A sampling of urban art at ‘Super Sampler’

JP Pining

We see them almost everywhere now: on the ceilings of walkways, concrete posts beneath flyovers, sidewalk walls of major thoroughfares, and the streets of central business districts.

Gone are the days when street art is merely looked at as vandalism. It now adds an interesting—and entertaining—touch to the otherwise dreary and boring routine of commuters. Walls painted with pop culture references or whimsical scenes certainly are a good pick-me-upper, especially to someone who is about to lose it in the metro’s torturous traffic.

The presence of contemporary art in the streets has opened the eyes of many to the fact that art need not be confined to museums and galleries. Art can be part of daily life, accessible to everyone, not only to an elite group of collectors or intellectuals. People are now seeing the value of urban art as a way of further enhancing spaces—from public spaces, offices and now, to one’s very own home.

Bringing together a talented pool of Filipino contemporary visual artists is CitySky Realty Corp., in an exhibit dubbed “Super Sampler.” Featuring art by Christian Tamondong, Janelle Tang, Mark Arcamo, Distort Monsters, Quiccs, JJ Zamoranos, Trip63, JP Pining, Egg Fiasco and Mark Bardinas, the contemporary urban art exhibit coincides with the open house event of the real estate services company. Here, the public is given the chance to experience some of our homegrown contemporary artists’ newest works and, at the same time, take a peek at the latest real estate offerings of Alveo Land.

The exhibit is likewise an opportune time for many homeowners who are looking for refreshing art pieces to spruce up their living spaces with. Aside from being considered an investment, nothing adds style, value and character to any home than art, after all. Get your home’s conversation starter from “Super Sampler.”

Egg Fiasco

“Super Sampler is a collection of works from local artists practicing various styles within the contemporary urban art playground,” explained Fred Ryan Infante III, co-founder and vice president of CitySky Realty. “Ranging from canvas pieces to sculptures and designer toys, some of these artists have established their names in both local and international art scene,.”

Christian Lacson Tamondong started drawing at the age of 5. “Drawing had been my constant activity while growing up,” he shared.

It was while taking up fine arts at Philippine Women’s University that Tamondong began joining—and winning—art contests such as the PLDT-DPC Directory Cover National Art Competition and was recognized by the Art Association of the Philippines Annual Art Awards and the Ateneo Art Awards. Tamondong had his first solo show at The Drawing Room in 2003. He has had solo shows in Singapore and Indonesia and several group shows in Thailand, Hong Kong and the US.

Egg Fiasco first fell in love with the risky frenzy of wall tagging and graffiti back in 2006. A few years thereafter, he proceeded to experiment with several styles and techniques, coming up with creations that are influenced by a mix of urban art, pop culture, folk art, comics, toys and tattoo art.

Visual artist JJ Zamoranos hails from the province of Bulacan and has been producing works on canvases and participating in art competitions and group exhibitions since 2004.

Quiccs

Egg Fiasco and Zamoranos have also participated in quite a number of art exhibits and mural festivals overseas.

A graduate of Far Eastern University in Manila with a degree in Fine Arts, Mark Arcamo’s artworks consisted of subdued tones and geometric shapes. Born in 1983 in Zamboanga del Sur, Arcamo has been active in the local art scene since 2008.

Janelle Tang is a graduate of Fine Arts, majoring in Interior Design, from St. Scholastica’s College, Manila. She was a semifinalist in the Maningning Miclat Art Competition and a Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) competition finalist in 2008.

Born and raised in Manila, Trip63 meanwhile began his career in 2008 by painting public spaces around the metro. His interest in graffiti was piqued after seeing the art in hip hop music videos and magazines.

Christian Tamondong

With concrete walls as his canvas and cans of aerosol paint as his medium, he painted just for fun. For him, “it was not about the fame nor money.” Trip63 sees creating art as a continuous learning process. Aside from the Philippines, his art can be seen in other countries such as Singapore, US, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea and Indonesia.

International toy designer Quiccs is popular for his resin and vinyl toys which are highly sought after by toy collectors both here and abroad.

Get your taste of “Super Sampler” at the Alveo Corporate Center in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, from September 28 to 29, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.