UnARThodox: Understanding art and the artists

Emmanuel Nim boasts of his artworks inspired by his love of Mother Nature. (PNA photo by Ben Briones)

Faced with financial difficulties, Jonathan Madeja had to choose a job he did not want but offers money than doing art that does not give him a stable income. Inspired by friends who made it through poverty, he also tried making it on his own. (PNA photo by Ben Briones)

ON-THE-SPOT. Members of the art club, Grupo Kwadro performs their sought-after stint of painting a subject on-the-spot. (From left) Cee Cadid, Nik Masangkay, and Roland Santos. (PNA photo by Christine Cudis)

Anthony Escueta just started turning his passion to a living and has already sold two of his Guryon Series on his first exhibit at the Adamson University, December 2018. He said that the buyers formed a connection with his works as they reminisce their own years playing kites. (PNA photo by Christine Cudis)

MANILA — Art may be regarded as a personal endeavor but it also binds many as one.

This is the underlying concept of ‘UnARThodox’, a three-day art affair hosted by Miriam College in partnership with ArtisteSpace Inc. where students, professionals, and collectors meet and appreciate over a hundred art pieces from around the metro and nearby provinces.

Miriam College’s Dean of Education Trixie Marie Sison welcomes the partnership with creatives seeing an opportunity for students to interact with the artist themselves and learn inspirations behind their works.

“In museums, we make our own interpretations as the audience, this art fair will be a venue for the students and other guests to hear from the artists themselves the stories behind their paintings,” the dean said, adding that the event will encourage the students to realize that art is as important as Science and Mathematics.

This after the dean saw a rather moving painting of a child leaning beside a post with a chalk in hand and looking towards what seems to be a silhouette of a grown woman.

The artist explained that the emotional child is staring at her sketch of her mother who has been working overseas through her growing years.

The artists

 While enjoying a snack from a food park in front of the registration booth, guests are welcome to look around through the variety of artworks displayed alongside its artists.

At first glance, Anthony Escueta’s paintings only appear as bright and playful coordination of patterns. Later on, the artist approached to explain that he calls it his Guryon Series, an acrylic of kites which he claims as his favorite amusement as a young boy.

“As a batang 90s (90s kid), I feel compelled to share my joyful memories playing outdoors,” he said.

A few steps on, attractive images of flowers and women are painted with feminine palette colors which stand in clear contrast of the artist Emmanuel Nim, a macho who hails from General Santos City.

“I am a huge nature lover, through my years of painting I developed a fascination for the mother earth and every feminine figure — they are a symbol of nurturing beauty and calm, the vibe I want to transcend from my works,” he said.

On the far end of the strip where Nim was stationed is his friend Jonathan Madeja.

Formerly, a staff in a shopping mall, Madeja has just decided to become a full-time artist to dedicate the rest of his life doing what makes him feel good about himself.

“Halos anim na taon din ako sa trabaho tapos iniisip ko hanggang dito lang ba yung gusto ko, di ko ba gagawin yung talagang gusto ko (I spent almost six years in the maintenance job but I would always bug myself that I can’t just be doing this),” he said.

Evidently, making art did him well. It took him out of the stressful routine of work-eat-work and now earns at least PHP26,000 a painting which he can complete in a span of one to two months.

‘UnARThodox’ is open until February 2, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Paz Adriano Grounds and Henry Sy Innovation Center, Miriam College, Quezon City.

Featured artists also include Philip Badon and his wife Thelma Badon, Glenn Blanco, the doctor-artist Ronnie Lim, Ral Arrogante, Alex De Castro, Paper Cutting Philippines President Badz Magsumbol, Caress Banzon, Norlie Meiban, Boysie Villacencio, and the Association of Foot and Mouth Painters of the Philippines Member Jovy Sasutona.

Besides the exhibit, the event also brings seminars and workshops such as Calligraphy, Portraiture, Paper Cutting, Digital Film, Digital Art Production, Jewelry Making, Fashion, Design Thinking and Creative Process, Latte Art, Origami Making, Rubber Stamp Making, 30 Printing, and more that will be facilitated by well-Known artists and professionals.

Miriam College and ArtisteSpace, Inc. aim to bring art enthusiasts to a world beyond art through the different and captivating activities in UnARThodox. It hopes to introduce Filipino artists, as well as the different platforms of art, to the young aspirants and hopefully engage their passion for arts.