Angono-based Thomasian artists showcased their own portrayal of the “art capital” of the Philippines in an exhibit at the Artablado Gallery in Robinson’s Galleria, Quezon City.
The exhibit, titled “Likhang Angono, Diwang Tomasino,” aims to celebrate the intersection of UST’s longstanding artistic tradition and the artistic scene of Angono.
For decades, Angono artists have chosen UST as their top pick for a fine arts school because of its accessibility, Nemesio “Nemiranda” Miranda Jr, dubbed as the “father of imaginative figurism” and a painting alumnus, said.
“You ride one ride from Angono to UST and you arrive at UST during our time, in less than an hour,” Miranda said. “So, karamihan, I would say about 70% of mga artists from Angono graduated from UST fine arts.”
Angono artists gravitate toward UST since National Artist for Visual Arts Carlos “Botong” Francisco, who was from Angono, used to teach in the University, he said.
Miranda’s work, “Mag-ina/Mangingisda,” a 36×48-in. acrylic on canvas, reflects the cultural setting of Angono.
“Angono is rich in cultural traditions like ‘yung mga pagoda, piyesta, mga festival ng San Isidro, Arabong Festival, mga fishing village, farmers,” he said.
Miranda views the exhibit as a way for artists to showcase their talent and to reunite with the Thomasian community in Angono. It also recognizes those aspiring to become painters and those who want to rekindle their passion for painting.
“Makakatulong ‘to ng malaki dahil nahahatak sila noong mga nauna na. Maaalalayan sila sa kanilang bagong tatahakin na landas,” Miranda said.
Thomasian painting alumnus and Carlos “Botong” Francisco namesake, Totong Francisco II, illustrates his appreciation for Mother Earth in two 48×24-in acrylic on canvas abstract-expressionist pieces, “Terra Mater #1” and “Terra Mater #2.”
“There’s always passion first. Kasunod ‘yung heart…isama mo na ‘yung soul mo. And everything will follow,” he said.
Also among the works featured is Lia Miranda Rapadas’ “Comfort Toys,” a 20×24-in. acrylic on canvas. It’s the first canvas she worked on after a hiatus oef 30 years, coming back into the art scene with a heartfelt homage to her loved ones.
Rapadas said she was finding her art style again. Her process is influenced by those nearest to her heart, particularly her dog and her husband, with whom she has shared many adventures.
Painting graduate Cecille Artillaga’s “Moonbloom 1,” a 24×18-in mixed media on canvas, uses various endemic plants in the Philippines as the focal point of her artwork, adding educational value to her craft to further promote appreciation for Philippine flora and fauna.
“Gusto ko lang impart ‘yung knowledge na…before we dive into Western mga flowers, fruits, let us embrace first our own nature. ‘Yung mga nandito sa Pilipinas,” Artillaga said.
Other participating Thomasian artists were Orville Tiamson, Jovito Andres, Norman Francis Juban Blanco, Dino Blanco, Haidee Juban, Don Miranda, Hazel Miranda, Paul Greco Miranda, William Ner, Ren Hendrick Reyes, Edberth Roan, and Tristan Tiamson.
“Likhang Angono, Diwang Tomasino” will run from Sept. 1 to Sept. 15. Kirsten Therese C. Barrameda
