Ink and memories

Nasser Zulueta’s journey through ‘Transient Horizons’


Nasser Zulueta’s latest exhibit “Transient Horizons” at Art Anton Gallery is a testament to his remarkable journey through life as a nomad and his relentless pursuit of artistic expressions.

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Nasser Zulueta

“The whole idea behind my exhibition ‘Transient Horizons’ comes from my life as someone who is always on the move, like a nomad,” Nasser explains. “Like others, I’ve experienced many things during my journey—some incredible moments and some not-so-great ones. But looking back, I’ve realized that each of those moments, whether high or low, played a significant role in shaping who I am today.”

Nasser art delves into the concept of freezing time and preserving memories. “I was curious about the idea of freezing time and keeping memories intact,” he reflects. “I wanted to capture those moments and turn them into art. Looking back at the moments that made me happy or even those that were tough gave me the energy to keep moving forward.”

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'Aroma' (Isla Verde), 5x5 inches, archival pen on acid free paper, 2023; 'Balagwit' (Isla Verde), 5x5 inches, archival pen on acid free paper, 2023

The heart of Nasser’s exhibit lies in the meticulous detail of his tiny drawings, some as small as 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches. He hopes that his artwork evokes emotions and thoughts in his viewers, reminding them that life is impermanent and constantly changing.

“My exhibition says life’s not fixed. It’s constantly changing. We should learn, adapt, and value these shifts. I want my show to remind people that life’s impermanent, and each change has meaning,” he says.

“Transient Horizons” builds upon Nasser’s previous exhibit “Dialectics,” where he explored the impact of childhood memories on his identity. In this exhibit, he takes a step further in capturing fleeting memories and freezing them in time, creating a captivating dance between art and the past.

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'Home', (Isla Verde), 5x5 inches, archival pen on acid free paper, 2023; 'Manila Baywalk' (Manila), 5x5 inches, archival pen on acid free paper, 2023

“I dive into each step I take, and it’s the core of how I do my art. Each image tells a story I want to share. I chose a super fine archival pen because I like creating a woven masterpiece, bringing the whole picture to life.”

For emerging artists starting their journey, Nasser offers, “Keep at it, pour your heart into your art, and savor the ride. Sometimes, not knowing where you’re headed is the most exciting part.”

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'Bed Space' (Quezon City), 5x5 inches, archival pen on acid free paper, 2023; 'First Job' (Batangas City), 5x5 inches, archival pen on acid free paper, 2023

Nasser’s artistic influences span from Rembrandt to contemporary artists like Olafur Eliasson, showcasing his diverse artistic palette. His ability to adapt and innovate is evident in “Transient Horizons,” where he merges spatial and temporal elements to create a mesmerizing narrative of his nomadic life.

“Transient Horizons” is a testament to Nasser’s unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to capture the essence of life through art. In this exhibit, time stands still, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of reflection and contemplation. 

“Transient Horizons” runs until Sept. 21 at Art Anton Gallery, G/F, S Maison, Conrad Hotel Manila, Marina Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.