
Along with Garing, the collaboration was made possible with the guidance of Alain Zedrick Camiling, Arts Management Program chair. They were also aided by Maria Magdalena C. de Leon, Benilde School of Arts, Culture and Performance dean, as well as the chairpersons from the other programs.
‘Pilìng-pilì, 1 of 2 (70 by 70 cm, charmeuse satin, 2022)’ by 3ña, a dissection of a puso ng saging printed on fabric.‘The Pond (20.32 cm, acrylic, resin, clay, 2022)’ by Jen Mandia. I spy with my little eye. A school of fish much bigger than I. A magical pond, I chart my course. Atop my boat, I row my oars.Kiss Me More (56 by 38 cm, watercolor, 2022) by Drake Pagulayan. “Here’s to love. To share these moments with each other. To be intimate with each other. To share my flaws with you. To share my triumphs with you. These will be the moments I cherish and treasure. These are the little moments that are of high value,” the artist explained.
The Art in the Park fete is untiringly and unfailingly organized by Philippine Art Events Inc. for the benefit of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines. This event comes after the success of Art Fair Philippines 2023, led by its founders, Dindin Araneta, Trickie Lopa and Lisa Ongpin-Periquet.
The response was heartwarming and fulfilling, as we have reconfirmed our inclusion in the roster of art fairs in open spaces together with the other capital cities of the world.
Let the artworks do the talking.
‘In Motion: Zephyr (15.24 by 11.43 cm, acrylic, 2021)’ by chucolatte. The small collection of abstract artworks uses color and brushstrokes to create moving narratives.Welcome to the Playground (21.59 by 29.21 cm, paper, 2019) by 1GARY, who said, “Negativity often plays around one’s mind, cluttering one’s clarity. I decided to go for a crude and ugly style in portraying different visuals that may be associated with negative emotions. I drew common fears, insecurities, tragedies, and even some references to popular media. In viewing this, I hope you might find one thing that resonates with you and plays in your own playground.”
