The family is the basic building block of society. It is where individuals discover their identity, hone their skills, and find the support they need to grow. It isn’t rare for some families to share a common interest for generations. After all, these activities often become a way for members to bond despite differences.
Modern contemporary artist Lydia Velasco shares similar sentiments, as she spent several years painting with her family. Now, she shares the spotlight with them in a visual art exhibit called Salinlahi IV.
“I love art. Gusto ko lahat ng family ko, tutal marunong din naman sila, maging serious sila sa art kasi maganda ang ginagawa ng art sa tao. Maski na may problema ka, maligaya ka naman. Yun, yung ang naging motivation ko,” she told Manila Standard Lifestyle during the exhibit’s opening last November 3, Wednesday.
Aside from Lydia, artworks from Tessie Pecaña, Fely Reyes, Sarah Doringo, Daisy Carlos, Isidora Duran, Lon de Cruz, Isabella Dela Cruz, Chie Cruz, Chigoe Cruz, Arlene Manalus, Lex Picaña, Michelle Molo, Phoebe Carlos, Kim Carlos, and Kris Ian Carlos are also on display at the exhibit.
The Velasco sisters, Lydia, Tesse, Fely, Daisy, and Sarah, share a fascination for flowers and love, which often become the subject of their artworks. Vibrancy is the vital element that makes the family’s pieces a scene stealer. Lydia’s children, Chie and Chigoe, are also part of Salinlahi IV.
Yet despite sharing the same interest, their creative differences sometimes arise.
“Input nila, input ko, pinagsasama namin. ‘Pag tama o hindi, dun lang kami nagkakaargue,” Lydia shared. She solves these conflicts by offering tips on how to create a more visually appealing output.
Eventually, Lydia’s influence on art has passed down from generation to generation while her family members developed their creative identities. One prime example is her granddaughter, Isabella Dela Cruz.
“‘Yung vibrancy nakuha ko kay Lola, but my colors are more of my favorite colors. And that’s my concept of picking colors. If it makes me happy, yun yung feel ko, yun lang kasi. I’d like to enjoy the process,” she said.
Isabella began painting at a young age. She vividly recalls getting scolded because she would paint on the floor surface. As she matured, she became more inclined to art inspired by anime, childhood things, and storybook illustrations.
Salinlahi IV for Isabella is the fourth time she has joined a family exhibit. However, it was the first time she was a conscious young adult, given that she started as a child who produced paintings like her family.
The young artist also learned a thing or two about painting from her grandmother, especially about how art should be a medium of their self-expression.
“‘Di naman dapat may meaning pero what you give, ano yung maibibigay mo sa painting, ano yung meaning niya sa’yo. Baka pwede naman hindi meaningful sa ibang tao pero sa’yo it’s meaningful, that’s what’s important,” she said.
Salinlahi IV will run until November 11 at drybrush Gallery on the 2nd floor of SM MOA Square at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City.
