Emerging Artists in the Philippines

GROUP 3

• Emerging Artists of the PHILIPPINES

WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?

• Art is not typically the career choice for most in the Philippines.

• Despite this, exceptional artists display passion and world-class talent.

• These artists demonstrate that the arts and culture in the country are vibrant and alive.

Visual Arts

Ronald Ventura

• Has exhibited works globally, including locations such as Switzerland, New York, and Hong Kong.

• Known for utilizing multiple layers of mixed media in his art.

Works of Ronald Ventura

• Incorporates elements of:

  • Graffiti

  • Cartoons

  • Hyperrealism

  • Surrealism

  • Pop Art

• Notable piece: Grayground which sold for $1.1 million, setting a record for Southeast Asian contemporary art at a Sotheby’s auction.

Quote by Ronald Ventura

• "I will paint and update a painting until I am satisfied. It's like a film director who is shooting a scene—at certain points he will feel like he needs more extras or more light."

What makes them Filipino?

• Ventura draws inspiration from:

  • Science fiction

  • Western history

  • Asian mythology

  • Catholicism

  • Comic book characters

Kiko Escora

• Escora’s work is often described as reflecting emotion on canvas, blending intelligence with beauty.

Sample Works of Kiko Escora

• Focuses on subjects with their faces obscured, emphasizing gestures and postures.

• The shared theme in his works encapsulates a nonchalant, 'I don’t care' attitude.

What makes them Filipino?

• Paintings depict contemporary life influenced by Manila's urban elite, portraying dedication to personal style and vision and reflecting the contemporary lifestyle.

Annie Cabigting

• Works reflect historical perspectives on art.

• Participated in the Prague Biennale in the Czech Republic.

Sample Works of Annie Cabigting

• Often involves recreating works of famous artists like Jackson Pollock.

What makes them Filipino?

• Cabigting studied Painting at the University of the Philippines and exhibited her works publicly since 2001. Her first solo show was in 2005.

Theater

Angeli Bayani

• Notable theater and film actress recognized for her performances in independent films like Lav Diaz's Norte: The End of History.

• Praised by acclaimed director Ang Lee as a "national treasure" for her role in Ilo Ilo.

Sample Works of Angeli Bayani

• Renowned for her roles in Philippine art-house films, particularly those directed by Lav Diaz, like Melancholia and Norte.

What makes them Filipino?

• Ilo Ilo explores the dynamics of the Lim family adjusting to new domestic help, reflecting broader narratives of Filipino labor and family life.

Joshua Lim So

• A Palanca-winning playwright and a founder of the Destiyero Theater Commune.

Sample Works of Joshua Lim So

• His work has received acclaim for its suspenseful narrative and emotional depth.

• Winner of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature 2014.

What makes them Filipino?

• Tungkol kay Angela is set in a totalitarian future, spotlighting characters influenced by the aftermath of the 1986 People Power Revolution.

Ed Lacson

• Emerging theater director noted for his success with the play Games People Play in 2014.

Sample Works of Ed Lacson

• Games People Play depicts childhood games that shape characters' backstories, presenting them in a humorous yet profound light.

What makes them Filipino?

• Features traditional Filipino children's games, ingraining cultural references within the character’s narratives.

Literature

Sophia Lee

• Winner of the 2014 Scholastic Asian Book Awards for her novel What Things Mean.

Sample Works of Sophia Lee

• What Things Mean explores the significance of various aspects that shape life experiences.

What makes them Filipino?

• The protagonist, Olive, grapples with feelings of being an outsider in a modern Manila context, addressing themes of identity within a multicultural family dynamic.

Music

Abra

• Also known as Raymond Abracosa, a well-known Filipino hip-hop artist and occasional actor.

• His song Gayuma was a major hit, reaching high view counts on YouTube.

Sample Works of Abra

• Gained fame in underground rap circles before mainstream success, notable for songs featuring collaborations with other artists.

What makes them Filipino?

• Abra expresses aspirations to elevate the standards of Filipino music, embodying the passion for local artistry.

Quote by Abra

• "Personal mission ko na ma-inspire ang lahat na mag-upgrade ng standards…"

• Aspires to produce numerous albums to improve the quality of music in the Philippines.