Wazzup Pilipinas!?
As an art critic, or so I dream to be, it is a rare privilege to encounter an exhibition that not only showcases exceptional talent but also deeply resonates with the human spirit. The "Ready Get Grit" exhibition at the Nami Art Gallery in White Plains, Quezon City, is precisely such an experience.
Running until July 31st, this immersive art experience is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, featuring 40 poignant pieces from 14 emerging artists, mentored by 6 experienced PH Masters, including Dr. Renato Cheng and Fernando Sena. This exhibit isn't just a collection of artworks; it's a profound journey into resilience, healing, and empowerment.
Here are just a few of the art pieces that you can find at the gallery, but please do check the video that I took as well which shows more of these
"Ready Get Grit" delves into how personal life struggles and challenges can be transmuted into breathtaking artistry. It is an honest and vulnerable exploration of the emotional landscapes faced by individuals grappling with mental health struggles, personal loss, and other profound life-defining challenges. Stepping into the gallery, one immediately feels that this is more than a passive viewing; it is an invitation to engage, to feel, and to witness the cathartic process of healing unfold through visual narratives. The multi-sensory approach of the exhibit enhances this connection, allowing sight, sound, taste, touch, and even smell to evoke raw emotions and complex experiences, guiding the viewer through a deeply personal journey toward inner fortitude.
A Sensory Odyssey Through Art: A Critic's Perspective
The exhibition's structure as a sensory odyssey is a stroke of genius, creating an intimate and impactful dialogue between the art and the observer.
Hear the Sculpted Stories of Overcoming Adversity:
Artists: Jeff Dahilan, Mari Zhar, La Gemina
The works in this section are truly captivating. Jeff Dahilan's intricate mosaics and abstract paintings (as seen in the striking piece featuring a peacock and butterflies against a nuanced facial profile) immediately draw you in with their hidden images and subtle narratives. There's a profound "clarity in the mess" that he speaks of, and it's beautifully evident in his precise yet fluid compositions. Mari Zhar's Modern Abstract Expressionism, particularly her sculptural integrations (like the piece with a vibrant red slash over a bare back), are deeply emotive. Her use of color to evoke pain and healing is remarkably effective, creating a visual language that is both raw and poetic. La Gemina's Contemporary Abstract Relief Sculptures are truly groundbreaking; their three-dimensional forms, like the textured white and gold pieces, speak volumes without words, illuminating "divine truth, healing, and redemption" in a way that is both ethereal and profoundly tangible. These artists masterfully sculpt stories that resonate with strength and the arduous journey of overcoming.
Taste the Colors of Embracing Identity:
Artists: Jes Luna, Pam Diel, Girl Lee
While I couldn't physically "taste" the colors, the vibrant energy exuded by the works of Pam Diel (her striking red and gold swan piece is a powerful visual), Jes Luna, and Girl Lee certainly leaves a strong impression. Pam Diel's eclectic contemporary art with its "upcycled edge" is particularly fascinating, showcasing incredible resourcefulness and a playful yet sophisticated approach to transformation. Her pieces feel like a celebration of movement and possibility, inviting viewers to embrace the "thrill of a life lived in bold, brilliant hues." The boldness of their palettes symbolizes the journey of embracing one's true self, leaving a lasting flavor of empowerment.
Feel the Hues of Strength Through Pain:
Artists: Marko Bello, Cris Manalo, Dwight De Leon, Anthony Palomo
This section is incredibly potent. Marko Bello's Marked Figurative Realism (as seen in the powerful depiction of a man with a red band over his eyes, speaking to hidden wounds and introspection) is a raw and unflinching exploration of human emotion. His ability to convey "strength, isolation, and personal battles" is truly masterful, making each piece a profound connection to the human spirit. Dwight De Leon's Floral Abstracts, such as the vibrant sunflowers (a truly uplifting work!), are a testament to finding refuge and inspiration. His reinterpretation of nature's simplicity into expressive pieces is both healing and transformative. The textures and expressive qualities of the works here genuinely allow one to "feel the hues of strength through pain," a powerful and moving experience.
Smell the Essence of Empowerment Through Personal Growth:
Artists: Angelo Roxas, Julius Legaspi, Maldita Magsaysay, Cas Lib
The thematic depth in this section is palpable. Julius Legaspi's realism, with its profound emotional depth, goes beyond mere representation to capture the "unseen realities" of Filipino life, evoking a sense of heritage and deep-seated emotion. Maldita Magsaysay's Pop Surrealism is an enchanting journey into healing and hope, with her "big-eyed muses" (as detailed in her artist statement) offering a whimsical yet deeply personal narrative of overcoming anxiety and embracing the inner child. Cas Lib's Impressionism, driven by her personal battle with cancer, makes her art a powerful statement on the "human body as sacred" and the beauty found in overcoming life's challenges. Her vibrant color palettes are truly empowering. These artists collectively exude an essence of growth and resilience that is profoundly inspiring.
A Deeper Look at the Artists:
Julius Legaspi: Realism with Emotional Depth
Legaspi's dedication to pastel painting imbues his work with a softness and expressiveness that perfectly conveys the emotional nuances he seeks to capture. His commitment to the "unseen realities" of Filipino life makes his art not just beautiful but deeply resonant.
Maldita Magsaysay: Pop Surrealism and Healing
Magsaysay's use of childlike imagery and fantastical elements creates a unique visual language that is both inviting and deeply therapeutic. Her art truly feels like a sanctuary, a vibrant testament to personal healing and the power of imagination.
Cas Lib: Impressionism with a Personal Emotional Focus
The raw honesty and vibrant expression in Cas Lib's work are incredibly moving. Her focus on empowering women and celebrating the human body as sacred, particularly through her fight with cancer, imbues her art with remarkable strength and beauty.
La Gemina: Contemporary Abstract Relief Sculpture
La Gemina's ability to translate spiritual and personal revelations into tangible, textured forms is truly remarkable. Her sculptures demand close inspection, revealing new depths and meanings with every angle and shift in light.
Mari Zhar: Modern Abstract Expressionism with Sculptural Integration
Mari Zhar's work is a powerful conversation between color and form, emotion and material. Her pieces are not merely observed but felt, offering a profound space for reflection and connection to shared human experiences.
Dr. Renato Cheng: Art and Medicine in Harmony
Dr. Cheng's oil paintings reflect a meticulous attention to detail and a vibrant palette, showcasing a beautiful synergy between his scientific and artistic pursuits. His work is a reminder that passion can truly bring balance and happiness.
Dwight De Leon: Floral Abstract
Dwight De Leon's floral abstracts are a joyous explosion of color and texture. His journey of finding solace and inspiration in art after a health scare is beautifully reflected in his work, which radiates peace and purpose.
Jeff Dahilan: Mosaic Design and Abstract Painting
Dahilan's mastery of mosaic design combined with abstract painting creates truly unique and captivating pieces. His ability to find "clarity in the mess" and embed "hidden images" in his work invites a delightful engagement with the viewer.
Marko Bello: Marked Figurative Realism
Marko Bello’s raw and powerful depictions of the human form and spirit are arresting. His unflinching exploration of psychological landscapes and personal battles makes his art profoundly impactful and deeply relatable.
Pam Diel: Eclectic Contemporary Art with an Upcycled Edge
Pam Diel's innovative use of upcycled materials and her bold, fluid forms bring a fresh and energetic perspective to contemporary art. Her work is a vibrant invitation to embrace creativity and a life lived in "bold, brilliant hues."
These Filipino artists, through their diverse styles and profound narratives, are not just creating beautiful objects; they are shaping culture, sparking conversations, and inviting us to look deeper into ourselves and the world around us. Their dedication and passion are a testament to the enduring power of art to transform, heal, and inspire. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the Nami Art Gallery in White Plains, Quezon City, to experience the captivating works of the "Ready Get Grit" exhibition firsthand before it concludes on July 31st! It is an experience that promises to engage all your senses and leave you with a profound sense of empowerment.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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