Ang Ink’s children’s illustration exhibit at the UP Fine Arts
Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (INK) is a membership organization of artists who specialize in children’s illustration. One of their programs involves holding an annual exhibit of artwork made by its members under a certain theme. For 2023 the theme was “At home.” INK asked its artists what home meant to them, and they responded with various whimsical illustrations.
It was a great opportunity to also visit the new art gallery of UP Fine Arts, Parola. It features a large open lobby space that spans at least 4 floors. And there is a large industrial ceiling fan that cools visitors especially during summer days like we had during the exhibit’s opening ceremony. To top off the novelty of the new space (and to beat the heat), the organizers hired a sorbetes vendor to give away free sorbetes.
We arrived a bit late but we were able to catch the last few speakers share insights on good picture books. Soon after they opened the exhibit to the public. The exhibit space was creatively lined with blue houses that us visitors explored. Even some of the houses’ windows had animals in them, and some of the “windows” hid the electrical sockets of the gallery.
On the walls were all the art by some of the participating artists. I’ll share a few here, but be sure to check out the exhibit to see the rest.
“Suncatcher” by Tin Javier
The illustrations are all unique to the artist and the medium they used. Like this one by Tin Javier, using recycled gift wrap and colored paper. See more of her work at her Behance here.
“Thrive” by Al Estrella
Thrive by grade school teacher Al Estrella involves a detailed art piece sculpted in clay, and then photographed and made into a clear and high-resolution print. Another aspect of the artwork that caught my eye was the rafflesia flower and the cute little fly on it. Rafflesia flowers are one of my favorite in the world, and they’re also among the world’s largest. If you’re lucky, and tread lightly, you can find one or two blooming while hiking up almost any of the Philippines’ forested mountains. See more of Al’s work on Behance.
“Kompromiso sa Tag-ulan” by Harry Monzon
Hate ipis or cockroaches? We are on the same team, but unfortunately we must come to terms with the fact that we not only share the same planet with them, but also at times the same home.
Harry Monzon captures this nicely in a simple, but beautiful artwork called Kompromiso sa Tag-ulan, or loosely translated: “Compromise in the rain.” Follow him on Instagram here or see his Behance portfolio here.
“Haligi” by Joza Nada
Another simple but powerful illustration we enjoyed was Haligi by Joza Nada. My wife in particular enjoyed this piece, as she shared with me an old saying “ang mga babae ang nagsilbing haligi ng tahanan”, loosely translated to, “women are the pillars of the home.” This was definitely true in my home, supported by a single mom, and it was true in hers as well.
Joza herself is not only an illustrator, but an advocate for communication for social progress. She is also co-founder of WiseOwl PH, a consulting agency specializing in helping organizations and communities “advance the common good” by helping them become better communicators.
See more yourself before April 29!
Be sure to see the rest of the amazing art at the UP Fine Arts Gallery in Gallery One. INK is also holding different events on and offline, so be sure to follow them on Facebook and/or Instagram!