What lies on the horizon for Arte Bauan and Arte Likha in ARTablado show
If you look at 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 Arte Bauan and Arte Likha, two art groups from Batangas, 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.
In terms of art, what can be seen on the horizon are the youth, according to artist and Arte Bauan Founding President, YelCast.
More experienced art group members need to mentor those who are next in line, he said. “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.”
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, 3rd level of Robinsons Galleria. “Horizon” is the first joint exhibition in Metro Manila for the two Batangas-based groups. The veteran hands in Arte Bauan have taken the rising young artists in Arte Likha under their wing, so to speak. The participating artists include: Yelcast, Cheyzer Manalo, Sarah Ja 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.”
Arte Bauan was founded in 2018 by Yelcast and his friends who share a passion for art and food trips. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, Arte Bauan gathered young artists in Bauan and nearby municipalities showed passion, ideas and values for the art. Through its Arte Bauan Calendar Project (“Sa Pagsikat ng Bagong Umaga”), the more experienced artists provided Arte Likha members with free art materials and exposed them to art exhibits. To date, Arte Bauan considers Arte Likha as its most rewarding and meaningful undertaking.
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 artists to exhibit their creations. ARTablado’s impact has been instantaneous for members of the art community who have been pining for a platform.
For the “Horizon” show, each artwork 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.
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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 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 300 artists.
