Six award-winning artists come together for the ‘Master’s Touch’ exhibition at drybrush gallery
There is no denying that technology has already changed our lives, from the way we find information to the way we create art. And one of the most controversial topics in the art scene today is the advent of digital arts or the art created through the use of software and computers.
Manila Bulletin Lifestyle asked some of the master painters who are holding “Master’s Touch” exhibit at the drybrush Gallery of SM MoA Square—visual artists Lander Blaza, Paul Dimalanta, Juno Galang, Al Perez, Fernando Sena, and Raul Isidro, this question: "What is your take about digital arts?"
Here are their diverse, yet interesting and insightful answers:
"We need to accept that this is now the trend. But still, the majority of collectors like traditional arts. is for the youth." —Lander Blaza
A multidisciplinary artist, Blaza is known for using a technique called "translayering," coined from the words transparent and layering. Blaza was a designer for several local and international clothing brands, including Jag and Crissa. For nine years, he was based in Hong Kong as the product development manager at Tiongshan International Apparel, which produces American brands True Religion Jeans and Grizzly Junior Jeans for the local market.
In 2009, Blaza returned to the Philippines and established LPB Arthaus, which organizes art exhibits at well-known galleries and popular malls. The multi-awarded artist has staged over 100 group art exhibitions locally and six international ones in Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the UK, and Italy.
"I have nothing against it because it’s part of our progress."—Juno Galang
With a degree in Fine Arts majoring in Advertising from the University of Santo Tomas, Galang migrated to the United States, where he was a freelance artist/illustrator in San Francisco, Seattle, New York, and Vancouver. Later, he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, to fulfill his lifelong dream of painting full time.
Galang exhibited his works in galleries throughout the United States until he decided to retire and move back to the Philippines. He set up a home studio in Parañaque, where he painted modern and vibrant combinations of colors in cubism and modern impressionism style as influenced by Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Picasso.
"It’s not artistic for me. I mean hindi mo gagamitin ang utak mo dun. As an artist you won’t be able to express what you want in digital art. Although it’s an art, I don’t accept it."—Paul Dimalanta.
Dimalanta created the shrine "Kamay ni Hesus," which is now a tourist attraction and landmark in their home province of Quezon. He was also commissioned to make a mural in the Gandara Church in Samar. He worked in the movie industry under the directorships of Eddie Romero and Cirio Santiago, and on the set design of the American movie "Last Chance."
"Hindi ako naniniwala sa digital art. Mas gusto ko yung art na gawa ng kamay. Kasi kapag nagpinta ka na galing sa kamay mo, nanggagaling sa puso yun. Yung tibok ng puso mo dumadaloy sa kamay mo, derecho sa painting mo." —Fernando Sena
Sena is known for depicting themes that Filipinos can easily relate to. These include religious icons, pandesal, barong-barong, a pile of assorted toys, and scenes from a simple life. Sena's pan de sal series is acknowledged to be the single most significant body of work immortalizing the common bread on canvas.
Considered the "Father of Philippine Art Workshops," Sena has appeared in numerous radio and TV shows since the late 1970s and—with the advent of social media—in YouTube videos, on Facebook, and in blogs. In 2015 and 2016, he published two instructional books on drawing and painting.
He also established several art groups, such as KATAG, Dalusapi, and the Buenas Artes Artist Group, that support his advocacy of calling attention to poverty in our midst. Sena's Art Discovery and Learning Foundation, Inc. have funded 11 scholars to the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts.
"I’m patronizing digital arts. It can be used in painting. I even get inspiration from the images I see on Facebook. Malaking bagay 'yang digital art dahil isang click mo lang makikita mo na ang mga gawa ng mga international artist. Hindi ka na rin mawawala sa uso."—Al Perez
Perez is best known for his church paintings with the use of different mediums such as watercolor, oil pastel, and even pen and ink. But the theme of his works reflects deep spirituality and a passion for the Filipino soul and identity. He is known as the "Portrait Artist of Philippine Churches." He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Santo Tomas in 1968. He also studied at the Art Students League in 1984 and the School of Visual Arts in 1996, both in New York.
"Digital arts can help artists in the development of their different compositions, it helps artists in the development of his styles. Technology is also a big help for young artists in getting references, something we didn’t have during our time."—Raul Isidro
Abstractionist, multi-awarded painter, and prolific Filipino contemporary artist, Isidro's works are heavily influenced by nature. He has been called a visionary and is a force to reckon with in the art world, having had hundreds of solo and group exhibits in the Philippines and abroad. His works depict the vibrancy and beauty of nature and the environment. From 1968 to 1977, Isidro taught Fine Arts at the Philippine Women's University. He became the dean of the College of Fine Arts, after which he left to devote time and attention to his art.
In the "Master's Touch" show, the works of these artists come together in one gallery. The exhibit not only features a diverse range of visual artworks such as paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces, it also demonstrates the different techniques to art lovers, collectors, and enthusiasts. It will run until Feb. 28, 2023 at the drybrush gallery and can also be viewed online at drybrush.com.