‘ABAKAsining’ spotlights on abaca art
Art as a catalyst for change takes a front seat in “ABAKAsining,” a unique art exhibit featuring artworks on abaca paper instead of the traditional canvas.
This shift towards organic and indigenous materials in art not only promotes ecological sustainability but also enriches the artistic experience with captivating textures and lines. Abaca (Manila hemp) comes from the fiber of a plant belonging to a banana species grown mainly in the Bicol region.
In fact, Arleen Mendiola Lipana, organizer of the ABAKAsining show, said abaca paper is gaining ground as an alternative canvas and art medium. She stressed that abaca paper has “strength and versatility.”
Using abaca also means helping sustain the livelihood of the abaca farmers, strippers, and paper manufacturers in the Bicol region. “I believe that art has the power to go beyond the confines of galleries and can become a catalyst for change,” Lipana said.
“I want to put abaca in a whole new light and pave the way to a broader avenue for Isla Catanduanes artists to spread their wings and showcase their passion, creativity, and talents,” she added.
“ABAKASining” group show features Isla Catanduanes visual artists Juvy Teope Magno-Abne, Yvette Alcantara, Alma Ang, Krit Arcilla, Jerry Barrameda Jr., Kent Benavidez, Nadine Briones, Paul Cajuday, Donna Mae Callos, Wednesday Cilot, Jay Condeno, Joannah De Leon, Jam de los Reyes, Godfrey Evasco, Oliver Flores, Ivan Geromo, Joshua Gonzales, Jerie Jerusalem, Sherlyn Lee, Susaine Molina, Christian Nazareno, James Padayao, Maruja Panti, Yssa Bel Reyes, Garry Santos, Francesca Tabian, Rence Tatad, Dominic Urbano, Jualim Vela and Noel Villanueva, with guestartists Ismael Esber, Rogelio “Maestro” Orobia and Ramon Sediego Jr.
Catch “ABAKAsining” at ARTablado, Level 3 Veranda of Robinsons Galleria, EDSA corner Ortigas Ave until Aug. 15. The Provincial Government of Catanduanes, Catanduanes Provincial Tourism Office, Renzo Art Gallery and Abaca Finest helped make this exhibit possible.
