Get lost in the labyrinth of imagination at Art Maze

Hello, Hive!

Taking a break from hiking-related posts today for I'm tagging you along with me into a maze of art, imagination, and endless inspiration. Art Maze made its way back to Ayala Malls Central Bloc for their Year 2, inviting art enthusiasts on A Journey Through Colors and Craft.

First and foremost, I am by no means an expert so if I described some artworks inaccurately or mentioned techniques that are technically wrong, please let me know. 🫰

Now off we go!

Celebrating multicultural artistry

While the very first Art Maze (Imagine) featured artworks from homegrown artists, this year's event brought both Filipino and Korean art creations to the spotlight. The 10-day exhibit, which ran from September 21 to 30, showcased over 300 art pieces, paintings, sculptures, and art installations by artists from diverse backgrounds, locales and approaches to art.

The lineup included big names in the local art industry such as Jojo dela Serna and Jeffrey Sisican, as well as sought-after Korean artists, Han Sangyoon and Kim Hee Jung. From working professionals like JesuChrist Sanchez and Immanuel Iradel, who found balance between their passion and regular jobs; to college students like Veronica Casilac and Byron Emmmanuel Montalla, who proved that you are not too young to start your creative journey, Art Maze: Year 2 was never short of unique talents.

Into the labyrinth of imagination

As an 8-to-5 office girl, I only have an hour for lunch and another 30-minute break at 4 PM. Yesterday, I opted to use my free time to visit the Art Maze exhibit on their last day. It was quick but worth it.

Upon reaching the third floor, you'll immediately see a huge wall filled with colorful paintings that led to the entrance. Curious onlookers will have to pass through drapes of fabrics from Retazo, a group of skilled women sewers from Mandaue who turn textile wastes into valuable household items, to enter the maze. Once in, you are free explore the labyrinth of imagination.

Luckily, I chose a weekday and there were less people roaming around. I decided to go on a counterclockwise direction, taking photos, notes, and videos of those that caught my attention. As much as I want to show every artworks that were on display, 300 was just too many for a 30-minute break. Hehe. So here are the highlights instead.

Starting from the left, the first batch that welcomes you are oil on canvas paintings by Mae Anne Yee whose works are epitomized by the word "Buska". Not to be confused with the Tagalog term which refers to a "joke," Yee's Buska is derived from the Old Spanish/Portuguese term buscar which means "to search."

The next piece that caught my attention was from Rainvele Gemperoa, a local artist from Liloan, Cebu. His unique use of found whatnots — in this case a bamboo rice sieve — elevated what was a simple pencil drawing.

You will also never miss to see Bobby Gonzales' "Artwalk" series which are standalone centerpieces. Who would have taught a shuttlecock, a spoon, and some forks could turn into something creative?

These next two are artists, I am proud to say, are individuals I personally know. They are part of the first hiking group I joined in Cebu. Although short lived, I have seen their growth as hikers, lovers, husband-and-wife, and finally as creatives making their own name in the local (and international) art scene.

Ma'am Beth of Art by Bethram is a realistic painter known for her "Buble Wrap," "Tiger," and "Honey" series. Featured here were her latest creations alongside the pieces of her beau, Sir RJ of Colours by RJ, with his "Astro-Surrealism" series.

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Meanwhile, for fans of minimalist/monochrome, these works from mixed media artist artbymsanchez were a delightful treat. I was drawn to her unique style, combining painting with textile art. The use of contrasting colors was also a chef's kiss. It's giving strong but feminine.

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A group known as Visual Artists of Sibonga (VASIB) was also present at the maze. Their distinctive artworks captured the Visayan culture in different techniques.

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As for the exhibitors from Korea, displayed were works from Shin Yejin, Kim Sung Tae, and Kim Hae Jung. Kim Hae Jung's signature girl-and-cat duo was present in most of the paintings while Kim Sung Tae's "Trace of Time" series seemed to take you to parallel universes.

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Thousand words from corners and walls

I actually missed a lot of art pieces and I wish I had more time to immerse myself in each of them. I couldn't stop yesterday and reflect since I was running on over-break (LOL) so I just took more photos to stare at later in the evening. Here are some of them. Enjoy! 😁

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_{Maria is a hopeless romantic who travels in pages and places. She is an INFP who loves sunrises and moonlight nights and reading books in between. On weekdays, she works for a self-publishing company as a copywriter. On weekends, she lives her life as a poet or hiker. She hopes to share her love for words and the world with you here on HIVE.}

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