How do artists envision life in the time of COVID-19?
On March 16, 2020, the busy Manila was put to silence with fear a Covid-19 began to wreak havoc in the metro and, eventually, in other different parts in the archipelago. This sudden halt has taken many lives and crippled various industries, the arts community included. To assist each other, artists banded together and created The Brave New World Project. Its exhibition, “Brave New World,” was first launched online on July 24, 2020 to help the artists involved make a living despite the community quarantine and to assist in funding this historic project. Two years later, that project continues with a physical exhibition and a book immortalizing what pandemic life is through artists’ eyes.
“The Brave New World” coffee table book, published by South East Asian Heritage Publications Inc., presents a collection of more than 400 works by over 300 artists, inspired by the bravery of people who continue to persevere despite the severe impact of the pandemic and the challenges of living in the new normal. It will be launched today, March 16, 6 p.m., at Art Lounge Manila, The Podium. The date marks the anniversary of the first time enhanced community quarantine was implemented in Luzon. Accompanying the book launch is a physical exhibition of artworks from some of Brave New World’s participating artists. The show will run from March 5 to 26.
“The book gives voice to artists and writers so they may mirror our society and the times, and document crucial components of our lives. During this time of uncertainty and unrest, it is difficult yet necessary to create art,” Art Lounge Manila says. “Works by our local artists bear witness to a stark new reality: the struggle for survival, loss of jobs and livelihood, the desperate need for relief assistance, protective measures against the coronavirus, the challenges of social distancing, difficulties of contact tracing, worries about returning to work and paying bills, among others. Many artists also seek to honor health workers, essential workers, and frontliners as our modern-day heroes in the fight against Covid-19.”
Featured artists in the book include Alfredo Esquillo, Antipas Delotavo, Charlie Co, Angelito Antonio, Norma Belleza, Michael Cacnio, Ramon Orlina, Max Balatbat, Anton Del Castillo, Brave Mabalo Singh, John Paul Antido, Renz Baluyot, Kim Hamilton Sulit, Renato Barja Jr., Wesley Valenzuela, Michael Villagante, Demi Padua, Winner Jumalon, Jojit Solano, Joel ‘Welbart’ Bartolome, Sid Natividad, Chelsea Theodossis, Jomike Tejido, Manix Abrera, and Roel Obemio, to name a few.
The book also features essays by writers Jose Tence Ruiz, Purissima “Petty” Benitez-Johannot, Pepper Teehankee, Prim Paypon, Jack Teotico, and “Brave New World” curator Ricky Francisco, as well as “Salinawit” poetry by Jose F. Lacaba. Providing context to the book’s subject are photographs of the COVID-19 experience in the Philippines.
Showcase on the exhibit are artworks by Anna De Leon, Anthony Palo, Averil Paras, Camille Ver, Charmaigne Mendoza, Darwin “Japat” Guevarra, Dominic L. Turno, Edwin Tres Reyes, Francis Nacion, Gary Custodio, Harold Gomez, Herbert Pajarito, Janelle Tang, Joar Songcuya, Jomar Delluba, Joy Calansan, Juanito Torres, Kel Cruz, Kristine Lim, Mark Francisco, Melissa Yeung Yap, Michael Pastorizo, Migs Villanueva, Milmar Onal, Neil Defeo, Norlie Meimban, Omi Reyes, Paul David Magisa, Ramona Dela Cruz Gaston, Richard Perez, Richard Tuason, Roel Obemio, Weena Espardinez, among others.
“As we find our way through an extraordinary global crisis that affects all aspects of life, we are united by a common experience,” the premium exhibition space says. “These artistic offerings can hopefully help us make sense of a world turned upside-down. When this pandemic is behind us, may we look back and remember the struggles and hardships we faced, and the hope for better days ahead.”
For inquiries, please contact South East Asian Heritage Publications Inc. on Facebook (@ArtPlusMagazine), Instagram (@artplusmag), or call +632 7369 3461.