(SPOT.ph) The sun was relentless but it didn’t stop people from flocking to the Jaime Velasquez Park for Art in the Park 2016. Even before the clock struck 10, a big crowd patiently lined up by the entrance, excitedly waiting for the gates to open.
And the wait was definitely worth it. We walked into a wonderland of unearthly paintings, surreal sculptures, and a mix of both familiar and new concessionaires. As we walked from one stall to another, we couldn’t help but talk among ourselves how the event has outdone itself on its 10th year.
We were greeted by Daniel dela Cruz’s “Ars Longa, Vita Brevis.” Translating to Hippocrates’ “Art is long, life is short,” we scrutinized the exhibit for any relevance to its title. We were taken aback (in a good way) to see that the figures, with candles inside their heads, are actually made of wax, designed to melt as the day wears on.
Strolling around, we spotted this whimsical mosaic in the Mighty Bhutens stall. Crafted by Kabunyan de Guia, “Mr. Tanuki San” was inspired by his kids’ adoration for Hayao Miyazaki’s anime, Pom Poko.
Walking over to the Canvas stall, Liza Flores’ original cut paper on wood illustrations caught our eye. “Behind You” is from the book My Big Sister Can See Dragons written by Rocky Sanchez Tirona.
Joe Geraldo made the “Soul Asylum” with terracotta from a "nuno sa punso."
But art pieces were not the only things we saw at Art in the Park. We did some gawking, too. Here’s Armi Millare of Up Dharma Down with a friend.
Of course we had to stop by the Don Churros stand.
We also spotted the Famous Artists stall and talked to Boni Juan, who makes birdhouses. Made of Narra with some of their parts composed of recycled wood, these amazing birdhouses are from the Templo series.
Angel Jacob says hi!
Ral Arrogante’s stall was eye catching with its mobiles made of metal sculptures. They seem to have flown straight out of a steampunk movie.
We found this gem at the Depth of Feels Photography stall. Taken in Banaue five years ago, Little Wing Luna has captured all the creases and crevices of the face of the “Guardian of Banaue.”
Brent Sabas of Ang I.N.K. has been overthinking since forever, and that’s where he got the inspiration for “The Overthinker.” The illustration is manually made with brush pen, then digitally colored.
We happened upon Galerie Artes and discovered that old people fascinate artist Chigoe Cruz. “Homeless People” is the amazing result of studying characters’ faces.
Host Tim Yap gamely posed for us in the middle of perusing art work.
Papercut work made an appearance in the form of this untitled piece by Ebony Paguia for Resurrection Furniture and Found Objects Gallery.
Yummy soft serve ice cream from Kombites, Cakes & Sweets made the heat bearable.
Clanging sounds caught our attention and we headed over to Sam Penaso’s area where he was busily striking his “Sound Sculpture.”
Fascinating pottery by Joey de Castro of I Potters’ Group.
What do you think of this untitled piece by Dex Fernandes of Archivo?
Photos by Majoy Siason
