Of Making Your Marks
December 4, 2002
When one travels a road not taken before one could fairly approximate the sense of feet scouring ground. We usually walk to get to a point of destination and if one happens to have the time and the effort to spend it could be quite enjoyable but a pain still.
On this first week of December, 2002, I happen to find myself on foot to Green Papaya Art Projects to see the exhibit of large paintings and 50 drawings of Louie Cordero, titled ‘Torts and Damages.’ A frequent visitor before, I had now seldom the opportunity to come this far way, yet, I was curious how would one of the most dynamic young artists of SBW to date, would present his latest one man show.
I should have guessed that Roberto Chabet would have a hand in this former UP student exhibit albeit a small one. I was fascinated how he would design the works with the numerous crannies that the space have. I wouldn’t push past the inconvenience and was surprised that Chabet had a hard time. Talk about challenge. Cordero’s new body of works isn’t the typical conceptual works as they are more illustrative, Pop and kitsch. The two sets were to work separately at another venue but it had to make do with a singular by chance space of Green Papaya. On a scale, the set up was good without the flair.
On Cordero’s works, one finds his small sketches in comparison between editorial drawings of contemporary magazines. I like them for what they are. They were reminiscent of his occupation yet his bigger canvasses exudes the cleverness and guile of an artist’s sic mind. But instead of working on an almost dramatic landscape as his earlier works like ‘Attack of the Killer Pancit Canton!!!’ he simplifies his palette for a more contrived set in choosing singular protagonists for his landscaped creations. Ahhh! To be this radical at a young age makes you want to search for your favorite Dr. Seuss book and remember childhood pranks in earlier years. The painting ‘Century to Build and Seconds to Fall’ done in oil and enamel is quite admirable as you could see a point for good research before doing a painting.
The different characters never quite blended together, though, as they tended to be illogical with each other. Individually pieces could stand alone but together, ‘Torts and Damages’ hints more about the distractions and mundane tediousness of living a life than it should offer as an intended escape. Overall, it was not just another Weng-weng story left in the dust as the novelty wears off.
*** visit me also at
Amiel Gerald A. Roldan
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
amiel_roldan@yahoo.com
amiel.roldan@gmail.com
*** visit me also at
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******
The Space Called Tambayang Makiling
March 28, 2003
I was at Tambayang Makiling located at Sct. Santiago cor. Roces Sts., Quezon City for its inaugural show last March 1, 2003. A new venue for the plural art disciplines with not quite a definite vision but of a definite space and artists. One wonders of the more than five hundred graduates of Makiling Highschool since the early eighties. We would find some of them at this new aptly named venue. The earlier student works of alumnus under former Makiling teachers, Bob Feleo and Benjie Cabangis, were exhibited in one striking piece a bit maudlin. The collaborative effort was on the first floor left wall and a directed video of alumni, Jon Red and Raymond Red, was being shown on an impromptu video set up. Future film making shows and viewing are also in the offing and is more stable as some members are internationally renowned. The Anino group also performed with their more experimental work that was rudely interrupted by inattentive older audiences. There seems to be a bit of tensed camaraderie with both older and younger groups. The groups seem to be a diversified lot and were quite impressively talented in their own respective contemporary fields. The space is a two-storey structure with an ample-sized patio for outdoor sculpture. A viewing window was maintained and at the opening were displaying the typical handmade masks of Makiling. From the entrance there are wide walls on both sides leading to a closed off kitchen. Enough space for a major exhibit for visual artists or a suitable performance venue for dancers. Stairs led up to a portioned off room for a smaller exhibiting space intended for drawings. Here were some smaller works of other Makiling’s painters and visual artists led by Don Salubayba and Ian Victoriano. Another wider room opens on the second floor for another major exhibit space. The bigger works of artists Alwin Reamillo, Pablo Biglang-awa, Dindo Llana, Jon Red et al were hung side by side with an accommodating ceiling for these different format (6′ x 4′ the biggest by painter Juanito Torres). A table and chairs were on the far side for consultations and other formal discussions.According to Pablo Biglang-awa who with Ian Victoriano and Jon Red lead albeit informally the visual arts committee of Tambayan Makiling, the space was created for most functions of the members and immediate family. Being mostly painters themselves they made more practical plans for the walls and over-all structure of the place. The ambiance was mostly created through years of refining and improving the place before its inaugural opening. Some future improvements were in the making like the signage structure, lighting and a more definite patio. Like Pablo, Jon Red and Ian Victoriano are planning on solo shows in more prominent spaces and galleries. These plans, they say would complement for a stronger practice in their respective art careers. The TM would serve at times as studio and residencies for practicing artists. Most of the members are in their mid-thirties and early forties and are quite settled in family and financial matters . The thrust for visual and painting shows and also directing were more for personal satisfaction and pursuit. The venue keeps most of the alumni in touch as it also serves as a common financial venture.For the younger alumni, the place offers more opportunities to hold exhibits. Hopefully it would be an equally viable place for all artist groups or individuals be they older or younger or an alumnus or not.It was quite early to predict on a successful outcome and since it was presumed a loosely and workable structure it offers a novel approach albeit an unpredictable one. After a few years and a number of exhibitions, Tambayan Makiling had to close down and trim down on its activities. Like artists run spaces (ARS) before them, the gallery has exhausted its possibilities and its audiences found other new venues to follow. It prove to be timely for its few artists as it paved the way for emerging artists to empower themselves and be independent for a few years before embarking their separate ways. It lost heart and steam as its members and pioneers made other priorities available within the extended peripheral of artmaking.
Amiel Gerald A. Roldan
#35-D P. Oliveros St., Barranca Ibaba,
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
(63) 9053027965 (63)9217452144
amiel_roldan@yahoo.com
amiel.roldan@gmail.com
*** visit me also at
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****
Regurgitating Daisies
June 29, 2009, 9:06 am
****06 22 2009
Who says painters can’t write? I always liked writing. I wanted to mature being able to write my thoughts. I wanted to do anything I want to accomplish and be whatever I want to be. I always hoped to improve and commit ideas on paper as I wanted to commit images on canvas. I wanted to paint and I wanted to write in that order.
I believe painters should be able to compile thoughts and concepts through images and writing. We have resources early on to be able to write. It was just a matter of honing and immersing yourself. Learning life’s experiences.
I am amazed that there are a lot of young people writing nowadays. There are venues for them to be read and hope it would cultivate a better generation. Refining one’s skills and committing one’s thoughts are lifelong progression. I wanted it to be a long journey that I could enjoy. While I am at it I wanted to read about it too.
Amiel Gerald A. Roldan
#35-D P. Oliveros St., Barranca Ibaba,
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
(63) 9053027965 (63)9217452144
amiel_roldan@yahoo.com
amiel.roldan@gmail.com
*** visit me also at
Amiel Gerald A. Roldan
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
amiel_roldan@yahoo.com
amiel.roldan@gmail.com
*** visit me also at
www.amielroldan.tk
www.amiel-roldan.tk
www.amielroldan.wordpress.com
www.amielroldan.blogspot.com
www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/a-g-roldan.html
www.myspace.com/amiel_roldan
www.amiel_roldan.multiply.com
******
Another Exhibit at the Mall
May 28, 2009, 10:11 pm
***05 28 2009
There has been much lately on the news and keeping abreast about current events could be distracting. The A(H1N1) epidemic and the drug video sex scandal have taken so much attention that Filipinos have more in common now to talk about. This is the new drug of the masses - news and scandals. Perhaps we now have so much to talk about that we would have no time to act on these events happening around us. Going back to a more personal event. I now have a diary just to write down all the exhibits and events that I might be interested in going to.
Going to Megamall to attend another exhibit is tiring, lately. I almost didn’t go. Lethargy is in the air. Sigh. There was a good crowd and I am sure with the show being in a mall it would generate a good market audience. I would rather think that the artist Oscar Villamiel had nobler visions with these set pieces on his very first solo exhibit. Who would want muck on their walls? I like it that the artist took the time to prepare exhibition notes and to connect the works with his concept. I wonder though how long his pieces would be up since some are quite energetic to a point… I remember an exhibit caused quite an uproar when one nude painting got censored. Well, I am sure the artist have thought about the stricter measures in mall exhibitions. The only concern I have are the gaffs and hooks accessible to the unattended smaller mall viewers. They are very sharp and could cut. They are used in cockfighting and are designed to cling and cut deeply. I would guess this would be the quickest exhibit that I will see if that would happen. I am betting it would be.
I also attended another exhibit at Crucible Gallery. It is a group show amongst former schoolmates. I enjoyed the piece by Lirio Salvador. He uses body conductivity for his piece to create interactive music. Touching the balls of his sculptural robot to create the sounds was an instant hit with the audiences. The other pieces were quite diverse. I am proud that a number of active and good artists today came from this fine arts university. The university is producing very good artists. I was a bit disappointed about the constraits that I observed with the works. There was no continuity and relatedness aside from coming from the same alma mater. The medium and format did not help the exhibit. Having one small piece for each artist was not quite effective for the show. It was difficult to view each one apart from the other. It could be arranged better. It needed more pieces from each artist. I know that the artists have explored different mediums through the years and has shown this in their other works but the small gallery space is limiting to house the number of artists that participated. I am going to be particular with exhibitions again. I am also going to enjoy the show and the company.
Amiel Gerald A. Roldan
#35-D P. Oliveros St., Barranca Ibaba,
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
(63) 9053027965 (63)9217452144
amiel_roldan@yahoo.com
amiel.roldan@gmail.com
*** visit me also at
www.amiel-roldan.tk
http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/a-g-roldan.html
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****
The New Generation
May 17, 2009, 8:30 pm
***05 18 2009
It’s another Monday. I just visited a few more exhibitions and talked with the artists there. I have been busy uploading pictures that I have neglected to write some more. I wanted especially to write down ideas these coming days while waiting for developments from my interviews. I would plan my years to come through these results and am eager to start. I will be making proposals for group exhibitions too and have been committing ideas to work on. I know I will have to commit some works this year.
It is good that a lot of changes and developments have happened around us. A lot of structures created are now potentials for exhibiting spaces and better awareness to hone our aesthetics. I could not imagine how we survived our time when we lacked these spaces. Perhaps we were just doing the ministrations while waiting for these spaces to come about. Laying the groundwork and changing the layout. Everything seems to be falling in to place. It is up to the individual artist to come up with his own pieces that he could exhibit and support the new galleries. For the past decade, new galleries have only lasted a year before going kaput and closing down. History might repeat itself or it might not this time.
I could not ignore though that choices have been made by my fellow artists and we are reaping these choices as i write this article. Some have sown good ones, some still waiting for tangible results but a lot too have erred. Small errors are likely to be blown up and big ones might just be let go. Who knows too of the fickleness of the Filipino audiences? I am amazed that I see now a lot of erstwhile uncooperative artists now on a complete turnaround. Perhaps a new leaf has been turned. Maybe we should just be supportive too as this whole system supports us. Family of artists has grown stronger. I see that young ones now are going to college and former young ones have families. These would change the development of their artworks. I am proud that in this era artists are stronger to change and constantly reinvent themselves. We grow stronger as we evolve. Those that do not would always lag behind and would fail their artmaking eventually. I could not ignore though that new blood have infused the Philippine Art scene. They would be the generation to nurture and encourage. We would see more of them in the coming exhibitions and lets hope that they would be more responsible and lead their peers. They seem to be active with interacting with fellow artists and joining group shows. I just am aware too that there are a lot of distractions and vices that they would be prone too. I hope they could survive these immersion for the better.
Let us hope the new generation would lead a new path to follow. With the recession and the influx of young artists we could definitely see a better Philippine Art. If these new generation would be at the helm of changes and institutions then we could see the ideas and concepts for a better playing field. It still amazes me to see the good spaces we have now to choose from. Still I have my inclinations for independence and empowerment of the young artists. But we do have to commit at one time or another. We would always be better if we look towards the future guided by the past examples. History does repeat itself sometimes as I cringed to see them repeated by my fellow artists. I would always stress the importance of family to change. As individuals we see daily challenges to overcome and our families have been by our side and if not they have always been on our minds. They prove to be our downfall if we neglect them. They prove to be our challenges if we go alongside them. Perhaps because it is normal to be encouraged to be better and to succeed that most would seem to be detractors. If one could only see a balance to improve on then we all would be better persons and eventually better artists.
I hate vices, drugs and neglect of our health. I could not only overemphasize to avoid and keep your sanity in these times. There are options. They may not be enough for all at one time but they would open up eventually for each. It is our hunger that keeps us active but it also causes us to gamble wrongly. Lets hope that this would not be true for the next generation as I see it sometimes happening to mine. Neglect of family and self I abhor and neglect of dependent children I condemn.
I lived on teaching when I was in college and have been in a lot of work since then. I am not ashamed to say I have stumbled a lot of times. I know I have stood up. I have challenged my peers as we grew up. In these challenges I matured. As I grow older I would again make my choices to prepare where I would go from there. It seems scary but we have always been bothered by challenges. It is placing ourselves between permanency and changes that seem so unsure. Well that is the challenge of life! We only move forward to accept it or move to a different path to go parallel with it. We can never go back. Let us also hope that the path laid before us by our predecessors we would not neglect and lay to waste as we pursue our own dreams and build our own paths. Let these directions be roads and paths that future generations could rest upon while building their alleyways and foundation.
If on times we fail the younger generation, let this be an instance we admit our own failures as persons and as Filipino artists.
*** visit me also at
Amiel Gerald A. Roldan
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
amiel_roldan@yahoo.com
amiel.roldan@gmail.com
*** visit me also at
www.amielroldan.tk
www.amiel-roldan.tk
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******
Some Great Spaces
May 10, 2009, 12:26 am
****05 10 2009
Had a blast with the opening at Finale last May 9. They had three good exhibitions on view and I appreciate the time and effort that the artists gave … The artists Wire Tuazon, Keiye Miranda and Lena Cobangbang bring a new level of appreciation to contemporary art.. The pieces all worked well for the three solo shows in Finale. It was a very good space to work in and they had taken advantage of it to the hilt…
Warehouses would be more practical for a lot of artists and galleries as they offer the best space to work with, store large pieces for consignment and/or exhibit shows. I had been waiting for the structures for years to be available and used efficiently for these purposes as it gives a better chance for better shows. It is also economical in the long run. I admire the tenacity of galleries and artists to change with the times… Kudos! There is more to expect with the years to come. I can’t wait for the newer exhibits and concepts. The auctions had opened a venue and I am happy for that. Filipinos are aware of good spaces to exhibit in the Philippines and look for better artists to see. This is so challenging for the times. We would all benefit with the influx of artists who had exhibited abroad, the demand for better exhibits and the good spaces being maintained here in the Philippines. It would not take long for international organizations to be made aware of these robust contemporary developments. These are very good opportunities for all.
*** visit me also at
Amiel Gerald A. Roldan
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
amiel_roldan@yahoo.com
amiel.roldan@gmail.com
*** visit me also at
www.amielroldan.tk
www.amiel-roldan.tk
www.amielroldan.wordpress.com
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www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/a-g-roldan.html
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******
A Good Exhibit and A Great Lady!
May 6, 2009, 1:12 am
****05 05-06 2009
I went around to some art spaces again and talked with some more people…
“Babylon Zoo” exhibit at the blanc gallery in Makati is a two man group painting show. CJ Tañedo and Tyago Almario were the artists. I had a hard time reconciling were I saw similar images of skulls and morphing human with animal features but the more current and familiar one would be Neil Gaiman. Charlie Co and Kitty Taniguchi in the Philippine context also come to mind. I observed that flashbacks of these strong images tend to remind us of the funny man or the elephant man of the times… Emphasizing freakyness and absurdities have been with a few Filipino painters. Darkening auras and atmospheric dramas subtly reconfirms the skill. Well, we can’t blame them. We have the penchant for Ang Pulubi, Dogeaters, Zuma or Dyesebel in that order in our culture. I think we could add some more to the list though for a few more years. It rained hard that night but I had company and didn’t waste anymore time.
“the Metamorphosis show” by Lindslee had an opening at Galeria Duemila compound in Pasay City last night May 5. It was a palette of colors and shapes meant to be contrasting and disturbing that turned out to be aesthetically sound and appealing. The large pieces and works around the space is a pleasure to see when you have a unique spacious gallery. I had room to breathe in each piece and ponder on the play of light and colors on neon and neutral tones that the artist wished to play around. Kudos! I hope a lot of people would take the time to visit the space and the exhibit. The sculptural structures, textures and paints would likely end up with another designer’s palette plate much to the artist chagrin.
I had a long talk with the gallery owner reminiscing events through the years. There were several organizations and personalities in the arts that we had in common. These talks though I would have to keep off the writings. Ha ha ha ha. But some were downright eye opening and jaw dropping. I always found her former gallery in Megamall to showcase good and great exhibitions with several artists not really mainstreamed. The discovery of the compound a few years back reinforces the belief of greater trust to support the arts that I felt the owner believes in. Documentation for artists and galleries I fervently believe in. I had been bullheaded with fellow artists about collating pictures, exhibit notes, clippings and reviews through the years. Having heard and learnt Silvana boasting to have a rather extensive one I could really appreciate. Finding the time to see the quality shows Galeria Duemila offers is always a pleasure for me. Talking with Silvana is an added bonus last night. It was always a great experience. A very smart, outspoken and determined lady.
I still have to see some of the pieces exhibited at the Mag:net Space in Makati for the group show–that is not having an opening today — but I did get to talk with one or two of the artists before and saw their works off hand. I did get to browse the social network for some of the pictures and documentations. Good space and a sound look to the eyes. Small pieces with the correct arrangement and lighting is always cute, pleasing, charming and a novelty. I would always want that in a pet in a pet store.
I would have to run off again and see the Avellana compound, Silverlens, Finale and Manila Contemporary before the week ends … All of them seems to be determined to have openings today. Tsk tsk tsk… Hopefully, I could see them all. Got to go and prepare…
*** visit me also at
Amiel Gerald A. Roldan
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
amiel_roldan@yahoo.com
amiel.roldan@gmail.com
*** visit me also at
www.amielroldan.tk
www.amiel-roldan.tk
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******
The Writing After Pacquiao vs Hatton Fight!
May 4, 2009, 4:35 am
****05 04 2009
It is hard to write about anything else today… With clear iconic images still very fresh to mind. Who would want to write about anything else… But the days have been eventful and so many things are happening. It is history in the making. I just want to write about my thoughts during this eventual times.
I visited Project Space Pilipinas last May 2 and found a good crowd. We had a long discussion and it was great fun just listening too. The space offers artists a studio and a venue for works. Peng Zamora’s residency just ended and his large works were up. I found them good and contemporary. The space brought me a glimpse of finding your center. The exhibit hinted on the premise. PSP hopefully would encourage artists to make better works and better discussions. Let us support a good thing.
It was rude awakening that some of the people you also knew have fallen under different situations. Some have not been successful and fallen to sticky situations. Some are meant to be outright criminal. Some cycles are meant to be repeated in history. Lesson would need to be relearned.
People would always point fingers to blame and yet still continue to do the worst. Some have soared and flourished. Some found just contentment in family and domestication. Some truly found their nemesis . Some just created their Achilles heal. Yet the times have empowered a lot specially those that charged ahead. In the few years we already see the different perspectives and hopefully better goals.
I have hope for everyone to make changes for the Philippine contemporary arts. We do have to confront our ghosts and have closure. I made mine and I would continually reap what I have sown. We make our own choices in the end and with it what we would live upon when we grow older. Our artmaking has flourished or died down because of our choices and principles. It is up to everyone to achieve what makes them complete. Let us just trim down on excesses and focus more a day at a time. Visual artists do need to survive. It does not only mean financial but on other planes of encouragement. We are blest with a passion to create something unique but cursed with the hunger to fame.
Yesterday my grandmother flew from Ilo-ilo and we had to fetch her from Naia Terminal 3 during the big Manny Pacquiao fight. Like dutiful grandsons we went to the airport and fetched her and waited… With technology today we could watch and get news about the ongoing fight even before we left home and the regular cable broadcast. It was so convenient and really anticlimatic. It was up on youtube after a few minutes of the actual fight. We knew the results by phone and text messages.
Who would think that even with the prominence of the H1N1 epidemic an icon could fill up a stadium in an almost quarantined state. The same scare that brought hundreds of pigs to extinction in Egypt is the same threat that will bring many countries to their knees if not handled properly… This is what makes legends. It was a sorry plight for the losing individual. That is life. Very brief events could change you dramatically.
I also found a warehouse that sells to be repacked biscuits at discounted prices… With so many kids around we hurriedly bought a sackful. One should be thrifty nowadays thinking about what Manny Pacquiao earned after the fight.
It was also an eventful day yesterday as my computer crashed. I was able to set it up again quickly. I was worrying that I had to reformat it. Something about downloading updates and being prompted for WG software.. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. I settled it by nixing this and nixing that… Probably a virus. It was A ok after a few minutes.
Pinoys were brought together with this latest Manny Pacquiao classic fight addition. I am sure the survey would again be good for a few personalities. No one would think about anything bad for a few days as everyone would be euphoric.
I visited a new gallery today to see a fellow Asian Cultural Council grantee Mideo Cruz. It is a space that is promising to watch. Lunduyan Gallery has the similar window gallery setting as Surrounded By Water Angono. Having Mideo exhibit and talk there is something of a feat. I enjoyed immensely my stay and would be watching for new shows and different artists. I liked sharing some stories of my stay in New York in 2003. We spent the time drinking tuba and disecting anecdotes of the pioneers of “Ang Tunay na Lalaki” slogan. So many things to do and so many people to meet. This is the life that I continue to live on.
Now back to reality. Am going to an opening at Blanc makati tonite! Got to go.
*** visit me also at
Amiel Gerald A. Roldan
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
amiel_roldan@yahoo.com
amiel.roldan@gmail.com
*** visit me also at
www.amielroldan.tk
www.amiel-roldan.tk
www.amielroldan.wordpress.com
www.amielroldan.blogspot.com
www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/a-g-roldan.html
www.myspace.com/amiel_roldan
www.amiel_roldan.multiply.com
******
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