THOMASIAN ARTISTS showcased pieces inspired by Bicolano culture and stories at Art Mélange on July 3 at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay.
The exhibit consisted of works featuring the diverse cultural identity of the region, encapsulating the collective stories told by Bicolano artists.
Among the exhibiting artists was UST advertising arts alumna Maria Magdamit, who portrayed flowers in bloom in her work titled, “Ephemeral Blossoms 5,” an 11×11-in. stoneware and acrylic on canvas.
“Gusto ko ma-capture ‘yong pag bloom niya, ‘ephemeral’ ‘yong flowers kasi very short lang ang lifespan niya,” Magdamit said in an interview with the Varsitarian.
Maria Magdamit’s ‘Ephemeral Blossoms Series 5’ (Photo by Inah Denise A. Manansala)
Magdamit’s reminiscing of walks and feelings of fresh air, as well as the region’s bountiful greenery and rivers, inspired her piece.
“In general, ‘yong works dito speak [the message] ‘take care of nature.’ Right now, we have a problem with [it]. That’s why siguro sobrang init na ng mundo kasi nakakalimot na ‘yong iba,” she said. “You have to choose to take care of nature so that other generations can enjoy it as well,” she said.
Romualdo Perez, a fine arts alumnus, exhibited his work titled “May Pakpak Ang Balita II,” a 12×10-in. acrylic on canvas, portraying a sorbetero with a bird on his shoulder.
In his work, Perez used the sorbetero to symbolize the rural, close-knit communities of the Bicol Region, where stories often travelled quickly from one household to another.
Through their works, Magdamit and Perez joined fellow Bicolano artists in celebrating the region’s culture, landscapes, and collective identity through contemporary art. Inah Denise A. Manansala
