In Memory

Guess who's coming back in Manila? Globally renowned artist Arkiv Vilmansa is set for another breathtaking exhibition entitled "RELICS"(his second Philippine one-man show) on December 16, 2011 at Vinyl on Vinyl gallery, The Collective. Known for his masterpieces of colorful iconic characters, the Indonesian master is an architect and graphic designer who initially gaining international recognition with his vinyl toys, Vilmansa then began painting with acrylic on canvas that have now become his main media. Since 2008, Vilmansa has consistently exhibited his works in group and solo shows, receiving critical acclaim from the global art world. Now he has come back to the country to unfold the brilliance of his artistry. To quote:
"This exhibition marks the artist exploring the felt abstraction of memory, trying to capture the spirit of the Philippines as he remembers it, rather than representing it figuratively. These works communicate the retained fragments of times past, that are now returning - as relics to the present. Memory is inaccurate and prejudiced, but they bestow depth to experiences and make them unique. These paintings do not directly show us coastal lines, palm trees and the turquoise sea of the tropics, but the experience of these phenomena as they are preserved in the artist’s memory. His unique, curvaceous lines and luscious colours dance elegantly on these canvases as if to a graceful rhythm. A rhythm we cannot hear, but feel. Memory is a wild terrain, where one could so easily lose their way.This exhibition marks Vilmansa's way of taming the wilderness, to make sense of his memories, in order to share that experience with others." -Mitha Budhyarto
A must-go and see to all art lovers out there. Definitely an event you surely wouldn't want to miss. See you there.

"Because of the Times".

"Brighten Heart".

"Found that Soul."

Arkiv's masterpiece.

Tha artist in his studio.

Stroke of Genius

The art world is a universe in itself where the vast space springs life into new forms. When ideas are borne from cerebral eureka to one's stream of consciousness as it signals the beginning of the process of creation.    An immersion to the unknown where energies take control of the artist at work and revels in a celebratory exposition in art formation. As a result, the canvas becomes a field of dreams where one's expression of artistry is defined by  personal style creating individual marks of distinction--thus arises the birth of an artist.


Breaking the manila art scene is 26 year old Gabriel S. Tiongson with a launching solo show entitled "Neurana"(short term for neuroanatomy-the branch of anatomy that deals with the nervous system).  Fascinating pen-on-paper illustrations and experimental acrylic paintings depicting puns of nature and the gall done in freehand showcase unmistakable brilliant artistry. With a background in medicine, Tiongson's semiotic creations stroked in striking black lines present the imaginary in reflection of his deep cerebral imagery.  If you look into each masterpiece, one is taken into an unknown world of mind boggling possibilities undefined by a school of thought. Intelligent, bold and symbolic, his masterpieces are a fusion of satires, morbidity, humor and uncanny expositions of a beautiful mind--definitely the next artist to watch out for. Check out Gabby Tiongson's first one-man show "Neurana" on August 26 at Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery, The Collective located at 7274 Malugay St., Makati city.