The skies were painted in somber gray during those days. The mourners wore black. But life, art and the spirit carry on.
A founding member of a Bicolano art group called Kintab expresses that often-chronicled resilience of the Filipino. Harold Gomez exclaims, “Tuloy lang ang laban! Di kami susuko (dahil) mga uragon po kami!” Kintab’s latest exhibition, billed as “Ethereal Echoes: A Colorful Journey,” is currently on view until Dec. 5 at Robinsons Land ARTablado, Third Floor Veranda of Robinsons Galleria.
Despite the setbacks caused by a series of typhoons, the Kintab members adapted, reconfiguring their schedules and salvaging damaged works to continue their mission of bringing Bicolano art to Manila. “Safety namin ang priority,” Gomez adds, highlighting the collaborative support they received from the people behind ARTablado.
The exhibition features works by 26 artists with a range of styles and themes, tied together by the idea of exploring the ephemeral and enduring echoes of life.
The participating artists are Edgar Baesa, Cris Fagata Gomez, Dennis Nieves, Carissa Salceda, Abegail Reyes, Claire Yen Malanyaon-Leuterio, Aldrin Amaro, Reymel Gonzaga, Peboi Millare Selleza, Ron Aragon Ruadil, Ramon Pascua, Nick Valenzuela, Ar John Noe Garcia, Ryan Pascor Morales, Moi, Melchor Sabariza, Mia France Bermeo Dorosan, Marivi Encinas, Marjorie Sisno, Jurrel Magistrado, Mac Allison Aguirre Calleja, Jojit Begino, Harold Gomez, Jaime Coralde III, Elden Lumaniog, MD, and Gladys Gomez Borromeo.
The vibrant array of artworks includes painting, sculpture, and mixed media, each representing the artists’ unique interpretations of the lingering impressions of human experience.
Gomez notes, “Malaking tulong ang ARTablado para mapakilala ang mga gawa ng mga taga-Bicol dito sa Maynila.” With sales already being recorded on the opening day, the exhibition not only amplifies Bicolano voices but also validates their creative excellence. “Masaya kami kasi naging successful ang opening kahit na ilang beses nagbago ang dates dahil sa bagyo. Ang mas nakakatuwa pa, nakabenta na kami agad sa unang araw pa lang.”
Every cloud has a silver lining, and each gloomy veil keeps a sliver of promise. “Talagang naramdaman namin na sulit ang lahat ng aming paghihirap.”
Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) champions the dreams of Filipino artists who live even in the most far-flung of locations by providing the ARTablado platform. With a profound belief in the creativity and ingenuity of Filipino artists, RLC has dedicated spaces at Robinsons Malls in Antipolo and Ortigas, offering a stage for artists to showcase their relentless hard work, grit, and perseverance. ARTablado has quickly become a transformative force for the art community, fulfilling the long-standing need for a platform that celebrates every artist — from solo practitioners to collective art groups — allowing his or her talent to shine in the spotlight they deserve.
And who deserves it more than those who have crafted artworks born out of blood, sweat and rainwater? Among the standout pieces is “Harmony in Motion” by Jaime Coralde III, a painting of koi fish in a serene pond. Coralde reflects, “This painting captures the symbolic dance of harmony… embodying the seamless flow between light and shadow, movement and stillness.” The work resonates with the exhibition’s theme, inviting viewers into a meditative exploration of interconnectedness.
In contrast, Dennis Nieves channels tenderness in “Mother & Child,” while Ryan Morales’ “Kalinga Ni Inay” portrays nurturing love. Meanwhile, Abegail Reyes’ “Revelation 4” dazzles with its bold acrylic strokes, evoking spiritual introspection, aligning perfectly with the exhibition’s ethereal theme.
The exhibition also marks a celebration of unity. For the Kintab Artist Group, founded in 2013, this is more than just an art showcase; it is a cultural statement. With a mission to promote Bicolano heritage, the group underscores the enduring power of art to bridge communities, even in the face of adversity.
Each brushstroke, chisel mark and color choice embodies not only the beauty of Bicolano art but also the unyielding spirit of its artists. As viewers stroll through the ARTablado space, the artworks waft stories of hope, survival and the transcendent power of shared human experiences.
Whether it’s the meditative calm of Harold Gomez’s “Rainforest” or the poignant social realism in Nick Valenzuela’s “Saod,” this exhibition invites us to pause and reflect on the echoes of our own journeys. After all, as the Kintab collective so vividly demonstrates, the storms may come, but art endures, giving us hope in our constantly floating world.
