In fostering a dynamic collaboration between art critics and visual artists in the Confluence, it is imperative to establish a thoughtful and mutually beneficial pairing process. Participants from both realms will engage in a collaborative endeavor that seeks to seamlessly intertwine critical insights and artistic expressions.
Instructions for Art Critics and Visual Artists:
- Review Bios:
- Carefully examine the provided Artist/Critic Bios of participants to gain insights into their artistic background, themes, and creative trajectories.
- Ranking Selections:
- Art critics: Rank your top three visual artist choices based on your assessment of compatibility, shared interests, and potential for dynamic collaboration.
- Visual artists: Rank your top three art critic choices based on your assessment of their critical perspectives and potential to enhance your artistic exploration.
- Reasoning for Choices:
- For each of your top three choices, articulate a brief reason explaining your selection. Consider aspects such as thematic alignment, artistic methodologies, or areas where you foresee meaningful engagement.
- Submit Rankings and Reasons:
- Both art critics and visual artists should submit their ranked choices and corresponding reasons to the curator within the designated timeframe. Ensure clarity and specificity in your justifications.
- Curator's Assessment:
- The curator will assess the rankings to identify pairs that demonstrate compatibility in artistic approach, themes, or conceptual perspectives.
- Consideration will be given to pairs where there is potential for mutual growth and exploration, encouraging a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives.
- The curator will aim for a diverse and well-balanced selection, taking into account various artistic styles, backgrounds, and practices to enrich the overall collaborative experience.
- Pairs will be assigned based on how well the selected artists align with the overarching goals and themes of the 'Confluence' project.
- Announcement of Pairings:
- Once pairings are determined, the curator will announce the selected collaborations, ensuring that each artist and art critic is informed of their partner. This announcement will be made within the agreed-upon timeframe.
- Feedback and Adjustments:
- Artists and art critics will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the assigned pairings. The curator will consider this input, making adjustments where feasible to enhance the collaborative experience.
This inclusive process aims to create harmonious and dynamic collaborations that contribute to the overall success and richness of the 'Confluence' curatorial project, fostering a genuine confluence of artistic and critical perspectives.
AC1
This writer-curator and printmaker is an experienced professional with a decade-long commitment to covering the arts and culture scene in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. They have actively advocated for art writing through workshops, having facilitated sessions in institutions like Far Eastern University, the University of the Philippines Cebu, Art+ Magazine, and La Herencia Davao. Presently, their engagements involve crafting accessible exhibition notes for artists, galleries, and institutions, as well as contributing features on art-related events to various publications. Their current interests center around promoting artists from the regions, exploring art practices in peripheral areas, advocating for sustainability and accountability within the local art ecosystem, and assisting emerging artists in articulating their creative projects.
They engage in a thorough art writing process, initiating dialogue with artists to comprehend their background, influences, and motivations before crafting critiques or articles about their projects. Their art production knowledge spans fundamental understanding of visual art mediums like painting and sculpture, coupled with advanced familiarity with various printmaking techniques—excluding lithography. Their interest lies in unconventional practices, particularly those utilizing upcycled materials and found objects, exploring their relevance within an artist's practice. Beyond art, they find enjoyment in writing about lifestyle events and curious novelty items.
AC2
This cultural worker, based in Manila, Philippines, has navigated the art industry with keen interest since a young age. A graduate of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde with a degree in Arts Management in 2016, they embarked on a career as a gallerist immediately after graduation. While their early artistic preferences leaned towards traditional mediums, their immersion in the local contemporary art scene prompted a transition to more conceptual work, particularly in installation and video art. With experience in two galleries, they currently contribute to the art world in a museum setting.
This art critic employs a structured approach to art writing, typically commencing with an outline that addresses the physical form, interpretation of the concept, and the connection to an artist's body of work or societal impact. While not possessing extensive technical knowledge in art production, the critic is eager to learn about the artist's creation process, spanning from conceptualization to the completion of tangible artwork. Beyond art, the critic finds joy in writing about tea and books.
AC3
A cultural worker and educator, they graduated magna cum laude with a BFA in Art Management from Ateneo de Manila University. Formerly serving as the Museum Education Officer at the Ateneo Art Gallery, they have been involved in the visual arts scenes of both the Philippines and the UAE. Their interests lie in Filipino diaspora histories, cross-cultural artistic interactions in the Global South, and exploring the democratizing potentials of the Internet for art appreciation and distribution.
This art writer, trained in the Philippines and deeply influenced by Alice Guillermo's four planes of analysis, centers their writing process on exploring initial visual impressions and utilizing the viewer's observations as discussion catalysts. Particularly drawn to the contextual plane, they derive meaning by historicizing art, delving into the historical, social, and cultural contexts influencing artistic decisions. With a limited background in producing physical art, they aim to learn not only the technical aspects of artmaking but also the decision-making process across various levels. Intrigued by artists' research processes and how their lifestyles shape their work, their writing is closely connected to Filipino diaspora history, with a focus on bringing overlooked stories and cultural contributions to light, ranging from early-twentieth-century Hawaiian Ilocano sakadas to the modern OFW phenomenon born from Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s labor export policy.
AC4
An art writer based in Manila, the individual is an undergraduate student of anthropology at UP Diliman with a keen interest in art practices rooted in the co-production of knowledge and a commitment to social justice. Exploring the intersection of art and activism, they examine how artistic endeavors can contribute to the advocacy for human rights, dignity, and life. Their writings spotlight the work of artists like Kiri Dalena, Mike Olea, and Jacob Maentz, reflecting a dedication to fostering fair and equitable art systems for the community at large.
In their art criticism process, this critic engages in extensive research, delving into the artist's practice through conversations and additional reading after experiencing a show. Dumping initial impressions into a file, they weave together a comprehensive narrative, decoding the artist's intentions informed by thorough research. Expressing eagerness to learn, they emphasize the crucial role of knowledge in art production for writing about an artist's practice with justice. Beyond art, this critic finds inspiration in connecting seemingly mundane aspects of life to theories or deeper concepts, drawing parallels with anthropological writings that progress from the micro to the macro level.
AC5
A communications and social media specialist for a national government agency, the art critic was previously a researcher at a university museum. Currently pursuing an MA in Art Studies at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, their research focuses on music criticism, online publication critique, and the diverse cultures of music-making in the Philippines.
This critic employ a flexible approach to art criticism, adapting their writing process based on the assignment—whether it involves thorough desk research beforehand or a spontaneous exploration of exhibitions or art projects. Permission permitting, they capture visual references through photos and videos for further insight. With a diligent self-copyediting routine, they ensure polished submissions. With a current art production knowledge level at 4 out of 10, gained from past employment experiences, they express a keen interest in delving into the behind-the-scenes aspects of art production. Eager to understand conceptualization and production techniques, they look forward to learning from artists involved in the project. Beyond art, their passion extends to writing and contemplating music.
AC6
This art critic discovered a passion for the art world during an art appreciation class at the University of Asia and the Pacific. With a foundation in marketing, encompassing social media, web copy, and event organization, they spent three years contributing to the local art scene at an auction house. Pursuing further education, they earned an MA in Modern and Contemporary Asian Art from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art London. Here, exposure to non-Filipino art historians like T.K. Sabapathy, Eugene Tan, Joan Kee, and Annie Jael Kwan expanded their perspective. This art critic is drawn to research-based art as a form of knowledge production, evident in their MA thesis exploring the archive-based work of Pio Abad, Sawangwongse Yawnghwe, and Apichatpong Weerasethakul. Currently engaged in marketing at a local museum, they remain ever-curious, seeking inspiration in the diverse realms of the art world.
The critic approach art criticism by meticulously visiting exhibitions, examining artwork in person, and noting materials, details, layout, and themes. Afterward, they mull over their impressions, conduct research on the artist's background, and ensure that their initial thoughts align with a more considered perspective. Their writing process involves backing up ideas with evidence from the artwork or exhibition. Despite having minimal experience in direct collaboration with artists during production, they aspire to deepen their understanding of various media and gain insight into the intricacies of mixed media artworks. They aim to enhance their descriptive abilities by acquiring a more experiential understanding of the art-making process, emphasizing the connection between material choices and artistic thought processes. Beyond art, their interests extend to literature, and they enjoy casual journaling to document their thoughts.
AC7
An art studies major with a focus on art history at the University of the Philippines Diliman, they engage in the craft of writing film and music reviews, with aspirations to compile them into a future zine or book. Their poetic expressions often delve into themes of lost love, departed relatives, pets, and the daily commute, and have found publication in harana poetry. Beyond the written word, they occupy their time in Las Piñas crafting playlists, catching up on their watch list, and preparing meals for cherished ones, with spaghetti being a particular favorite.
This art critic engages in a meticulous art writing process, emphasizing thorough research and investigation into the chosen topic, whether it be an exhibition, artwork, or artist. The critic develops an outline based on their findings, working from there to craft a draft enriched with carefully chosen lines or phrases inspired by literature on the subject. Notably, they delay the editing process until the initial draft is complete. In terms of art production, their expertise lies in creating simple posters and publicity materials, expressing a desire to enhance their skills for detailed work and color theory. Outside the realm of art, the critic channels their creative energy into poignant poems addressing themes of lost love, grief, commuting experiences, and the contemplation of loneliness, using writing as a coping mechanism and a reminder of life's transient nature.
AC8
This critic has operated independently since 2015, earning a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a focus on the empowerment of sex and sexuality. Presently, a dedicated volunteer for the We Bleed Red Movement, passionately advocating against period poverty in the Philippines, and an online freelance writer since 2021. Venturing into the realm of art criticism, the critic is committed to honing writing skills while actively participating in diverse feminist advocacy groups in the Philippines. Fueled by inspiration drawn from various artists, spanning film to songwriting, the critic channels a profound love and enthusiasm for the multifaceted realm of creative writing and the arts.
In the art critic's typical writing process, they begin by immersing themselves in art-related articles to fortify the foundational structure of their critiques. Following this, they meticulously outline topics and sub-topics, culminating in the actual critique writing. The final stage involves refining the text by trimming and adjusting unnecessary elements to achieve a cohesive structure. Participating in this curatorial project is anticipated to elevate and test their critical writing skills, delving into the artist's work to unveil profound meanings beyond surface-level perceptions. Outside the realm of art, their writing interests extend to fictional stories, essays, and poetry.
AC9
The art critic is based in Manila and hails from Butuan City. Their debut essay collection, exploring feminine desire, grief, pleasure, trauma, complicity, and self-fragmentation, was published this year. This body of work delves into the entire spectrum of existential conundrums through their personal history. Currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at De La Salle University-Manila, the writer is deeply engaged with autotheory as a feminist practice in art, writing, and criticism. They find significance in centering and legitimizing individual, bodily experiences as a means of processing knowledge production.
The art critic undertakes an elaborate research and synthesis process, encapsulating first impressions, ideas, and reflections into a cohesive document when approaching art criticism. This anonymous art critic methodically examines artworks through a historical lens, scrutinizing local and international contexts before intertwining personal insights with gathered information. Their writing foundation involves a meticulous description of each element constituting the artwork, its interaction with the exhibition space, and the viewer's sensory impressions. Beyond art, their curiosity extends to understanding the nuanced decisions shaping an artwork, from materials to execution. In this project, they aspire to delve deeper into the intricacies of art production. Apart from art, their passion for literature, film, and advocacy for women empowerment across societal realms reflects a multifaceted interest in diverse cultural and social subjects.
AC10
This design strategist and social researcher brings a wealth of multi-disciplinary expertise in design and psychology, contributing to the development of visual and verbal narratives in branding. With a background deeply rooted in shaping national discourse on design within the public sector, they are committed to understanding design's role in Filipino life through extensive research. Beyond being a creative professional, their singular goal, driven by a profound sense of Filipino identity, is to employ design as a force for the betterment of the country and its people. All their endeavors are dedicated to authentically grasping and designing for Filipino culture, with the ultimate aim of fostering liberated and empowering art and psychology.
They engage in a meticulous art writing process, incorporating diverse disciplines into their work within psych/creative strategy. Their perspective revolves around the impact of artistic creations on individuals and audiences, exploring the interplay between art, design, and the broader societal context. In the context of a design strategy and research project, their interest lies in delving into the artist's background, influences, and social contexts, aiming to understand the intricate connections that shape their work. Despite possessing limited knowledge in art production, their curiosity is directed towards exploring how indigenous psychology, particularly ginhawa/well-being, can contribute to the creative process. Beyond their focus on design and psychology, they enjoy creating lighter, joyful, and playful works, as exemplified by their recent collaboration on a paper doll exhibited at the Cebu Art Book Fair.
VA1
A 26-year-old Cebuano artist and AB-Psychology graduate from De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila, this individual's artistic journey has been marked by accolades and publications. In the present, the artist is dedicated to honing their craft through active participation in exhibitions, competitions, and local art projects, with a focus on the intersection of psychology and art. Employing mixed-media collage paintings, their work serves as a therapeutic catharsis, exploring the nuances of human action through repetitive mark-making and delving into the cultural, political, and personal elements that converge in their visual narratives.
The artist's typical art process involves the creation of mixed media collage paintings, which can originate from research on specific concepts or themes and their psychological and artistic relations. Alternatively, the process may begin with the collection of images of interest to be used in the collage. The artist engages in a dynamic interplay of applying images to the substrate and employing various painterly techniques, including painting, washes, and mark making. This iterative process is marked by a continual evaluation of the images' presence in the work, both aesthetically and emotionally, until the artist deems the piece complete. The materials utilized include acrylic paint, paper, acrylic mediums, and ink on archival paper, with the possibility of incorporating canvas for larger works. While the growing size of the artwork at each stage impacts the scaling of images and painterly techniques, the artist, having experience with large works, anticipates navigating this aspect seamlessly.
VA2
A Filipino architect, designer, illustrator, and visual artist based in Parañaque City, Philippines, this artist earned a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas and acquired a professional license in 2019. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and architectural background, they craft imagery enriched with architectural details and botanical elements, focusing on capturing the ambiance and subtleties of a moment and space. With a professional background in residential and commercial projects, this artist also serves as an instructor at the University of Santo Tomas, College of Architecture, teaching Manual Visual Techniques and Architectural Design.
The artist's typical art process begins with the creation of rough sketches and thumbnails, eventually translating into full-scale versions. Utilizing pencil and/or acrylics on paper or canvas, the artist's chosen medium depends on the size of the work. The artist finds comfort working within the confines of their bedroom, and as the scale of the work grows, it influences the artistic process. The resulting pieces can be classified as Architectural Illustrations, showcasing the artist's commitment to exploring form, genre, and medium within the privacy of their creative space.
VA3
The artist seamlessly merges drawing, collage, and book production, navigating a diverse artistic journey. Their diverse portfolio spans Graphic Design, Ballpoint pen drawing, Abstract collage, and Zine Production, resulting in unique art books featuring daily mark making, torn-up drawings, and fragments of product packaging. Serving as a personal diary, the art reflects on fostering a healthier configuration of life, illustrating intimate methods of organizing emotions through the remixing and rearranging of graphic media.
The artist engages in a dynamic artistic process, collecting diverse paper materials daily, ranging from old prints and drawings to written marks and intriguing packaging. The artist draws inspiration from personal journals, connecting lines of text with symbolic images or shapes to form cohesive concepts. Once a full concept emerges, the artist intricately combines the collected materials and introduces new figures, resulting in captivating series of pieces. Working predominantly with ballpoint pens for drawing and employing various types of paper and glue for binding, the artist ensures adaptability in size to align with the evolving scope of each artwork, blending the genres of collage and expressionism in their distinctive creations.
VA4
An accomplished artist, art educator, and mother, the individual earned a Fine Arts degree with a major in Painting/Studio Arts from the University of the Philippines Diliman. Their rich background in the arts encompasses diverse roles, including work in a graphic design company, freelance projects, and participation in exhibitions. Despite exploring various facets of the art world, their true passion lies in teaching, which not only keeps them grounded but also serves as a perpetual source of learning and self-reflection. Balancing the roles of an artist and an educator, they bring a well-rounded perspective to the art realm, with a commitment to nurturing creativity in students and encouraging them to explore their artistic potential. In terms of artistic practice, their themes revolve around the everyday experiences of the working class, with a recent focus on capturing the emotions and stress of commuting through painting—an evolution reflecting a dedication to authentic self-expression and a desire to connect with others on a deeper, shared level.
The artist employs a spontaneous and immersive creative process, often working on artworks in one sitting or continuously over weekends due to a demanding job. This artist is drawn to capturing intriguing scenes, particularly favoring the enchanting glow of night lights, which become subjects through randomly taken photographs. Exclusive to oil as a medium for the past few years, the artist expresses a preference for larger scale paintings over smaller ones. The work, influenced by impressionist artists, embraces a genre and style that seamlessly incorporates the impact of growing size, resulting in a dynamic and captivating artistic journey.
VA5
The artist is a mixed media creator based in Las Piñas, Metro Manila, choosing to remain anonymous. Engaged full-time as an illustrator and graphic designer for merchandise and apparel, they additionally dedicate their off-hours to developing an independent shop and brand. Preferring watercolor as their primary medium, the artist navigates the boundary between realism and illustration, infusing detailed, playful, and profoundly sentimental elements into their portraiture. Drawing inspiration from film, music, and literature, their focus revolves around the contemporary portrayal and perception of girlhood. Actively studying feminist concepts, particularly those manifested in film and literature, the artist aims to articulate musings on these themes through their art.
The artist engages in a meditative and regenerative art-making process, dedicating 3-6 hours daily to painting. Working with watercolor as the primary medium, the artist occasionally explores acrylics and oils. Currently focusing on 1'x1' dimensions, the artist plans to embrace larger canvases to allow for intricate detail. The creative approach involves fleshing out ideas or concepts related to personal experiences, incorporating symbols or "decorations" to enhance compositional depth. The artist's work, characterized by a deliberate pace and a preference for watercolor, embodies a synthesis of meditative exploration and expressive symbolism.
VA6
The artist, based in Manila, Philippines, is a burgeoning feminist navigating the complexities of life. Currently pursuing a second degree in BFA Art Education at the University of the Philippines - Diliman, they engage with diverse perspectives through activities like hiking, running, meditating, and caring for their furbabies. Their art serves as reflective mirrors capturing evolving experiences and thoughts about self and surroundings. Rejecting the confines of a singular medium, they embrace a variety of materials, be it installation, painting, sculpture, or performing arts, guided by the essence of the story or message they aim to convey. With an ethos rooted in human storytelling and creation, each body of work becomes an experiment, inviting an unrestricted exchange between Art, Artist, and Audience, transcending barriers to expression and interpretation.
The artist, working primarily with textiles and found objects, engages in a dynamic art-making process that responds to external prompts or personal narratives. The artist explores materials through research and intertwines them with lived experiences, showcasing a commitment to diverse themes such as spiritual journeys, decolonization, and the female experience. Envisioning an installation of roughly three pieces, the artist embraces the challenge of growing their work in each stage, expressing excitement and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone. This approach serves as an opportunity to play, explore methods and materials, and observe the evolving narrative of their work as it takes physical form, reflecting the profound influence of the artistic process on both the artwork and the artist in their home or residence.
VA7
The interdisciplinary conceptual mixed media artist explores themes of ecology, city, and memory. Emphasizing process and materiality, their work takes the form of images, film projections, and installations of found objects. Grounded in social realities and ethnography, the artist enunciates the negotiation of identities amidst the age of the universalist ethos of capitalism and globalization. Raised in a Marcos public housing complex in the City of Taguig, they are currently based in Quezon City and pursuing an Interdisciplinary Studies major at the Ateneo de Manila University, focusing on English Literature, Cultural Heritage, and Creative Writing. Beyond their art practice, they are a published researcher, writer, and designer with a specific interest in food, performance, and literature in Southeast Asia.
The artist's typical art process initiates with a firsthand encounter, evolving into a mini ethnography that sparks obsessive contemplation and research around associated ideas. The artist begins by collecting photos, videos, sounds, and found objects not only as documentation but also as future presentation elements. Delving into archival texts, films, and images enhances the conceptual depth. Problem-solving follows a period of contemplation, leading to the creation of an assemblage encapsulating the scrutinized idea. While specific themes remain undetermined, the forthcoming project promises collage and/or installation featuring found ephemera, distinctly avoiding canvas in favor of a conceptual mixed-media approach.
VA8
Initially rooted in the poignant depths of unrequited love, their art has evolved into a testament of resilience and self-expression. Each piece, an ode to the inner fortitude required to navigate life's complexities, reflects a personal journey from longing to empowerment. Inspiration strikes them amidst the mundane rhythms of daily life. As a self-professed perfectionist, collage became their sanctuary—a realm free from defined rules or flawless techniques. It serves as a canvas for perpetual experimentation. Their art blurs the lines between imagination and reality, inviting the viewers into their narrative and encouraging them to come up with their own. Their work is a visual metaphor of celebrating and embracing imperfections and forging ahead.
This artist's creative process involves meticulously scouring magazines and books for images, both concrete and abstract, that resonate with underlying concepts or inspire new ideas. The artist embraces organized chaos, with their work table serving as a crucial space for manifestation. Working with materials such as magazines, coffee table books, paint, papers, and canvas, the artist envisions a challenge as their artworks expand in size. The potential for growing mess during each collage session prompts contemplation on the finished piece's large-scale appearance with existing resources. The artist envisions creating expansive, unfinished works, continually revisiting them to manipulate elements until satisfied with the evolving composition—a journey reflecting the surreal nature of their artistic endeavors.
VA9
This artist explores and draws inspiration from life experiences. The artworks serve as a poignant collection, weaving together moments of good fortune and misfortunes into visual poems. The artist views art as a form of salvation, a means to navigate through life's complexities and recover from encountered tragedies. Dreaming of a future where their art resonates as a source of peace and reflection for others, the artist creates pieces rooted in personal experiences and observations of the surrounding individuals. The process involves collecting memories, images, and notes, each contributing to the profound value embedded within the artist's work.
The artist's typical artistic process involves collecting photos and memories of events, weaving them into collages and drawings akin to a visual journal. Primarily using materials such as paper, canvas pad, and photographs, the artist is drawn to the challenge of transitioning from smaller works to a larger scale, recognizing the impact this shift will have on the creation of the main subject within the artwork. The artist's chosen medium remains centered around paper, with an emphasis on symbolism and continued exploration of collage techniques.
VA10
Hailing from Marinduque, this anonymous artist and designer center their works on nostalgia, intimacy, love, and loss connected to rural life. They explore the intersection of anthropology, healthcare, and visual communication, pushing boundaries through warm, desaturated colors and delicate, hand-built sculptures that act as cultural bearers of regional life. Graduating with distinction from UP College of Fine Arts with a major in Visual Communication, the artist views their creations as love letters and homage, using art as a tool for remembering and immortalizing life.
The artist's typical art process begins with concept development, drawing inspiration from visual pegs, information, and experiential references. The artist then creates studies for composition and color before moving on to the production and finalization phases. Planning to work with watercolor as a medium, the artist envisions the growing size of the work at each stage as an opportunity to expand spatial utilization, intending to be more intentional about how the composition enhances the overall impact. The artist's works can be categorized into the genre of art and portraiture.