let's continue

I've been busy in the past few months in my work, since no new development occurred within these past months..I think I would be visiting the studios of my fellow artists...
will post my stories later...

April Exhibit

the venue of this event was moved to the Legislative Building...

           

      The  Kalinawa Art Foundation ,Kalinawa Art Foundation  a non-profit organization who promotes the development  of and dedicated to bringing the finest  Indigenous Peoples' visual art in the Philippines will mount  the 3rd Indigenous Peoples' Visual Art Exhibition in Legislative Building, Provincial Capitol Compound, Puerto Princesa City in the province of Palawan.

      Works to be exhibited are expected to come mostly from the Tagbanua and Palawan' tribe from the south and from the Cuyunons (from the ethnolinguistic group).The Tagbanua group of artists dubbed as the Aborlan Art Programme, introduced to rubber cut prints and terracotta sculpture comprised the exhibitors.There are nine known  IP's in Palawan, but only few were mapped when it comes to surveying their art.The first exhibit was held in Kamarikutan Kape at Galeri, preceeded in the second time in Asturias Hotel, now for the third time, the venue is set in the lobby of Legislative Building.

Many of the products that emerged in the souvenir shops were made by the Palawan group; consisting of wood carvings, bamboo square-based baskets (tingkup) and replicas of hunting gears and masks.We hope that  in years to come, many of these undiscovered artists and artisans will emerge and show their art through the support of the foundation.

Activities are as follows:

April 18-19, 2013                registration of participating artists and acceptance of artworks

April 20                               opening of the exhibit, public viewing and judging  by selected  juries.                                

April 26                               closing ceremony and awarding of winners, return of works

Glimpse

in between infinity and El Nido

 the bus stopped unloading some cargoes.

Crowns of the buho plant is the usual skyscrapers,

that stand majestic amidst the blue sky

lit by flickering moon at dawn.

The morning fogs tried to hide

that everyday magic

from the retina of humans,

as karst mountains are yawning,

awakened from its deep slumber..

lucky to pass by..

just another day in paradise..

my El Nido Artcafe' Exhibit

Been busy  this month. Christmas season in the Philippines is one of the most anticipated of all seasons.Decors were set as early as November, by the first week of December all establishments were filled with the colors of Christmas!.
My job as an artist requires me to attend to this activities-in charge of the decorating team.

Below are some of the photos during my one man show:
all photo credits: El Nido Artcafe.

the Amazing El Nido town, north of Palawan

Judith the cafe owner, me and Arvin the municipal arts and culture officer

the opening talk 

playing with the cafe band from left; Toptop,middle; Loy, Tani the owner and Weng(behind)

me playing the African Djembe drum

meanwhile, my exhibit in El Nido was opened. It will run until first week of January 2013.

There was an ongoing art show in Palawan Museum; Titled; Obog Kat Kaayatan Baw Parayamat Banwa(An Offering for Culture and Environment) by one of Palawan's Indigenous Artists, which opened on November 24, 2012 but I have not checked it yet, will post updates soon.

One show coming up in Gypsys Lair Artcafe in December 22, 2012.

exhibits this month of December 2012

Been busy in the past few days preparing for my solo exhibit of acrylic on paper slated December 2, 2012  in El Nido, a very beautiful municipality north of Palawan.

 This is my second solo exhibit for this year. The first was in the month of March in Gypsy's Lair Artcafe' in the city (Puerto Princesa) Its a digital art of contemporary women portrayed as Diwata or nymph.(poster below)

Another group from the south-the Aborlan Arts Programme. Had mounted their recent show on November 24, 2012 in Palawan Museum. This group is composed of  talented out-of-school youth and Indigenous People mostly of Tagbanua descent. They are the forebearer of rubbercut prints and  terracotta sculptures aside from paintings.Themes explored were about their beliefs cultures and traditions.

This coming December 2012. The Gypsys Lair and Artcafe' is brewing another exhibit..lets wait for more shows in the offing...

an abstract a day-earth series # 2

Earth Series # 2, acrylic on paper, Jonathan Benitez 2012

an abstract a day- Earth Series # 1

Earth Series # 1, acrylic on paper, 8x5.5 inches, Jonathan Benitez 2012

while I am busy in my tasks, I continue to post my works.This one belongs to another series.I called it Earth Series..

an abstract a day-last of the series # 10

coral reef series # 10, acrylic on paper, Jonathan Benitez 2012

an abstract a day- coral reef series number 9

coral reef series # 9, acrylic on paper, Jonathan Benitez 2012

an abstract a day- Coral Reef series number 8

coral reef series #8, acrylic on primed vellum paper, Jonathan Benitez 2012

an abstract a day # 7

coral reef series #7, acrylic on primed vellum paper, Jonathan Benitez, 2012

pen and ink by H.Dan Habaradas

Although identified with watercolors, Habaradas' also explores other medium to extend his creativity and one of them is pen and ink.  Pointillism is always the best applicable approach to explore this media, not only will it heighten the linear visual vocabulary, but the tedious process of filling the volume of space with dots challenge artists all throughout the modern art history. It can never be rushed, time is of essence to accumulate the necessary tones and volume to define the space. Shown below is the artists sample works.

an abstract a day # 6

 coral reef # 6 Series

an abstract a day # 5

coral reef series # 5

an abstract a day, 4th work (in a series)

coral reef series #4, acrylic on primed vellum paper, Jonathan Benitez, 2012

an abstract a day # 3

coral reef series #3, acrylic on primed vellum paper, Jonathan Benitez, 2012

an abstract a day # 2

Coral Reef # 2,  8x5.5 inches,  Jonathan Benitez, acrylic on primed vellum paper, 2012

an abstract a day # 1

coral reef series # 1, 8x5.5 inches, Jonathan Benitez, acrylic on primed vellum paper, 2012

Each day I will post one finished small non-figurative abstract, an acrylic on primed vellum paper, 8x5.5 inches.

The suite is in a series of 10 pieces I called Coral Reef Series-as I pay homage to my ocean environment.

consignments

Island hopping, 21x18 inches, acrylic on canvas 

we took our recent works from one of the alternative hotel venues and transferred it to a new location where we can easily monitor and visit. 

The crowd of this new venue are also receptive to art, the residents are mixed -Asians, Europeans and Americans, all are backpackers. 

This venue was mentioned in my last blog, it's structure is made of native materials appropriate enough to enhance the ambiance and setting it was designed for. It was not so big though but enough for intimate appreciation like that of cafe' environment. I think this venue will house all our artworks that just finished shown from other venues. Although, there are works still on consignments in the following venues, Gypsy's Lair and Artcafe', Katabom Bar, Palawan Museum, Skylight Hotel, Irawan Artcafe' and the Lotus Garden.

 The next time I visit the place I will post some photos here.

The local artists and the alternative art venues

 Upon advised from artist-curator Dinggot Conde-Prieto the lists below were further extended to artists who participated in  the art scene in the past 20 years,  exhibited widely (for visual artists), noted musical performances(for musicians) This lists may expand as a measure to update its content.


 Artists*                              category                    facebook page
 
Dinggot-Conde-Prieto     visual arts, curator, cultural worker  http://www.facebook.com/dinggot.condeprieto?fref=ts
Lui Oliva                           cultural worker, curator                http://www.facebook.com/lui.oliva.3?fref=ts
Jonathan Benitez      visual art, music,exhibit organizer   http://www.facebook.com/tibur78
H. Dan Habaradas               visual art                                http://www.facebook.com/habaradas.henrydan?fref=ts
Alvin Bayking                    visual art, music                   http://www.facebook.com/alvin.bayking?fref=ts

Frances Mendoza                 visual art, tattoo               http://www.facebook.com/francesmarymendoza?fref=ts

Cleng Sumagaysay             visual art                         http://www.facebook.com/cleng.sumagaysay?ref=ts&fref=ts
Aureus Solito                          indie film        http://www.facebook.com/pages/Auraeus-Solito/109435472416686?fref=ts&rf=108438532521098                        
James Zabala                     visual art                                http://www.facebook.com/james.zabala.52?fref=ts
Brenda Praico-Zabala          visual art                                 http://www.facebook.com/brenda.praicozabala?fref=ts
Mario Lubrico                    visual art                         http://www.facebook.com/lubricomario?fref=ts
Susan Sales-Tupas              visual art, music                http://www.facebook.com/susanlynette.salestupas?fref=ts
Elorde Mesac                     visual art                                http://www.facebook.com/elordie.mesac?fref=ts
Cely Orcullo                              embroidery, mosaic
Jane Orcullo-Campbell            visual art                                http://www.facebook.com/jane.o.campbell?fref=ts
Pat Marquez, Jr.                        visual art, music                   http://www.facebook.com/patmarquezjr?fref=ts
Zaldy Jumawan                         visual artist                           
George Bacaltos                       visual art
Henry Saldajeno                       visual art
Gerry  Gabo                               visual art 
Mike Garcia                               visual art                                http://www.facebook.com/mike.m.garcia.7?fref=ts
Nabil Padilla                              visual art, tattoo                   http://www.facebook.com/nabil.padilla?fref=ts                              
Sandra Michon                   visual art                                http://www.facebook.com/sandra.michon.56?fref=ts
Mitu Tupas of Mitus Tribe   music,crafts                     http://www.facebook.com/mitu.tupas
Jones Tabujara, Diwan Group music, crafts                http://www.facebook.com/jones.tabujara?fref=ts
Kawangis ng Tribu              music, crafts                   http://www.facebook.com/kawangisngtribupalawan?fref=ts
Ems Lucasan                      music, bamboo instruments inventor
Nonoy Lanzanas of Sinika      music, songwriter               http://www.facebook.com/sinika.islamusik?fref=ts
Bimbo Fernandez                     music, songwriter                    
Jojo Orcullo                              crafts                                      http://www.facebook.com/jojo.orcullo.37?fref=ts  
Pedrito Ensomo                        photography                        http://www.facebook.com/pensomo?fref=ts  
Claudette Ensomo-Sendaydiego   photography                http://www.facebook.com/claudette.ensomosendaydiego?fref=ts
Kanz  Ponce de Leon               photography 
Michel Gacott                           visual art, tattoo
Al Linsangan                            photography
Rodney Formaran                    music

 Transients (resided* in Palawan  then migrated/abroad/went other places)

Badjao-Charles Romano Wandag   visual, music, cultural worker              http://www.facebook.com/RASTARAKI?fref=ts
Diokno Pasilan                        visual,music,multimedia,performance art      http://www.facebook.com/diokno.pasilan?fref=ts
Niel Pasilan                              visual, performance art                                     http://www.facebook.com/neil.pasilan.5?fref=ts                    
Nonoy Alcalde                        visual art, performance,music
Jun Claudio                              visual art, music
Noe Tio  (deceased)               visual art, music, digital graphics

*names listed has exhibited / participated in the development of the local art scene.This may expand as my data is updated.        


Alternative/Art Venues:


                                                                         location

The Gypsy's Lair Artcafe                                    Mercado   de San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City                                           http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheGypsys-Lair-ArtCafe/278163178894895

Skylight Hotel                                                  Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City               
 http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001404581389&fref=ts

Ka Lui Restaurant                                             Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City 
 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ka-Lui/195429843810799?ref=ts&fref=ts

Irawan Artcafe                                                 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City
 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Irawan-Ecopark-Canopy-Zipline/217121425059670?fref=ts

Dos Palmas Art Center                                                    Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City    
 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dos-Palmas-Island-Resort-and-Spa/179982732040299?fref=ts

Palawan Museum                                                             Mendoza Park, Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City

Banua Pension and Arthouse                                        Liwanag St,.cor B. Mendoza St,, Puerto Princesa City
http://www.facebook.com/banwa.arthouse?ref=ts&fref=ts

Lotus Garden                                                                     Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City                   
  http://www.facebook.com/lotusgardenphils?fref=ts 

Katabom Bar                                                                      Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City                    
   http://www.facebook.com/katabom.bar?fref=ts

Galeri Kamarikutan at Kape(defunct)
Atwani Artcafe'(defunct)                                    

El Nido Boutique and Artcafe                                        El Nido, Palawan  
 http://www.facebook.com/artcafe.elnido?fref=ts

Balay Tubay Bistru                                                          El Nido, Palawan

*Studio/Shop:                                  location


Ikaw kag Ako(defunct)                                 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City
Kabadyangan                                                Irawan, Puerto Princesa City
Asiano                                                          Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City/Coron, Palawan
The Gypsy's Lair Artcafe Shop                   Mercado de San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City
Banua Pension and Arthouse Shop              Liwanag St, corner B. Mendoza, Puerto Princesa City
Palawan Museum Shop                                Mendoza Park, Puerto Princesa City


* - although there are many  souvenir shops sprawling  in the city, their displays are common crafts wares, what I have included here are run by artists, selling unique items.This lists may expand as data is updated.

            
The art venues:
(in no particular order, source photos were properly acknowledged, thank you guys!)

Balay Tubay Bistru, El Nido                                photo courtesy of pbase.com

Katabom Bar, Puerto Princesa City         photo: draudstravel.blogspot.com

Skylight Hotel, Puerto Princesa City                             photo: travelonline.ph

El Nido Boutique and Artcafe, El Nido                        photo: mithunonthe.net

Galeri Kamarikutan at Kape (defunct)  photo: treklens.com(Leo Francisco)

Lotus Garden and Suites, Puerto Princesa City   photo: mypuertoprincesa.net

Atwani Artcafe(defunct)

Palawan Museum, Puerto Princesa City                 photo: puertoprincesa.ph

The Irawan ArtCafe' /Forest Canopy Zipline

Dos Palmas Art Center, Honda Bay

The Gypsy's Lair Artcafe'

Ka Lui Restaurant                                                          photo: poor traveler.net