As the coronavirus spread across the metropolis, President Rodrigo Duterte placed the whole of Luzon under “Enhanced Community Quarantine,” a euphemism for what truly is and has been a military lockdown. The movement of the people became restricted, their expressions threatened, but this did not hinder artists from being creative.
Ugatlahi Artist Collective spearheaded an online exhibition called INKWENTRO: LOCKDOWN. Previous issues of INKWENTRO were published in zine format, with each issue tackling a particular theme or social issue. This time around, it was high time to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on Philippine society.
“Nagsisilbi itong daan upang maipahayag ng mga alagad ng sining ang kanilang hinaing o sentimyento patungkol sa naging tugon ng ating pamahalaan sa krisis na ating kinakaharap. Malaking tulong ang mga biswal dahil direkta nitong ipinapakita ang tunay na mukha ng kasalukuyang Lipunan,” said Ugatlahi’s project coordinator Mervin Pimentel.
[The exhibit serves as a platform wherein artists may express their sentiments and criticize government’s response to the crisis we are facing. The visual arts is of great help because it has the ability to expose our society’s true condition]
“Napakahalaga ng exhibit na ito dahil dito natipon ang ibat ibang obra ng bawat henerasyon na may ibat ibang disiplina at perspektiba bilang tugon sa nararanasan nating sakuna,” he added.
[The exhibit is of vital importance because it gathers the works of different generations of visual artists. It reveals artists’ various perspectives as a response to the disaster we are experiencing.]
So far, there are 110 artists and over 170 entries. Works from different generations of visual artists is included in the collection: senior artists such as Neil Doloricon, to younger artists such as Fernan Odang. Even works of Indonesian artists Nyoman Masriadi and Andi Bamboo Ramdani are included. The works were uploaded on social media platform Facebook.
As with previous issues of INKWENTRO, Ugatlahi plans to publish the works in zine format in the near future. Proceeds from the sale of the zine will benefit Tulong Kabataan, a youth relief effort that provides food to communities affected by the lockdown.
The exhibit is ongoing while the lockdown is in effect. Thus, the submission of works is also extended until May 15.
Chico David
Christopher Zamora
Iggy Rodriguez
Jeff Carnay
Kevin Roque
Leslie de Chavez
Luigi Almuena
Neil Doloricon
Nyoman Masriadi
PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Abel Angelo
Adrian (Sabina) Gutierrez
Aldrin Husk Ipzagel
Aliya Gene P. Carganillo
Egg Santos
Grasya Marinda
Jerome Malic
Jojo Barja
Junnie Goyada
Noriel Herrera
Otreb Banaag
Sam David
Tiben
Tilde Acuña
Aann Reynales
Aldrin Basister
Aldrin Tamidles
Alexander Rico
Allen Alix
Andi Bamboo Ramdani (Indonesia)
Anton Nartea
Asha Marinella
Bhumisvara
Bjorn Calleja
Brayan Barrios
Brian Oliver Ramos
Caloy Gernale
Carlos B. Vicente
Chang Advincula
Cheska Simpelo
Chico David
Christopher Fernandez
Christopher Zamora
Ck Natividad
Crisanto de Leon
Dale Mo
Doleful Somber
Duds Ysabel Maranan
Dyjay Yvann Torio Dimasacat
Echo Marav
Edlynne Martinez
Eimelle Alcabaza
Emil Gabriel
Emil Mercado
Emman Olasiman
Emman Villaverde
Eric Guazon
Eugene Cubillo
Fernan Odang Jr
Frances Abrigo
Franchesca Denise Berces
Gaea Claver
Gary Montenegro
Gian Siapo
Iggy Rodriguez
J-Marc Mendoza
Jakestudyos
Jan Erickson Rojas
Janis
Jason C. Polintan
Jay Francisco
Jay-Ar Zaragosa
Jaymar Valdoria
Jed Corral
Jef Carnay
Jeffrey Clarence Apostol
Jm Sibulo
Jo Santos
John Francis Andres
John Francis Andres
Jonathan Madeja
Julius E. Antonio
Junnie Goyada
Justin Madriaga
Kaizer Brix Baquil
Karl Corpuz
Kevin Roque
Khian Phil
Leslie de Chavez
Lila Montenegro
Luigi Almuena
Marikit Arellano
Mark Angelo Lagrana
Megel
Melvin Culaba
Mideo Cruz
Miguel Gervacio
Mike Adrao
Najo Dagsin
Neil Doloricon
Nelron Sopih
Noel Soler Quizon
Nyoman Masriadi (Indonesia)
Patricia Anne Javier
Patrick “kinigtot” Bacolor
Paul Eric Roca
Paul Unseld Baltazar
Pia Lozada
Rafael Garcia
Ralph Justin Raquel
RB Abiva
Reign Gabriel
Rhoimie Damiano
Roi Yves H. Villadiego
Rolando Ventura
Rom Factolerin
Samara Kho
Simon Mamaril
Sisa Sasi
Suk Mike Hok
Thino Ragunton
