Art transcends mere decoration; it serves as a powerful medium for advocacy, cultural preservation, and social impact.
In the latest exhibition which is on view until Aug. 15 at Robinsons Land ARTablado billed as “ABAKAsining,” art becomes a catalyst for change by highlighting the importance of abaca, a native plant with profound economic and cultural significance. The people behind ARTablado adhere to the belief that, through creative expression, artists can draw attention to the resilience and craftsmanship of the local communities in Catanduanes who rely on abaca for their livelihood. By showcasing abaca in various artistic forms, these works not only celebrate the material’s natural beauty and versatility but also underscore the need to support and sustain the people of Catanduanes. This fusion of art and advocacy illustrates how creativity can be harnessed to foster economic development, environmental sustainability, and cultural pride.
The show features the works of the members of the Isla Catanduanes visual artist group, namely: Juvy Teope Magno-Abne, Yvette Alcantara, Alma Ang, Krit Arcilla, Jerry Barrameda Jr., Kent Benavidez, Nadine Briones, Paul Cajuday, Donna Mae Callos, Wednesday Cilot, Jay Condeno, Joannah De Leon, Jam de los Reyes, Godfrey Evasco, Oliver Flores, Ivan Geromo, Joshua Gonzales, Jerie Jerusalem, Sherlyn Lee, Steven Lee, Susaine Molina, Christian Nazareno, James Padayao, Maruja Panti, Yssa Bel Reyes, Garry Santos, Francesca Tabian, Rence Tatad, Dominic Urbano, Jualim Vela and Noel Villanueva, with guest artists Ismael Esber, Rogelio “Maestro” Orobia and Ramon Sediego Jr.
The art world has begun embracing abaca paper as a sustainable alternative to traditional canvases, highlighting its unique properties such as toughness, durability, flexibility, versatility, and eco-friendliness. This shift towards organic and indigenous materials in art not only promotes ecological sustainability but also enriches the artistic experience with captivating textures and lines. The artists in “ABAKAsining” used abaca as their canvas-paper in creating engaging works of art.
“I want to put abaca in a whole new light, and pave the way to a broader avenue for Isla Catanduanes artists to spread their wings and showcase their passion, creativity and talents,” Arleen Mendiola Lipana, the organizer of the show explains. Exploring abaca paper as an alternative to the customary art canvas and as an art medium is gradually gaining ground in the art industry. “I want to inform people on its strength and versatility, but, more so, to help sustain the livelihood of the abaca farmers, strippers and paper manufacturers in the Bicol region. I believe that art has the power to go beyond the confines of galleries and can become a catalyst for change.”
In a show of support, Robinsons Land ARTablado provided the artists of Isla Catanduanes their very own entablado not only to help spread the gospel of abaca as art material, but also to showcase their art to a wider audience.
Arleen expounds how ARTablado has opened its doors for every artist — whether seasoned or upcoming. “ARTablado does not get a percentage of the sales from the exhibition, which is a big help to artists as well as organizers. ARTablado is a cut above the rest; it is here to genuinely help Filipino artists to showcase their ingenuity and creativity.”
The people behind Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) believe in the ingenuity and artistry of Filipinos. RLC has allocated spaces at Robinsons malls in Antipolo and Ortigas to hold exhibitions for art practitioners who deserve to showcase their hard work, grit and perseverance. ARTablado’s impact has been instantaneous for members of the art community who have been pining for a platform where every artist — from individual practitioners to members of art groups — gets the chance to shine.
With the support of ARTablado, an artist such as Francesca Bernardine Tabian gets to flex her creativity and realize her vision. She says, “Thankful kami sa opportunity and trust na mabigyan ng major event and stage ng tinitingalang company. It’s a privilege to be associated with such a respected and inspiring platform such as ARTablado.”
As a local artist from Catanduanes, Joannah Paula de Leon feels honored to take part in “ABAKAsining.” The artist shares, “And I am very happy and proud to finally have my artworks displayed at ARTablado.”“ABAKAsining” is currently on view at ARTablado, Level 3 Veranda of Robinsons Galleria, EDSA corner Ortigas Ave. The art exhibit is supported in part by the Provincial Local Government of Catanduanes, Catanduanes Provincial Tourism Office, Renzo Art Gallery and Abaca Finest.
Established in 2020, Robinsons Land ARTablado, a portmanteau of “art” and “entablado” is Robinsons Land’s very own stage in showcasing the Filipino ingenuity and creativity. This platform allows emerging artists to freely express themselves through art and paves the way to greater recognition of their talent and hard work. To date, ARTablado has mounted numerous exhibitions and hosted over 500 artists.
