LOCAL artist Victor “Bong” Espinosa finds the means to address his artistic curiosity by using the unexplored medium of surgical masks for his latest collection.
“What happens if you paint on the side that is light blue? What good does it do?...This creative collection explores the might of the face mask as a primary non-pharmaceutical tool to prevent the spread of the Sars-CoV-2 virus and to merge it with art that heals,” said Espinosa.
Born and raised in Davao City, Espinosa grew up under the guidance of an artist father. Because of this, he had his fair share of experience and exposure to visual arts. He took up Architecture at the University of Mindanao, but his years in the university studying architecture has only ignited his passion for visual arts. He became a regular at art competitions and workshops.
From September 25 to October 14, 2021, Espinosa will stage a solo exhibit dubbed as “FACEMASKS a.wear.ness: Uncover when it’s over” at La Herencia Arts and Events Pavilion along F. Torres Street, Davao City (beside Davao Convention Center). His health and art advocacy artdemic targets to showcase 40 handpainted facemasks revealing Espinosa’s creative expression amid the pandemic. Exploring a rare medium as a face mask reveals what comes out of an artist when he challenges himself, especially with whatever size of canvas he can get his hands on.
“This health and art advocacy is a show that features 40 framed hand painted face masks as pandemic souvenir art pieces that will steal your heart but won’t break your wallet at the time of the pandemic. Instead, let these colorful and cheerful art pieces satisfy your curiosity and lift your heart with an infusion of beauty and hope,” he added.
After practicing his craft for more than 20 years now, Espinosa had already staged at least 16 solo exhibitions -- the latest was last year, September 18, which he called Padayon that roughly translates to “carry on.” This solo exhibit also showcased the painful and tragic experience of the Covid-19 pandemic.
But despite this, he said “the challenge to survive, exist, and nurture our craftsmanship must continue.”
For those interested in seeing Espinosa’s solo exhibit on September 25 onwards at La Herencia Arts and Events Pavilion, they are reminded to follow all health protocols.
You may contact the artist through 09177015001 or 09994876334. You may also message La Herencia Arts and Events Pavilion through their Facebook page.