For the longest time, fashion and art have been in a beautiful duet. Fashion designers have produced collections inspired by iconic masterpieces, while artists, on the other hand, have used clothing as a canvas for their creative expression. That fusion continues today, with the latest local showcase coming from multi-brand luxury retail store Corso Como 88.
Recently, Corso Como 88 unveiled “Five States of Being,” an exhibit showcasing a diverse range of mediums, subjects, and techniques. It features the works of Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi, Atty. Gladys Tiongco, Karina Herrera-Orozco, JJ Duque, and Danger Sanchez, offering art enthusiasts a fascinating glimpse into various artistic perspectives and creative expressions.
Beyond their masterpieces, the exhibit also spotlights a unique reimagining of their works as chic scarves—perfect for both fashion and art lovers.
A master of print and meaning
Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi is an award-winning Filipina artist based in France, known for her paintings and printmaking. In 1972, she made history as the first woman to receive the prestigious Thirteen Artists Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines. In “Five States of Being,” Gelvezon-Tequi presents prints from her Anting-Anting series, created using viscosity color printing, as well as her Ha Long Bay series, crafted through etching with color.
From the courtroom to the canvas
Atty. Gladys Tiongco is an emerging watercolor artist who began her artistic journey as a hobby. She is a member of the Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines (UP) and has served as President of the UP Alumni Association—holding the distinction of being the first and only woman to do so. Her still-life and floral paintings are fresh, dynamic, and full of life, capturing nature’s beauty with effortless elegance. “Five States of Being” marks her artistic debut, proving that it’s never too late to pick up a paintbrush and start something new.
The magic of mandalas
For Karina Herrera-Orozco, painting mandalas isn’t just an artistic pursuit—it’s a meditative practice. Inspired by the sacred geometric patterns of Buddhist art, she crafts intricate, symmetrical designs using vibrant acrylic paint on wood, often embellishing them with mirrors and rhinestones for a mesmerizing, multidimensional effect. Each piece is a fusion of balance, beauty, and tranquility, often custom-designed to reflect the personalities of her clients. Her work invites viewers to slow down, take a breath, and get lost in the intricate details.
Doodling with a twist
Writer, chef, and now an acclaimed artist, JJ Duque transformed his love for doodling into a full-fledged art career. Using only colored pens and pencils, he creates mesmerizing abstract drawings that balance precision with raw emotion. His work isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about texture, rhythm, and the delicate dance between chaos and control. Each piece is a testament to patience, perseverance, and an unshakable passion for self-expression.
Where coffee meets creativity
Roberto Fernando O. Sanchez—better known as Danger—is an artist, philosopher, melomaniac, and all-around creative rebel. His journey started with coffee art but soon evolved into mixed-media decoupage, layering acrylics, pens, correction ink, and unexpected materials into textured, expressive works.His pieces are influenced by Korean dramas, blending pop culture with experimental techniques. If there’s one thing Sanchez loves, it’s pushing boundaries and keeping things interesting.
“Five States of Being” runs until March 31 at Corso Como 88, One Ayala Mall in Makati City.
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