In the face of deprivation, humanity discovered a silver lining in art. As people spent time in aesthetic experiences such as listening to music, creating arts and crafts, or looking at aesthetic objects, passions were rekindled, childhood experiences were relived and new ideas for the future were forged.
The arts, which offered rewarding experiences, made way for people to feel rejuvenated, grounded, and purposeful. As humanity turned to the arts, hope dawned from uncertainty, empowering people to transform anxious energy into impetus for creativity and productivity.
Curated by Juan Nieto, Art-xiety is an exhibition of abstract and figurative artworks that depict this transformation of energy into relentless drive brought about by aesthetic experience. It presents a selection of works created by fifteen contemporary Filipino artists who bring with them artful creations inspired by their musings, reveries, and dreams: Romeo De Leon (Poignant vistas), Baltazar Fornaliza (Poetry of forms and colors), Nizza Zinnia De Leon (Colors of hope), Bert S. Monserrat (Abstract expressionism), Jaime Leon, Maria Liberty Milan, Napolexander Mina (Metaphors in watercolor), Martin Nieto (Impressions of our urban life), Paul Escobañas (Historical advocacy), Micas Dionisio (The Power of Nature), Al Perez (The majesty of Philippine churches), Mark Hernandez (Automatic art in abstraction), Eric Mercado (Culture of happiness), Ronald Uy (Finding reality in the abstract), and El Bravo (The elegance in figuration).
With extraordinary will power, these artists were able to transform vacuum into panoramas where they have been or wish to be; construct images that enthuse hope for a promising tomorrow, and reinvent ideas of futures in this bizarre new world.
In so doing, they were able to share their personal transformations, with the faith that their audiences find joy and ultimately, craft their own aesthetic experiences, which, in turn, will help them transform their own energies into stimuli for innovation and dynamism.
Art-xiety is a collaboration between Manila-based Pinsel Art Society, and The Art District (TAD). The exhibition runs until Nov. 30 at the TAD gallery in Escolta, Manila.