The paintings by Samar artist Aris Ventures have a pleasing, childlike quality. The faces of his subjects are all smiles. Even their eyes—whether open or closed—seem to be beaming at the viewer.
Some of his motifs include young leaves that represent growth, vibrant flowers that stand for beauty, and an ever-present sun, a yellow or orange disc that shines its light on everyone.
The images in his paintings are bisected by lines that he fills with repeating patterns ranging from swirls and stripes to scalloped edges and crosshatching. Aris describes his artistic style as “Environmentrick Art… that combines Cubism and diaphanous techniques.” In an earlier interview, he said the goal of Enviromentrick Art is to show “the beauty of virgin forests and untouched landscapes” of his hometown.
Aris has participated in dozens of group shows both here and abroad but for the first time in his career, he is the featured artist at ARTablado in Robinsons Antipolo. It’s a momentous event given how his three past solo shows were held in Samar.
He chose “Abode” as the title of his first exhibit in Metro Manila as it is related to his advocacy. “I’m also dedicated to my nation—my home and birthplace—where I am fortunate to live,” Aris said.
The artist moved to Manila after spending his entire life in Calbayog, a city in Samar. He began painting in high school and said he was influenced by the works of his godfather, Raul Isidro. He also counts National Artist Cesar Legaspi and Vicente Manansala as inspirations.
Even as he continued honing his painting skills and developing his own style, Aris also began holding art sessions in 1997 for the children in his province. “I was a government employee at the city arts and culture office in Cabayog then. It was a big help for these talented children who were unable to pay the fees needed to attend the art workshops.
“I wanted to share my talent with the kids. I felt happy when I would see them smile after the workshops,” he added.
This desire to get more children interested in making art was planted in him when he participated in an art program while he was in high school. “It was a project of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and our instructor was Elmer Borlongan,” he recalled.
Now that Aris is based in Manila, more people will be able to see and appreciate his work up close. He may have left Samar but he is determined to continue assisting young artists from his province so they too can have a chance to join exhibits in Manila.
In fact, he considers this exhibit at ARTablado as a great opportunity. “From the start, they have been very supportive. They take everything into consideration but don’t get any percentage from the sales. It’s also nice to see your works being admired by shoppers in the mall,” he said.
“Abode” featuring the works of Aris Ventures can be viewed at ARTablado at Robinsons Antipolo from September 16 – 30.
