An exploration of what is through an understanding of what was
"Every child is an artist," Pablo Picasso once said. "The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." It's a problem everyone eventually deals with, whether one is an artist or not. Most are natural creatives in their childhood, with bold imaginations and uninhibited techniques. Remember when you first dared to color beyond the lines? This must be especially true of artists. As they grow older, many factors influence their art, streamlining and refining their craft to fit a certain canvas or a particular aesthetic.
That is why, for some, looking back at their childhood continues to be part of their current creative process. This is the case for visual artists Choy Raymundo and Heal Vegerano. In their exhibits dubbed “Echoes from the Past” and “Nostalgic Weekend,” respectively, they have traveled back in time to rekindle a connection with their younger selves and produce artworks that are both joyful and moody.
In a conversation with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Choy and Heal talk about their exhibits, how they sought to merge the past with the present by channeling parts of their childhood, reliving memories with every brush stroke that colored their canvases.
Can you tell us the inspiration behind your latest works?
CHOY: I drew inspiration mainly from my family, especially my two sons (seven and eight years old), and I incorporated my past experiences as a child, too.
HEAL: My Inspiration for “Nostalgic Weekend” comes from my childhood hobbies, which include watching my favorite cartoons, playing computer games, , and side street mini-games, like playing spiders and bugs .
How would you describe your aesthetic?
CHOY: I would describe my aesthetics as simple, heavy, striking, and deep. I love shades of black and white to give emphasis to subjects, environment, and ultimately, the emotions that I wish to bring into my paintings
HEAL: I would describe my aesthetic as playful, with a combination of shapes and vivid colors, and sometimes with whimsical composition and weird images.
What or who influenced your works?
CHOY: I adore the works of the master painter Ronald Ventura who is known for his use of the same color preference, his genius application of realism, and a bit of surrealism.
HEAL: Pop culture is one of the biggest influences that inspire my artworks. I have ever since been a fan of computer game design, manga, live-action superhero flicks, and trading card game art, especially “Magic: The Gathering.” Some of my favorite artists are Yoshitaka Amano, Kev Walker, Rebecca Guay, and Richard Kane Ferguson.
Can you tell us something about the pieces you’re presenting?
CHOY: “Echoes from the past” delves into my sentiments about my colorful past, and how these have brought me to what we call our present. The exhibit explores human emotions captured through the eyes of the young. Infants, from the first time they open their eyes to view the world, only recognize two colors—black and white. My artworks, these two contrasting shades serve as a retrospective view of my early life to convey a compelling truth: that even as a child we experience conflict and struggle. In this collection, the viewer is made to recognize the familiar feelings of longing, hoping, and waiting.
HEAL: My recent art pieces tell the story, albeit through fragments, of my childhood influences. Stuff like playing games you could enjoy only during weekends, those days of the week considered as one of the happiest by every child, where you could stay at home or go out and play with friends.
What can viewers expect when they check out your exhibits? What are your goals?
CHOY: Viewers can expect to feel nostalgic, like traveling to the past and reminiscing events from 10 or 20 years back. Whether it was a happy memory or a somewhat painful yet meaningful one, my artworks will remind them of that. My goal has always been to inspire people to get out of the darkness they’ve gone through and continue to improve as a person. I want to be able to evoke a sense of empathy in those who look at my pieces, for them to feel also other people's struggles and happiness.
HEAL: Since our exhibit is a two-man show setup, people can expect different art styles and compositions inspired by different stories that serve as symbolisms for the past and the present. My goal for creating “Nostalgic Weekend” is to express my art as a stress free medium that doesn't just entertain but also exudes good vibes.
Works from “Echoes from the Past” and “Nostalgic Weekend” can currently be viewed at Art Core1220’s space in Quezon City. In light of Metro Manila’s current pandemic climate, guests are required to schedule their visits in advance.