Mindanao is hailed for its abundant natural resources and breathtaking landscapes. But beyond its pristine beaches and lush mountains is a burgeoning community of creatives who are injecting their unique Mindanaoan identity into art and using it as a force for good. As the country continues to grapple with COVID-19, Mindanaoan artists are stepping up to create stories of hope while in isolation.
Through his projects with Mindanao local governments, Zabala has been championing a fresh perspective of the region that does not let its past define its future. “At work, our goal is to recreate Mindanao's image using art. For example, we created a campaign called ‘Zoom in Zamboanga City’ that is inspired by our rich history, nature, tourists spots, native patterns, and more,” Zabala explained.
Being no strangers to crises, Zabala and fellow Mindanaoan artists immediately needed the call to once again inspire hope and courage as COVID struck the country. He shared, “The pandemic is a challenge for everyone. People have lost jobs, families have gone hungry, and mental health is affected. As public servants and artists, our work should never stop. We have created several campaigns that promote generosity and kindness in the community.”
Zabala also pointed out one essential, if often overlooked, role that artists perform during crisis: “We also act as historians who visually piece together this moment in time—including all the contemplation and uncertainty it holds. She we look back on this period someday, art will help us make sense of it.”
The Bulacan-based Andrade look back on how opportunities presented themselves to him in the middle of adversity. One such door was his win during the NSAC competition in 2014. His winning oil canvas piece, entitled ‘Ipinagkakait na Kalayaan,’ was in itself an example of triumph over adversity: this life-changing canvas depicts paint brushes ready to be buried, and was inspired by the death of his mother and the pains that come from being part of a broken family.
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| ‘Ipinagkakait na Kalayaan,’ |
***You can also check more of his art work here @iskoandrade
Zabala concurred that creative platforms such as NSAC are bringers of hope that can keep communities alive during the most difficult times. He said, “Art is a great tool for healing. It's cathartic. We can use it to give people somehing to hold on to as they live through pandemic.”
Simbulan reminded the audience to remember and explore its rich heritage to mine stories for encouragement. She said, “As Filipinos, we have a wealth of creativity that can act as reservoirs of hope and fuel for economic recovery. We can all learn a thing or two from artists—how to create more with less, how to discover new perspectives in the mundane, and how to find the silver lining amid this isolation.”
The next and final leg of Shell Virtual Art Interact is set to happen on November 7 and will focus on Visayas region. Meanwhile, the awarding of the NSAC, which currently has 1,300 entries, will take place on November 27. For more information, keep posted on Shell Philippines website and social media accounts.
Website: www.shell.com.ph
