UST fine arts alumni Raul Isidro and Juno Galang unveil a two-man exhibition, 'Unfold,' organized by the NAMI Art Gallery on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at Ayala Museum’s ArtistSpace in Makati. (Photos by Mikyla Rosette C. Bernabe/ The Varsitarian)

TWO THOMASIAN artists have come together for their joint exhibition, “Unfold,” showcasing their enduring art, which they developed since their early training at UST’s fine arts school. 

Juno Galang and Raul Isidro, who both studied advertising arts at the old UST College of Architecture and Fine Arts, have since made names for themselves in both Philippine and international art scenes.

Isidro has blossomed into a second-generation modernist, having been under the tutelage of pioneers Victorio Edades and Napoleon Abueva. 

His modernist and naturalist inclinations were prominently displayed in “Unfold,” which opened on Sept. 25 at the Nami Art Gallery in Makati. 

Isidro’s 16×20-in. pieces, such as “Bloom” and “Landscape #2,” explored themes of nature and stones, the latter inspired by his upbringing in Samar, where, as he said, “everywhere you go, that’s what you see.” 

Isidro’s “Bloom” (upper left) and “Landscape #2” (lower left). (Photo by Mikyla Bernabe/ The Varsitarian)

His depictions of nature mirrored his artistic philosophy, that styles develop organically. 

“As you work every day, you will realize that you will develop a certain style of your own,” he told the Varsitarian in a mix of English and Filipino. “That’s what I tell my students: ‘Your style, you don’t look for it — it will come.’”

Galang is an artist who specializes in expressionism, cubism, and, more recently, geometric patterns. The formerly Hawaii-based artist rekindled his collaboration with Isidro after returning to the Philippines during the pandemic.

Much like Isidro’s, Galang’s work is vibrant and eye-catching. Featured in the exhibit was his 36×36-in. acrylic on canvas “Tres Los Sabores,” which interprets three fish through geometric patterns with rainbow accents.

Galang’s “Tres Los Sabores.” (Photo by Mikyla Bernabe/ The Varsitarian)

Galang said it was transience, in life and in art, that inspired his art. 

“I’m a wanderer. I don’t stay for long in one place. I change states, much like a fish,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino. “Until I found Hawaii as a place for me; I found happiness. There, I became a full-time artist.” 

The “Unfold” duo exhibition will run until Oct. 8. Billy Andrei P. Ramos

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