Visual artist and missionary Kristine Lim opened her second solo exhibit entitled “Soar” at the lobby lounge of the famed The Manila Hotel.
The exhibit, which features Lim’s recent art pieces—a collection of 33 framed mixed media works finished in just six months—will run until the end of this month.
In her latest exhibit, Lim created a cohesive and compelling presentation using the Philippine eagle as the central motif, with complementing verses from the Bible scribbled lightly at the edge of each work.
Visible in each work is her signature style. She used her unique technique of combining a special textured ground with layers of transparent metallic bronze and gold-colored glazes over the graphite pentimenti, or underdrawings.
Lim deliberately allows them to be seen as a trace of her journey in the creation of any work. She occasionally adds special details like straight gold lines, reminiscent of her graphic design practice, as well as small-shaped mirrors and textured, bright-colored red resinous epoxy to attach them; both illuminate and serve as surfaces of reflection.
“It’s very ironic because the concept of 'Soar' came to me during the time when I was really hitting rock bottom over and over. I lost my son and after a few months, I almost lost his twin brother. Then we have this pandemic, there are so many things going on,” she told Manila Standard Entertainment in an exclusive interview right after the launch of her exhibit on Oct. 7.
“During those moments, I felt I was soaring the highest because God was with me. He made me realize that the best way for me touch the sky is when my knees hit the ground to pray. That’s the beauty of our downfalls and our struggles. We pause. We see clearly beyond the limits of our sight,” she carried on.
Lim’s exhibit is not only a showcase of her artistry. It’s also a way for her to give back.
Nine of the art pieces are for auction and the rest are for sale. Proceeds of the Closing Auction will go to Malasakit Para Sa Bayan Foundation Inc. to help indigent Filipinos have access to medical supplies.
“In everything that I do, I always endeavor to magnify and glorify God. I want to share His words with everyone,” she said.
A Filipino Christian with an evangelical inclination, she considers herself as an “artist with a mission.” Her faith and patriotism serve as the foundation for the art she makes while remaining true to her own life experiences. By using these as her jumping points, she creates multiple avenues of connection with her audiences who might share these with her.
In all her paintings, Lim artist seems to also imply the need to be in our own space, to reflect, and to have an honest appraisal and reckoning with ourselves. She proposes a total surrender just as she has experienced when she overcame personal tribulations and emerged from them unscathed because she lifted them all up in the faith.
Lim also shared that “Soar” is not just her story or a personal reflection. It’s an experience everyone can resonate with.
“The exhibition is both a testament to God’s love and saving grace, as well as the capacity of the Filipino spirit to transcend limitations, especially in the lowest points of our lives. That's when we feel that we soar the highest,” Lim concluded.
Presented by Art Lounge Manila “Soar” runs until Oct. 30.