Art possesses a clever prowess to evoke the political sentiments that sway multitudes. Whether a solitary dot on a canvas, a vibrant splash of blue or red hues or a daring stroke slicing through the core, art creatively conveys an artist’s pool of ideas, touching upon the sphere of power, inequality, justice, human rights and social dilemmas.
This year, 12 Bol-anon visionaries combine their perspectives as the Philippines approaches its Independence Day. This exhibit is a collaboration between NUSTAR Resort and Casino and Qube Gallery entitled: "Independence Reimagined."
Rio Cabahug
A visual artist based in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Rio explores the many faces of privilege bestowed upon the Filipinos by their ancestors and forefathers in his artwork.
Rio’s art was chosen to be the exhibition's centerpiece, featuring two individuals locked gazes, sharing smiles and basking in the serene embrace of companionship. Yet, beneath the relaxed surface, Rio ingeniously exposes the darker undercurrents of privilege, illustrating that it is not always a benign force.
"In my artwork, you can observe these two individuals exchanging smiles, almost as if they are questioning, 'Does your smile signify the enjoyment of the independence that our ancestors fought and sacrificed for?' Amid the global political turbulence in places like Ukraine, Russia, and even here in Bohol, it leaves me pondering whether we can truly secure a future and preserve our independence in the years ahead. So we have to do things that will prolong our independence," Rio said.
Jeffrey Sisican
“In the lower section of my artwork, akin to Rizal's lower body, there is a clear portion that symbolizes the gradual fading of our appreciation for the heroic endeavors and struggles of the past, potentially leading to the loss of our collective identity. However, the upper part represents freedom, signifying that there is still a glimmer of hope for us to stand resolute. By exploring Rizal's life and contributions, we discover a source of inspiration that instills hopes and fuels our aspirations,” said Jeffrey.
Jeffrey's artwork, titled "Turning Back From Being Vanished," emanates a palpable call to action, compelling individuals to strive towards a future that avoids the perils of losing our identity. Through the use of a flag as a powerful symbol, the artwork ignites inspiration, urging people to stand firm. It serves as a visual reminder to embrace Filipino roots, preserve heroic history and forge a path towards a renewed and steadfast future.
Steven Luspo
Steven — a graduate of Fine Arts with a specialization in Advertising Arts from the University of San Carlos Cebu — excels in the realm of digital illustrations and graphic design. His art encapsulates the profound journey towards genuine emancipation.
“When they told me about the theme, I could immediately imagine the flag as you can see in the colors here. It also instantly reminded me of the enduring struggle of the Filipino people. Despite the passage of years since the era of colonization, we continue to grapple with the quest for genuine freedom, encountering obstacles along the way. Hence, you can observe these two figures in the artwork, struggling to stand upright, symbolizing our ongoing battle for true liberation,” said Steven.
His artwork, “The Struggle for Independence,” represents a profound symbol of the unwavering resilience and timeless essence of the Filipino people.
Nicole Asares
Nicole, a highly acclaimed visual artist, has garnered recognition for her remarkable ability to skillfully weave textured lines into her artwork. Drawing inspiration from the enchanting realm of cartoons and the sheer beauty of life, Nicole creates captivating pieces. Her artistic style embraces the concept of zen doodles, intricate patterns composed of dots, lines and graceful curves, seamlessly melding together to give birth to vibrant and emotive paintings. Each stroke and arrangement of elements come alive, infusing her creations with an irresistible charm and liveliness.
“My art possesses an element of spontaneity, influenced by my mood. Even in times of sadness, my work still has an uplifting aura. I take inspiration from candies, gummies, and adorable elements. Also, my artwork symbolizes a sense of lightness and joyfulness.” said Nicole.
Jumjum Ouano
As a distinguished member of the local Culture and Arts Council in the province of Bohol, JumJum utilizes his artistic prowess to provide a vivid and introspective portrayal of the intricate fabric of our society.
Prior to his involvement in social development work, he worked as a teacher in Industrial Design at Bohol Island State University. JumJum has been actively involved in organizing and participating in various art exhibitions, including the Bohol Arts Festival in 2012, Annual Hugna sa Mugna Exhibitions of the Industrial Design College of Bohol Island State University, the Philippine Visual Arts Festival in Bohol in 2018, and most recently, the Bohol Art Expo. Currently, he serves as the interim chair of Bohol Pop, a contemporary visual artists group in the province, which has successfully organized several local and national exhibitions.
Joseph “Jjawzip” Ingking
With a diverse range of artistic expertise encompassing painting, mixed media, and digital illustrations, JJawzip, a graduate with a fine arts degree majoring in Advertising Arts from a university in Bohol, showcases his masterpiece titled "Boundless." This artwork delves into the profound concept of independence, intertwining it with notions of freedom and peace.
"Boundless" also emphasizes the pivotal role of creativity, portraying it as a catalyst for boundlessness and endless possibilities. As the title suggests, viewers are encouraged to contemplate the significance of independence and its transformative power within their personal journeys.
Anna Palban
A Psychology graduate and licensed Psychometrician, she's not only an active member of the BAJI Arts Collective and Bohol Contemporary Art Group but also a dedicated advocate for Mental Health awareness. With a heartfelt commitment to making a difference, she organizes and facilitates art workshops for children in the islands impacted by Typhoon Odette. These workshops serve as a vital platform for providing psychosocial intervention and support to young survivors, helping them navigate their emotional well-being and find solace through artistic expression.
“My artwork, ‘Bloom to Freedom’ is a personal interpretation of the Bajis/Filipinas 125th years after the Independence of the Philippines. Filipinas are often characterized as Dalagang Pilipina, a woman who possesses many admirable qualities. Aside from her physical beauty, she is obedient, modest, devoted to God, loving, principles and compassionate,” said Anna.
Sam Penaso
Sam is a highly accomplished and versatile artist known for his exceptional skills in diverse artistic disciplines.
In his own words, Sam describes his artwork as a cityscape, symbolizing the progress and development of the Philippines after attaining independence.
Throughout his career, Sam has garnered numerous art grants and residencies, enriching his artistic practice. Noteworthy among these are the Don Papa Rum residency in London in 2019, the Arthub Artresidency in Abu Dhabi in 2014, and the Asian Cultural Council (ACC) International Studio and Curatorial Program in New York, where he dedicated six months to refining his craft.
Lloyd Lusica
Born in 1992, Lloyd is a talented artist hailing from Guindulman, Philippines. He pursued his studies in Advertising at the University of Bohol College of Architecture and Fine Arts and later moved to Manila to establish himself as a painter.
“The utilization of bold and vibrant colors aims to symbolize the dynamic and energetic nature of technology, while the abstract shapes embody the elusive and abstract qualities of artificial intelligence. Together, these elements create a visually captivating representation of the complex relationship between humanity and the ever-evolving realm of technology,” said Lloyd.
Lloyd's mesmerizing artwork, "Artificial Intelligence," explores the complex bond between technology and humanity. With a captivating blend of vibrant hues and fluid shapes, the composition unfolds in a harmonious dance of visual intrigue.
Nam Intal
Currently based in Germany, Nam is a boundary-pushing artist and photographer who seamlessly merges the spheres of art and photography. With a penchant for multimedia compositions, Nam fearlessly explores the endless possibilities that arise when combining photographs, acrylics, and spray paints.
Nam's artwork invites viewers to embark on a mesmerizing journey through her dreamlike realm, where colors blend and swirl in a diluted dance of enchantment.
"The artwork explores the concept of freedom and the responsibilities that come with it. Freedom is not something that is given freely, but rather something that is earned and maintained through conscious effort. The artist emphasizes that freedom should not be taken for granted and that it requires responsible behavior and respect for others. The artwork challenges the notion that freedom is without cost or consequence. It highlights the importance of using our freedoms wisely and avoiding their abuse, as this can lead to their erosion or loss. The artist questions whether the temporary satisfaction gained from expressing oneself without regard for others is worth the potential negative consequences,” said Nam.
Marc John Israel
Marc John, a passionate advocate for Boholano heritage, began his artistic journey in comics. His innovative use of crayons as a medium garnered online recognition and acclaim. As the Bohol chapter lead for Guhit Pinas, he champions the preservation of local art and folklore, weaving vibrant tales of heritage through his creations.
"The artwork serves as a representation of the artist's perspective on the state of freedom in the Philippines. It acknowledges that while the country has achieved legal independence from colonial rule, true freedom is subjective and multifaceted. The artwork suggests that the Philippines faces internal challenges and self-imposed limitations, stemming from a failure to learn from historical lessons,” said Marc John.
Lucell Larawan
Lucell is an acclaimed artist with a remarkable career. He has been a finalist at the International Artist Grand Prize Championship in Taiwan in 2019 and 2020. Larawan's sculptures also earned semi-finalist awards at the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence in 2006 and 2008. With six solo exhibitions held across Manila, Cebu City, Iloilo City and Bacolod City, Lucell's recent solo exhibition was made possible through a grant from the NCCA Gallery program.
"In my painting, I aim to shed light on a frequently overlooked aspect of independence: our level of personal and communal financial freedom within the framework of equity and justice. I explore the idea that independence is not solely about political or national sovereignty, but also about the ability to thrive financially. I believe that true independence is achieved through thoughtful consideration of cause and effect, where our actions and strategies contribute to our self-sufficiency,” said Lucell.
"Independence Reimagined" is up until June 30, 2023 located at the Level 1 Mall Hallway of NUSTAR Casino and Resort. In honor of Philippine Independence Day and co-presented by QUBE Gallery, these evocative creations spark conversations and ignite the imagination.