The art, the artist, and everything in between

The struggles of Filipino artists continue to persist despite more relaxed community quarantine measures. Artists who are used to being part of exhibitions and participating in art fairs are suddenly left with limited ways to present their art. Although the digital space has been a big help in helping them put their work out into the world, nothing compares to being able to admire a piece of art in person.

In the face of these challenges, a lot of Filipino artists stay in love with their craft. To paint a picture of how local artists are responding to the pandemic, The Red Circle puts focus on three artists who work with different mediums and have different stories to tell.

Raymond Guevarra

Medium: Sculpture Definition of art: Art is the drawings in the back pages of your school notebooks, the scribbles you do on your arm chair, and the ketchup stain on your favorite shirt. It’s everywhere. Everyday object/moment that reminds you of art: Video games, movies, fashion, and music. Essential qualities for artists: Being resourceful and optimistic.

Raymond Guevarra uses personal objects in his mixed media work, which exudes a feeling of nostalgia. “Madalas mga 90s teks and toys ang gamit ko kasi lumaki akong naglalaro sa kalsada. I want to share the joy I had during my childhood days in the 90s,” he said.

(Most of the time, I use 90s teks and toys because I grew up playing in the streets. I want to share the joy I had during my childhood days in the 90s.)

Raymond also includes mechanical features in his artwork, most of which he learned about during his childhood. He was fond of tinkering with old, broken things and toys as a kid, and now he finds joy in creating artworks that can also serve as playmates to people. 

In the past months, Raymond has found a greater love for art despite the difficulties of the pandemic. With these difficulties, he realized that art soothes the anxieties and fears of uncertain times. This time has also helped him reflect on the philosophies he applies both in art and in everyday life. 

“Ang art, hindi pilit na ginagawa. “Discipline is the key” sounds cool and all, pero may times talaga na you need to be okay first. Forcing art is like forcing yourself to be happy,” Raymond shared. “Ganun din ginagawa ko sa buhay. Kung hindi magawa ang ilang mga bagay sa ngayon, I’ll step back, take a deep breath, relax, and bounce back the next day. Mas productive pa nga pagbalik. Kailangan rin inaalagaan ang sarili.”

(Art can’t be forced. “Discipline is the key” sounds cool and all, but there are times when you need to be okay first. Forcing art is like forcing yourself to be happy. That’s what I also do with my life. If I can’t do some things now, I’ll step back, take a deep breath, relax, and bounce back the next day. It’s even more productive when I get back. We also need to take care of ourselves.”)

Raymond stays motivated to do art by thinking of the different places in the world that his art may reach, as well as the people he can touch with them. “I hope na makikilala at makaka-inspire [ako] ng maraming tao through my art, kagaya ng mga artwork ng mga iniidolo ko na na-inspire ako. Sana rin makaahon agad ang art industry at ang artists. Malaking challenge talaga itong pandemic sa artists, pero I know we can make it through,” he said.

(I hope to be known and to inspire many people through my art just like the artworks of my idols who inspired me. I also hope that the art industry and artists recover fast. This pandemic really posed a big challenge on artists, but I know we can make it through.)

Vyankka Balasabas

Medium: Digital art and visual art Definition of art: Art is anything that I call it to be. I don’t have a definition of it. It simply exists, refusing to be defined. Everyday object/moment that reminds you of art: Pooping — it’s something necessary to keep your bodily functions to work properly, you feel relieved when you do it, and it’s necessary to wash away the impurities. Qualities that are essential for artists to have: Adaptability, knowing that change is constant, not being afraid to explore, and being resilient.

Vyankka Balasabas’ art has a surreal feel to it, which isn’t surprising given that her art style is geared toward expressionism. She likes to experiment with different styles, themes, and mediums, and is now spending more time experimenting on digital art. 

Vyankka’s art is a mirror of her personality, as well as what she feels during her moments of creation. “My art is very moody, and it mirrors whatever that I’m feeling at the moment. I do nothing to hide it. It’s very transparent and honest, and you can see that through my brushstrokes and the colors that I use.” 

For Vyankka, art is infinite and free, and can be a mix of frustrations, happiness, and uncertainties. “I have complete freedom with my art. I don’t let anyone dictate me what to do with it. I am free to explore and be playful. I can be stupid and a genius at the same time,” she said. “I do what I want as long as I don’t hurt people or do something that inconveniences them.”

Vyankka finds joy not only in creating art, but also in the power of art to make people feel. “I’m happy though if I hear [that] I inspire people with my art. Or if my art makes them feel emotions. Or if it makes them feel alive. I don’t directly say it, but I guess my art tells people to just do whatever makes you happy,” she shared. 

When it comes to advice she would give young artists, Vyankka stresses the importance of being open to the unfamiliar. “Don’t put yourself inside a box. Be skeptical, but educate yourself with the new things.” 

Bayani Galera

Medium: Visual art and sculpture Definition of art: Art is telling a story — personal stories, stories around the community, and different experiences. Everyday object/moment that reminds you of art: Family time. Qualities that are essential for artists to have: Maparaan, madiskarte, hindi pinanghihinaan ng loob, at hindi agad agad sumusuko. (Resourceful, a smart approach, strong-willed, and doesn’t give up easily.)

Bayani Galera is a visual artist who paints, sculpts, draws, and creates collages. He is fond of using chairs as the main subject of his work, particularly school armchairs. “It symbolizes school and memories of our childhood,” he said. “But more than memories, my work reflects the quality of our education here in our country — maraming kailangan lampasan at daanan bago natin maabot yung mga pangarap natin sa buhay.”

(There are a lot of obstacles that we need to overcome before we reach our dreams in life.)

Bayani has experienced firsthand the effects of the pandemic on the art industry, from cancelled exhibitions to having limited art supplies. However, he gets motivation to continue creating art from his family’s support, and his love for storytelling. He also hopes that in the future, his child will draw inspiration from what he does. “Gusto ko makita ni Baby Aki (Dakila) na tinutupad ng mga magulang niya ang mga pangarap nila, para sa kanyang paglaki, tutuparin din niya ang mga pangarap niya,” Bayani shared. 

(I want Baby Aki (Dakila) to see his parents fulfilling their dreams, so when he grows up, he’ll also fulfill his own dreams.)

Bayani also gets inspiration from the way artists persevere in these uncertain circumstances. This gave him a deeper appreciation for art. “Ipinakita ng mga artist na pwedeng makatulong ang art habang may pandemic. Yung mga musikero tumugtog sa mga online concert, nakanood tayo ng teatro, at nagkaroon ng online shows ang visual artists,” he shared. “Hindi lang nagpagaan ng loob ang artists sa mga Pilipino, tumulong din sila sa kapwa through online selling at fundraising. It showed that art can adapt in any situation or season.” 

(Artists have shown that art can also help during the pandemic. Those performing during online concerts, theater performances, and there were even online shows for visual artists. They weren’t only able to uplift the spirit of Filipinos, they were also able to help through online selling and fundraising. It showed that art can adapt in any situation or season.)

At the end of the day, Bayani’s experiences further reinforce his perspective of art’s purpose — To be free, and to set free; to mirror reality, and become reality.

Raymond, Vyannka, and Bayani may have different approaches and perspectives on art, but all of them prove just how big of an impact it can have on someone’s life. Their stories serve not only as sparks of hope for the local art industry, but also as a reminder that art is everywhere, and it will continue to persist. At a time when the pandemic keeps people apart, art brings them closer — and that alone is reason that it should still be cultivated and appreciated. 

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