As technology advances at lightning speed, art is swiftly evolving alongside it, embracing new mediums and uncovering innovative ways to connect with audiences. As screens become canvases and homes transform into galleries, artists are seizing these innovations to expand the reach and depth of their work. This synergy of art and technology opens up boundless possibilities, allowing creatives to push past the limitations of traditional forms and offer interactive experiences that resonate on a deeper, more personal level.

This month, a groundbreaking exhibit titled Seamless Art, Beyond Space invited both art and tech enthusiasts to witness Filipino artistry like never before. As digital technology continues to redefine creative spaces, the collaboration between the Ronac Art Center and global tech brand TCL is pushing the envelope of traditional art, allowing Filipino artists to express their vision through a new medium.

Renowned collector, sneakerhead, and Secret Fresh Art Gallery curator Bigboy Cheng reflects on the event’s significance, stating, “Ang tagal ko nang gusto nito dahil dati nagcollect ako ng NFT and digital art (I’ve been waiting for this because I’ve been a collector). This is an avenue for our local artists [to bring their art to life] digitally, at mas madaling ilagay sa art houses (and it gives them easier access to arthouses).”

The exhibit explores the intersection of technology and art, using digital displays to bring Filipino art into modern spaces. Artworks by invited Filipino artists were showcased on TCL’s NXTFRAME TV, a high-tech canvas that captures every detail. Placed beside the original canvases, the display highlighted the subtle differences between traditional and digital formats.

With the launch of the new technology, Bigboy Cheng expressed his hopes for making art more accessible to all Filipinos, regardless of background. 

 

Graffiti artist Chill, known for blending urban themes with Filipino cultural motifs, brings his dynamic vision to life on the digital display. For the veteran street artist, the journey from analog to digital isn’t just a technical shift. It’s a way to expand his art’s reach and relevance, merging his passion for social issues with a modern medium that’s accessible and adaptable.

“Growing up, I was influenced by cartoons, games, and street culture,” Chill reflects. “Bringing those elements into a digital canvas allows me to preserve the essence of my influences while reaching audiences in an entirely new way.”

In the artwork titled A Gamer’s Journey: From Analog to Digital, which he made uniquely for the exhibit, Chill depicts how technology serves as both a bridge and a platform for artists, merging traditional Filipino heritage with today’s digital audience. This multimedia piece, blending canvas and graffiti, is a seamless portrayal of the evolution of video games—a theme that mirrors the progression of artistic mediums and technology itself.

Chill created the character “Observer,” surrounded by all the games he had played, like “Gran Turismo, GTA, family computer games, Devil May Cry, [up to] God of War, outlining how these titles shaped his intricate artwork. This canvas will help a lot of creatives, the muralist added. This is thanks to the QLED PRO Quantum Dot Technology, which enhances color accuracy and vibrancy, resulting in highly detailed and lifelike images.

Roderick Tijing, known in the art world as RA, echoes this sentiment. “The colors pop. It gives justice to our work,” says the surrealist, whose work has been showcased internationally in South Korea, the UAE, Singapore, Italy, and Switzerland.

Blending magic, dreams, and reality, RA invites viewers into a “storybook” world infused with social realism and profound themes. Now based in Silay, he continues to improve his craft, weaving both personal and global narratives into each piece.

While Seamless Art, Beyond Space is backed by the cutting-edge NXTFRAME TV, the technology isn’t the main attraction. Rather, it serves as an enabler, a canvas that brings Filipino art to life, highlighting the rich, layered stories of each artist.

The NXTFRAME TV enhances the art experience with its Art Library and AI Art features, allowing users to create personalized galleries. Users can generate unique, custom artworks, blending curated collections with AI-generated pieces for a rich, dynamic display.

“50-50 ako sa AI, pero ito, okay ito. Matutuwa sila [artists and audiences]. Basta responsable tayo sa pag gamit ng art… ang laki ng potential (I have mixed feelings with AI, but this is OK. The artists will love it, as long as they are responsible in using it,” adds Bigboy Cheng.

RA, meanwhile, expressed amazement in the Ultra Matte Anti-Glare screen that reduces reflections, ensuring that displayed artworks maintain their clarity and depth, closely resembling traditional canvases.

The ultra-slim NXTFRAME TV, measuring just 1.1 inches deep and sitting flush against the wall, allows artwork to take center stage, seamlessly integrating into its surroundings and transforming any space into an interactive gallery.

Painter Reynold Dela Cruz, known for his detailed explorations of Filipino life and identity, adds his unique perspective to the exhibit. His piece, Different Vision, captures the societal impact of television as both a window to the world and a mirror of culture. Dela Cruz layers colorful, comic-inspired images and realistic details, blending nostalgia with modern themes. “My art is about layers. This exhibit lets me explore those layers in a way that feels alive, inviting viewers to interpret and connect with the piece through their own experiences.”

On the other hand, TCL Industries brand manager Joseph Cernitchez takes pride in the customizable magnetic frames and a flush wall mount that make the television versatile and adaptable to any interior, subtly integrating art into daily life and elevating spaces with a modern yet timeless touch.

As Filipinos spend more time at home, curating spaces that reflect personal culture and heritage is becoming a priority. Exhibits like this one demonstrate how art and technology can come together to create immersive, personal experiences, a reminder that, even in the digital age, art retains its power to inspire, provoke, and connect.

For the Filipino creative community, Seamless Art, Beyond Space signals a promising future. As technology continues to evolve, so too does the potential for artists to share their voices with the world. And for audiences, this exhibit offers a glimpse into that future—a world where Filipino art is not just something you observe, but something you live with, engage with, and experience on a deeper level.