In our fast-paced world, where time seems to slip in a blink of an eye, it is easy to forget the beauty and magic that lies in the simple act of wandering. The concept of "wonder to wander" encapsulates the idea of embracing curiosity and allowing it to guide us on a journey of exploration and discovery.

Wonder, the seed that ignites our desire to learn and explore, is a powerful force. It sparks our imagination, fuels our creativity, and invites us to question the world around us. Wander, we break free from the constraints of routine and familiar surroundings. We allow ourselves to be guided by curiosity, following the path that beckons us, even if it deviates from the beaten path. It is through wandering that we stumble upon hidden gems, encounter unexpected encounters, and uncover hidden truths about ourselves and the world we inhabit.

The two man show of AR Manalo and Demi Padua happened through the collaboration of Village Art Gallery and Art Underground. Both galleries have been working together to foster greater awareness and interest in contemporary art by creating programs and avenues to consistently evolve their respective artists. AR Manalo, who resides in the south and is represented by Village Art Gallery in Alabang, believes this show is also a bridge between his works and his collectors from the central to north areas of Metro Manila. This gives collectors an easier access and a longer opportunity to see his works up close.

According to Deseree Mapandi, Gallery Manaer of Art Underground, “It’s actually really fortunate for us to house the shows. AR and Demi aren’t our artists - AR is from Village Art Gallery while Demi is independent - but we always like to contribute to efforts in keeping the art scene exciting. It’s really for camaraderie; if we’re able to be part of moments where we could push for the contemporary art scene to grow, we would love to be there, and this is one of those efforts.” Talking about the collaboration, she highlights saying, “The two are partnered together not only on a personal level, but also in terms of style. If we look into the technicalities of the artists, both look into multifacetedness of the works, depth, layers. And, I think individually, they’re able to shine and coincide with each other.”

This collaboration highlights AR’s deep rooted friendship with Demi. Both artists started with almost nothing, doing odd jobs just to survive. They related with each other from their personal challenges and hardships, to their entry into the art scene, and the rejections and triumphs that they experienced as artists. This is the product of years of cumulative talking, taking each chance to organically exchange ideas and highlighting the mutual respect in each other’s craft.

With regards to the theme, AR shares, “We have to have this childlike wonder because for me, the moment that we stop having that wonder, we stop being curious and being aware of our surroundings, and that’s the moment we stop living.” He further explains the concept saying, “Wander is being adventurous and not having a guide. Sometimes it’s scary but I think that’s how we learn to live out of our comfort zones. As you go outside, you begin to wander and explore to hear the birds chirping, see the rustling of the trees, and feel the wind blowing.”

Inspired by his two-year-old toddler, AR becomes more sentimental about his works, “Mostly, my works talk about personal reflections. Right now, I’m still a new dad, I have a toddler and this is a love letter to my daughter. The animal elements are like companions that my daughter will meet somewhere along the way as she grows up. These people will have a profound effect on her. I know and I believe that my daughter, in her journey as she wanders, will have friends or people in her life who will guide her and be there for her. I will not always be present in her life but I am assured and I pray that these companions will guide her.”

The cut-outs in his works take two to three weeks before completion. Vintage images are scanned and printed on acid-free papers but need ink to be reapplied to lessen the fading. The indigenous Filipino imageries are all hand-painted. In terms of the nature and industrial aspects, this is his take on creating a need for a harmonious relationship with everything to be in balance.

Moving to Demi, his works show the many stages his life has gone through. These are like layers that give substance to his images as a person. The works come out like a collage of experiences, growing in layers from his failures to successes.

He composes his works by mixing and matching images, using the Trompe-l’oeil technique to achieve the 3d effect. It’s like tricking the viewer’s perception. The audience can see the depth as if touching each layer.

Sharing his thoughts on the idea of wonder, he explains, “Ever since I've always had a habit of combining whether things or ideas. It’s fun to learn new things and the result is overwhelming. I used to collect things from trash, took parts that are still useful and can be restored, then combined it with other parts to make a new creation.” And on wander, he explains, “I just want to prove that not everything we see is real; that people can easily judge based on appearance and that sometimes what you see on the outside is different from what you see on the inside.”

It’s a constant evolution and learning to improve his works. In his latest pieces, his love for framing becomes more evident. He once chanced upon a frame shop and saw a number of beautifully hung frames on the wall. Not knowing which to buy, he ended up buying a lot, including scraps. He combined the different frames together and the result was amazing. Eventually, he was inspired to incorporate the mix of frames into his pieces that became a style that collectors and spectators have greatly appreciated.

The mutual respect between the two artists are evident. AR looks up to Demi as a senior who gives mentoring and advice to him. One of the most important lessons that was imparted to him by Demi was, “Always do everything 100 percent. If you’re just going to do it half heartedly or 50 percent, then don't do it at all.” Demi looks at AR as a person with a lot of potential, never giving up on his goals. He first met AR as an artist full of curiosity. Demi shares, “I shared my life with him and I wanted to inspire him not only with achievements but also in real life. Maybe that's why he said I was his mentor because we have things in common. Visually, he is also doing layers but the difference is he makes his layers literally 3d. I see success in him and he still has a long way to go.”