Missionary visual artist Kristine Lim’s work transcends mere aesthetic. Her exhibit “Bridging Horizons” at Galerie Joaquin is a testament to her dedication to art, culture, diplomacy, and faith.
The exhibit began with a conversation with her friend, Councilor Uno Lim, the International Relations chairman of the City of Manila. They envisioned a project that would strengthen the Philippines’ relationship with other countries, not through conventional means but through cross-cultural exchanges facilitated by art.
The project spans five years and involves the Philippine Navy, led by flag officer in command vice admiral Toribio Dulinayan Dadaci Jr., Philippine councilor Numero “Uno” G. Lim, and Kristine herself. The team will visit numerous embassies in the Philippines, with turnovers coinciding with relevant celebrations that embody the Philippines’ relationship with each respective country.
“’Bridging Horizons’ was conceptualized during one of my chats with my dear friend Councilor Uno Lim, who is also the International Relations chairman of the City of Manila. We wanted to do something with the Philippine Navy that will address the needs of the country in a not-so-conventional way; something that will strengthen our relationships with other countries. We thought of doing these through cross-cultural exchanges through arts,” says Kristine.
Kristine’s “Bridging Horizons” showcases two significant art series: the Amak art series and the Perla de Oriente series. The Amak art series is an intentional conceptualization for the project. Inspired by the indigenous Alangan people’s term “amak” for the material they use to make clothing, Kristine painted on amak—a material crafted from tree bark.
“The Amak series was intentionally conceptualized and created for the project. Instead of using canvas, I painted on amak, a material made from tree bark. Not all indigenous people are accustomed to wearing something that was weaved to clothe them or people from the modern world. We have a lot of brothers and sisters who are part of different tribes here in the Philippines that have a lot of unique and creative footprints of their identity in their ancestral and traditional tools and materials,” she says.
The Perla de Oriente series, on the other hand, showcases Kristine’s signature style. It proudly incorporates the colors of the Philippine Navy and national symbols like anahaw, sampaguita, Philippine Eagle, mangga (leaf), and bangus, representing the nation’s identity.
“Bridging Horizons” isn’t just an art project; it’s a diplomatic endeavor. Kristine’s mission is to contribute to and strengthen the diplomatic efforts of the Philippines through cultural and artistic exchange. She aims to foster naval diplomacy and civil-military operation efforts, ultimately helping the Philippine Navy become modern and multi-capable by 2028.
“Being intentional in bridging gaps and strengthening our connections with other nations is the main goal for this project. I hope to help usher the way toward the goal of the Philippine Navy to be modern and multi-capable by the year 2028,” says Kristine.
Kristine’s journey as a missionary visual artist is guided by her faith. She prays not to ask God for what she wants but to ask God what He wants her to do. She follows God’s lead, surrendering to His calling and using her talents to glorify Him.
Her art plays a significant role in preserving not just the country’s history but, more importantly, in magnifying God’s story. She believes that loving God is the key to loving one’s country and oneself. Her goal isn’t personal recognition or legacy but to ensure that people remember God through her work.
“More than preserving our country’s history, I’m more concerned about preserving, magnifying, and upholding His story. We are having a hard time being patriotic not because we don’t know how to love our country but because we don’t know how to love God,” says Kristine.
Kristine’s advice to for aspiring artists is simple: Put God first. She encourages them to do what God calls them to do, to be humble, and to surrender to His guidance. By allowing God to transform them and use their talents, they can create a meaningful impact for His glory.
“If you want to be someone who will create an impact, do what God called you to do, not what you want to do. Be humble. Surrender to the one who placed you here. God and family are the two things that motivate me. I don’t have a creative process. I just pray and surrender to the one who placed me here knowing that there are things I need to do as his missionary visual artist,” she says.
Balancing her role as an artist, missionary, volunteer, and director for Culture and Arts for Sustainable Philippines is challenging for Kristine. She relies, however, on God’s guidance and obeys His calling, even when she feels overwhelmed. She believes it’s not about her role but about God’s role in her life.
“Bridging Horizons” is a testament to her commitment to art, culture, diplomacy, and faith. Through her work, she aims to strengthens the Philippines’ diplomatic efforts, foster naval diplomacy, and contribute to the country’s growth. As a missionary visual artist, she uses her talents to serve a higher calling, leaving a legacy that points to God’s story above all else. Her journey is an inspiring example of how art can bridge gaps and strengthen connections among nations.
“Bridging Horizons” runs until Oct. 16 at Galerie Joaquin, Upper Ground Floor of One Bonifacio High Street Mall, 5th ave cor. 28th street, Bonifacio Global City.