By Dulce Lada
Madrid, Spain
Six artists from the Philippines trooped to the Artist 360° Feria de Arte Contemporáneo in Madrid bringing with them their unique styles, narratives, and creative expressions to one of Europe´s significant art exhibitions.
By taking part in the exhibition the artists were presented with a perfect canvas to brush borders with fellow artists around the world in a cross-cultural exchange and providing a chance to present the country`s cultural heritage and contemporary perspectives to the international art scene.
Heading the Philippine delegation of artists is Frederick Epistola, 1159 Creative Space head and founder of Art Show Philippines, who made a point of the significance of bringing a diversity of Filipino talents to the exhibit.
“Unlike yung previous delegations na halos pare-pareho ang tema, dito diverse iyong mga narativo ng kanilang mga sining at yung mga gawa nila. Para maipakita kung gaano ka-diverse at multicultural yung influence ng Pilipinas,” Epistola told Pinoy Portal Europe (PPE).
Epistola’s artwork, a tribute to Philippine national hero, José Rizal, resonated deeply in Madrid, where Rizal spent his formative years.
“Yung gawa ko ay si Rizal para mare-visit yung history at yung contribution ng national hero natin dito sa Madrid,” he added. He hopes his tribute to Rizal in his artworks shows the reinforcing role of art in in preserving national identity, culture, and history.
Also joining the delegation of artists from the Philippines was Crystal Tranquilino whose works presented at the exhibit paid homage to Filipino masters Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo.
Taking inspiration from iconic works such as España y Filipinas, she seamlessly integrated her signature drip technique into her obra.
“It's an honor to represent the country. It's one of my first international exhibitions, and Spain is a good territory to explore,” Tranquilino said.
Beyond artistic expression, she also advocates for female artists to take up space in the art world, emphasizing the importance of visibility and recognition for women in the creative fields.
Award-winning visual artist, Mai Pimentel De Dios, known for her Glitch Art, focuses on themes of women’s resilience in her artworks presented at the exhibit.
“There is beauty beyond distortion,” she explained and added that her works try to capture the strength of Filipina women.
Her experience leading to the exhibition was marked by challenges, from visa applications to financial constraints, yet she persisted.
“Art will lead you to go to places. Nag-start ka as simple housewife, dreaming big, and now you're here,” Mai recounted.
For most artists in the delegation, the journey to Madrid was as profound as the exhibition itself.
Lei De Jesus, a creative manager and part-time visual artist found comfort in art during a period of workplace stress. Encouraged by her supportive artist community, she took a leap of faith to participate in Madrid.
Her paintings exude positivity, featuring florals, women, and pop culture elements. De Jesus also urged aspiring artists, especially women, to push past the stereotype that art is a non-sustainable career.
“Most of the masters actually strive na ma-provide nila ang family nila. Matutunan naman siya. Just try and do what you love,” she added.
Another artist, Raneil Ibay, whose works are deeply influenced by cubism and Filipino masters like Vicente Manansala and Ang Kiukok, shared the joy of seeing Picasso’s Guernica up close and personal at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.
His artwork, Hysteria, explores pain, merging emotional depth with structured forms.
“Filipino art is at par with the world, if not even better,” he asserted, beaming with Filipino pride.
For Rhea Regis, a creative visual artist from Caloocan City, however, coming to the exhibit was “a divine calling.”
“It's a God-given grace for me to go back again to paint. It's one of my greatest callings and dito talaga nanggagaling lahat kung saan ako nakakagawa ng obra," she bared.
She revealed that her participation in Art Show Philippines opened the doors for her career.
“Art is for everyone and I keep saying give art a chance,” she added.
Artist 360° held this year at the Centro de Convenciones Hotel Ilunion Pio XII in Madrid brings together renowned galleries and 120 artists from across the globe. Countries represented this year include Brazil, Cuba, Spain, the Philippines, France, India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
This annual event is part of the Semana Internacional del Arte Contemporáneo in Madrid, Spain.
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