Lara Latosa’s work offers a rare and intimate connection to one of nature’s most powerful forces—the ocean. Her latest collection, Bayside, currently on display at Conrad Manila as part of the Of Art and Wine series, is a moving tribute to the sea’s vibrant energy, delicate ecosystems, and the emotional tides we all experience.
Latosa’s art is deeply shaped by her own experiences. As an experienced freediver and passionate environmental advocate, she feels the ocean in her heart with every wave and current. Her brush captures the movement of waves, the soft light under the water, and the constant flow of life beneath the surface. Her paintings show the beauty of nature while sharing stories of strength and healing, using bright colors and flowing shapes that reflect the energy of the ocean.
“My art is a love letter to the ocean,” Latosa explains. For her, the ocean is both sanctuary and inspiration, a force that reflects the complexity of life itself. Each wave in her paintings expresses the passion she holds for water and her ongoing journey with mental wellness—reminders that, like the sea, life is ephemeral yet powerful.
The Bayside exhibit at Conrad Manila invites viewers to immerse themselves in this emotional landscape. The venue’s location along Manila Bay perfectly complements Latosa’s work, connecting art with the environment.
The collaboration with Art Lounge Manila and the thoughtful curation highlight a shared commitment to marine conservation, making the exhibit both an aesthetic experience and a call for awareness.
What makes Latosa’s work especially compelling is its ability to go beyond traditional marine imagery. Rather than literal depictions, her abstract waves pulse with life, inviting viewers to feel rather than simply see. This approach brings the ocean’s dynamic energy into gallery spaces and hearts alike, offering a multisensory journey through color, form, and meaning.
The exhibit officially opened with notable guests, including Cathy Nepomuceno; vice president of SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation; Susanne Tiausas managing director of Art Lounge Manila; Camille Genuino, board treasurer of Angat Buhay; and Dr. Deo Florence Onda, associate professor and associate dean for Research, Innovation, Development, and Enterprise, Marine Science Institute University of the Philippines Diliman.
The Bayside collection invites visitors to a reflective, multisensory experience until July 12 at Gallery C, located on the 3rd level of Conrad Manila. Priced at P3,288++, the set for two features ocean-themed sweets and savories, paired with coffee or tea. Available daily from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For inquiries and reservations, call +632 8833 9999 or email Conrad.Manila.info@conradhotels.com.