Feature: The A in Answer is Art

5/21/2021 06:15:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Art has always been that one thing that no one thinks of seriously. At most, it’s a hobby. It’s something you do only for fun. It’s one of those fields that people don’t want to take in college because, well, what would you gain from it? It’s not like those other fields that can actually provide an answer to other people’s dilemmas, right?

But what if you were told that art was capable of that? Would you believe it?

Probably not. So instead, let yourself witness it with your own eyes.

Meet Jiboy Oseo, Magan Basilio, and Bianca Amurao, three artists from UP Integrated School. While they come from different grades and backgrounds, they have the same goal━to help Filipinos struggling in quarantine using the magic of art.

Bianca’s artworks are like love letters, and it’s easy to adore them. Every person she draws feels realistic━it’s as if an admirer drew them. Their faces are easily distinguishable and their emotions clear. She plays a lot with shadows and lights, giving off a quiet and peaceful mood. Every piece feels... personal.

A melancholy artwork of a girl in the dark, drawn by Bianca Amurao.

A realistic drawing of Rose of Blackpink in Lovesick Girls, drawn by Bianca Amurao.

Bianca’s previous proceeds went to fundraisers for typhoon Ulysses victims. Current proceeds of upcoming commissions will be donated to help the community pantries all over Metro Manila.

Ever dreamed of seeing yourself through the eyes of an overdramatic and true lover? Or a painting you still can’t believe isn’t a photo? Request a piece over at Bianca’s Twitter and Instagram account, @blerpmerp!

Jiboy’s art feels like a dream because of how imaginative they are. People don’t normally encounter tikbalangs or babaylans. Because of that, they may seem scary or unapproachable. However, after looking at how he portrays them in his artworks, it’s not ridiculous for someone to think it’ll actually be awesome to meet them. He doesn’t just draw people and mythical creatures from the Philippines. He also drew one of his friends as the subject of Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. It’s gorgeous, and the reflection in the earring gives off this... mysterious feeling.

Jiboy Oseo’s take on a Filipino babaylan.

Jiboy Oseo’s artwork of his friend as the Lady with the Pearl Earring.

All of Jiboy’s earnings from past commissions were donated to charities for the victims of typhoon Rolly and Ulysses. A part of present earnings from requests are set aside for charity organizations.

Want to see yourself as the all-mysterious Mona Lisa? Or maybe as a hip manananggal? Now you can! Head on over to Jiboy’s art account, @artbyjiboy and @oseojiboy on Twitter. Future tikbalang havers can also contact Jiboy through his email, johnbenoseo@gmail.com.

If there was a word that could describe Magan’s art, it would be animated. The faces of each subject are easily likeable due to how animated and expressive they are. The colors she uses are also pleasing to the eyes. They’re like the wind-- light, and won’t ever bring you down. She also paints phone cases and honestly? They’re aestheticcc.

   A collection of Magan Basilio’s digital art.

A sample of a phonecase decorated by Magan Basilio.

Project Ngiti and the typhoon victims were the recipients of Magan’s previous profits. Nowadays, she is helping out several youth organizations with their advocacies through the power of her art.

Need a stylish case that can protect your phone? Or maybe a cute icon with your bestie for your Twitter account? Check out Magan’s insta, @maganpb! You can also send her a DM via Facebook Messenger, facebook.com/maganpb.

Filipinos are currently going through tough times. Our problems have become increasingly more difficult over the past few months. To some, it may even seem like there is no way of solving them.

These three artists have shown us today that the things we thought of as “just for fun” can actually be the answer to our struggles. Through their paintings and craft, they were able to contribute to a solution for our fellow countrymen.

We can also be of help to our kababayans. Consider requesting a commission from these students. Not only would you be receiving personalized artwork, but you would also be aiding the Filipinos who benefit from these drives.

Now truly, we can say that art is more than just a hobby. // by Dia Pasia