MEET THE ARTISTS Neptalie Aunzo, Daniel Dumaguit, and Ferdinand Sanchez

Fires are raging, glaciers are melting, oceans are rising, storms are getting more severe, and droughts are extending longer than usual. The world is sick. The average global temperature has increased by 1.1°C since 1880. Experts believe we are only a decade away from irreparable climate change damage.

There’s no one solution to the problem, no magic bullet. And yet, everyone strives to address the climate emergency with various lifestyle changes from shifting to natural sources of electricity to the protection of forests and habitats.

The art industry too plays its part in tackling the climate crisis via sustainable art. The conceptual art form that originated in the early ’70s, according to contemporary art historians Maja and Reuben Fowkes, puts stress on “dematerialization and questioning of the functioning of the art system.” In other words, it is art that embraces the ethos of environmental responsibility.

Art has become an emerging medium for green education in the Philippines. In 2022, the prominent Art Fair Philippines in Makati, for example, featured climate awareness and environmentalism. This year, wellness and beauty brand Watsons marked a milestone after successfully holding its first-ever art exhibit at the Mall of Asia Square, in Pasay City, to underscore its commitment to sustainability.

ART FOR EARTH From left: Drybrush Gallery founder Jojo Liao with Watsons Philippines executives Joweeh Liao, Josie Arriola, Viki Encarnacion, Belle Pasayco, Sharon Decapia, Marlon Baguyot, and Patrick Yu

Co-presented by Drybrush Gallery, “Reuse with Watsons: A Sustainability Art Exhibit” marries environmental objectives with Filipino creativity, amplifying sustainable practices and the significance of the 3Rs—reduce, reuse, and recycle.

“The best way to communicate that ‘there is beauty in trash’ is to have our artists create pieces using materials normally discarded,” says Watsons sustainability and PR director Viki Encarnacion. “We are proud that, among all the Watsons globally, the first sustainable exhibit started here in the Philippines. There’s so much talent in our country that it just made sense.”

The initiative embodies art as part of a circular economy, making aesthetic and functional use of what we would usually define as waste. Artworks integrate plastic bottles, wrappers, papers, carton boxes, tissues, blister packs, metals, makeup sponges, foams, and other upcycled materials.

Among the 32 artists who participated, three were recognized by the organizers and given incentives based on the metrics of creative reuse, appeal, and environmental message of their creations.

Ferdinand Sanchez won first place with Aruga, which takes from the popular theme “Mother and Child.” The entry is Ferdinand’s tribute to his mom whom he explains struggled to raise the family amid poverty. Earth is personified as a mother caring for her children. The Paete, Laguna native has been in the field of art since 1992 and has worked in the art departments of Viva Films and GMA.

Aruga, mixed media, 22 by 19.5 inches, by Fedinand Sanchez

Daniel Dumaguit came in second for his Gems of Beauty (Ligaya Series), which pays homage to empowered women. Central to the composition is Ligaya, representing the charm of reusing items. “Our generation today should go beyond the superficiality of looking good. We must also be responsible for what we use and what’s around us,” says Daniel. “As an empowered woman, preventing environmental degradation is Ligaya’s duty.”

Gems of Beauty (Ligaya Series), mixed media, 30 by 30 inches, by Daniel Dumaguit

Neptalie Aunzo, recognized as Pedrong Masipag in the art world, takes home the third prize. Through his Pira-pirasong Yaman, the Antipolo-based artist relays the condition of fisher folk, the marine biodiversity, and how pollution affects the Philippine oceans. “I call it Pira-pirasong Yaman because the materials I used are everyday things you can find lying everywhere,” says Neptalie. “I want to spread awareness on the plight of our fishermen and how trash in the sea destroys the coral reefs and other marine life.”

Pira-pirasong Yaman, mixed media, 36 by 36 inches, by Neptalie Aunzo

Other participating artists include Iñigo Acuña, Astrid Anabo, Arnel Borja, Meijan Cabagay, Ape Castillo, Jeff Dahilan, Ronwaldo Dasal, Cesar Dela Torre, Angelo Delola, Noli Española, Juno Galang, Esther Garcia, Ann Gatdula, Loise Angelo Go, Edgardo Granada, Anne Labesores, Ronald Limayo, Linggit (Briks Benigno), Ricardo Mallari, Ron Masaga, Luisito “Jon” Paras, Pancho Piano, Isah Rodillo, Roland Rosacay, James Sanorjo Jr., Rinald Sotto, JL Timbreza–Siao, Dominic Urbano, and Ariel Villalobos.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Watsons’ plastic partner recycler, Plastic Bank.

Artworks are still available for purchase at drybrush.com/exhibitions/reuse-with-watsons-a-sustainability-exhibit