Experimental media and urban themes dominated a collaborative exhibit by two Thomasians last Aug. 5 at the ArtInformal Gallery in Mandaluyong.
Both former students of the College of Fine Arts and Design, Alvin Zafra and Constantino Zicarelli gathered inspirations from urban life.
Using sandpaper and white stones as media, Zafra constructed “Hi-way 54,” the artist’s ambition for a better-looking Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA).
He used sandpaper art in “Quezon Ave.,” which depicts an isometric view of Quezon Avenue’s overpass and an engineered three-dimensional walkway.
In “Santolan,” refined pillars of the Metro Rail Transit’s (MRT) Santolan Station can be seen, stressing the artist’s vision for well-maintained public transport services.
“The idea of a better mass transportation, streets and [a] sustainable city that will make people work efficiently inspired me,” Zafra told the Varsitarian in an interview.
Zafra, who studied painting in UST for a year, is a production designer and art director for independent films, music videos and television commercials.
In a continuation of his exhibit last September titled “Prelude to a Billion Years,” Zicarelli rendered “Ot/a/Biillno/Aersy,” giving prominence to randomly found objects like scraps of mirrors and wood.
“My professors in UST influenced me in making my own exhibition,” Zicarelli told the Varsitarian.
The central piece titled “The Vessel,” shows three wooden sculptures with round mirrors in between, combined to create an illusion of infinite reflections.
“Dust I,” a graphite and gesso piece on plaster in glue, resembles black wood-like patterns.
Zicarelli has mounted international exhibitions in Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
