These established artists exhibit their understanding of the Filipino through the craftsmanship of their pieces at the 2023 MEGA Ball
This year, the MEGA Ball remains true to its core in celebrating Filipino artistry during Independence Day. Going beyond the confines of fashion, we are shifting the focus to uplifting the artists whose skilled hands have made a difference in bringing Filipino art its well-deserved recognition.
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Artists in attendance
Underscoring art’s influence in our freedom and independence, we honor the master artists who have established the power of their works for decades. Last night, the conservatory at the MEGA Ball housed the works of Elmer Borlongan, Mark Justiniani, Rodel Tapaya, Manny Garibay, Daniel Dela Cruz, John Santos III, Geraldine Javier, and Icon Awardee Ramon Orlina. Making a social commentary through their expressions of art, these seven artists highlight the plights of the Filipino in their works.
Justiniani, Garibay, Dela Cruz, and Orlina, whose attendance was received with much acclaim from the guests, had different interpretations of class struggle of Filipinos.
Justiniani and Garibay used visual elements of magic realism and vivid and colorful iterations, respectively to portray the debate on true freedom and justice of our nation. Meanwhile, Dela Cruz and Orlina expressed their takes on reality through three dimensional pieces, through sculpture specifically.
Artistry in spirit
Although Borlongan, Tapaya, Santos, and Javier did not make it to the event, their works were equally appreciated by the crowd. Emphasizing on distortion, the three artists knew how to present the truth of society in creative ways. Borlongan employs peculiar depictions of body parts with a focus on urban Manila-inspired childhood tales. Through his mythological and folkloric themes, Tapaya highlights social and environmental issues in his works.
On the other hand, Javier’s Catholic education echoes through her mixed media works. While she takes inspiration from religion, the artist also aims to create a social commentary on the boon and bane of religion’s involvement in our state’s progress—or lack thereof.
Lastly, John Santos III’s perception of reality has a surrealist feel to it, with the three-dimensionality of his works allowing the spectators to revel and experience them. He captures the mundanity of life all the while inviting everyone to see reality in a different lens with the different sides we can interpret his pieces.
The 2023 MEGA Ball serves as a reminder that art is not just for its own sake. With the strokes of a brush, the corners of a figure, and an expression of defiance, we can truly fight for our freedom.
Photography DANIEL TAN, ED SIMON, and KIERAN PUNAY
