SEEKING BALANCE

How can I make a difference?

How will I provide for my loved ones and stay true to my principles?

How can we, despite conflicting beliefs and opinions, unite behind common goals?

How do we hold the rich and powerful accountable?

How do we empower the poor and marginalized?

As the pandemic rages on, we find our world racing against time in coming up with a solution that will bring back balance to our lives.EQUILIBRIUM by Dante Lerma Acrylic on canvas — As the pandemic rages on, we find our world racing against time in coming up with a solution that will bring back balance to our lives.
EQUILIBRIUM
by Dante Lerma
Acrylic on canvas

There is no anchor in a world that’s constantly changing. Balance is an illusion. There is only the wisdom of heart and mind to say ‘yes’ at the right things and at the right time, to be cognizant, enlightened, and humbled by our ephemeral and morta… — There is no anchor in a world that’s constantly changing. Balance is an illusion. There is only the wisdom of heart and mind to say ‘yes’ at the right things and at the right time, to be cognizant, enlightened, and humbled by our ephemeral and mortal existence.
SEEKING BALANCE
by Marcel Antonio
Acrylic on canvas

The progress of the Filipino people is often compared to a turtle's, very slow and laden with load. Political turmoil, systemic corruption, rising crime rates, poverty, and a weak educational system are just some of the factors that halt the countr… — The progress of the Filipino people is often compared to a turtle's, very slow and laden with load. Political turmoil, systemic corruption, rising crime rates, poverty, and a weak educational system are just some of the factors that halt the country's progress. As a consequence, we turn to more powerful countries for support -- first, the US, but recently, the incumbent regime has not been subtle in wooing China to be the country's next "big brother." As these two superpowers go head-to-head on all fronts, the turtle country has now sprouted two heads itself, each pulling in opposite directions. Amplified by internal political divide, the Filipino people are once more stranded, at the mercy of opposing forces. We are a vehicle that cannot maneuvre. We are like turtles with two different heads and we do not know who to follow because we do not have our own head.
POLYCEPHALY
by Chad Montero
Oil on canvas

The pandemic in 2020 is causing a greater divide between rich andpoor -- from job security, to access to healthcare, to online classes, and even up to basic necessities like groceries and a roof on your head. In this painting, this divide is portray… — The pandemic in 2020 is causing a greater divide between rich andpoor -- from job security, to access to healthcare, to online classes, and even up to basic necessities like groceries and a roof on your head. In this painting, this divide is portrayed by the two families. This divide is highlighted and symbolized by glass. But the glass has a small gap, the entrance. This break in the continuity of the glass is the symbol for seeking balance. Every glass wall has a break or entrance. And we need to see it more often, even look for it ourselves. It is our responsibility to seek balance every day.
THE GLASS WALL
by Jun Impas
Oil on canvas

“There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep." -- HomerOur brains are thrown into chaos, as we search for stability. I imagine Homer, history’s greatest epic poet, thinking about this need for and obstacles to balance. Where … — “There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep." -- Homer
Our brains are thrown into chaos, as we search for stability. I imagine Homer, history’s greatest epic poet, thinking about this need for and obstacles to balance. Where is our center? What controls motion and movement? How do we decide to move forward, stay put, or back?
TO AND FRO
by Demetrio Dela Cruz
Oil on canvas

After a storm, there is beauty in the ripples, the peeking rainbows, and the plants enjoying the nourishing warmth of the sun. Pulling from today’s world situation, the piece offers a ray of hope for good days to come after this rain.AFTER THE RAIN … — After a storm, there is beauty in the ripples, the peeking rainbows, and the plants enjoying the nourishing warmth of the sun. Pulling from today’s world situation, the piece offers a ray of hope for good days to come after this rain.
AFTER THE RAIN
by Jomike Tejido
Acrylic and oil sticks on canvas

As our nation grapples with the pandemic, we are all responsible for protection, those at higher risk steps like wearing the necessary health precausions and social distancing is the best way right now to protect our family. // We pay tribute to our… — As our nation grapples with the pandemic, we are all responsible for protection, those at higher risk steps like wearing the necessary health precausions and social distancing is the best way right now to protect our family. // We pay tribute to our frontliners, true heroes that shine the brightest. They have no superpowers, no capes ormasks, but rather wear lab suits and PPEs and continue to serve the Filipino people. Kudos!
BAYANI
by Roel Obemio
Acrylic on canvas

Seeking balance between life’s dualities may be approached in different ways. One can stay put in the middle ground between contrasts, always wary of falling to extremes. Some may think of transcending opposites altogether, proposing perspectives no… — Seeking balance between life’s dualities may be approached in different ways. One can stay put in the middle ground between contrasts, always wary of falling to extremes. Some may think of transcending opposites altogether, proposing perspectives not defined by or outside polar opposites. For others, the balance lies in constantly navigating between dichotomies, like the way a pendulum swings between two sides to maintain its perfect state of balance. This is the sense of stability and regularity manifested in some natural processes, such as the succession of day and night.
The Working Animals in their piece highlights this way of moving across directions as a path to harmonize and blend oppositions. As an art collective composed of various artists exploring their own styles and interests, collectivism and individualism have been key concepts that inflected how the group pursued their works as individual artists and as members of a collective. In Crossings, we see an intersection between a collaborative work and personal expression. The entire scene depicts people crossing a busy street, moving between opposite directions. Each artist makes a mark of their distinct style in the entire picture while ensuring the continuity and coherence in a composite work. Though defined by different manners of figuration, the individuals in the resulting composition make their way into a unified moment, woven together by bands and streaks of light that binds their frenetic movement.
—- Ruel Caasi, Director, The Working Animals

CROSSINGS
by The Working Animals (Aiya Balingit, Lawrence Canto, Keb Cerda, Ronson Culibrina, Jayvee David, Dale Erispe, Lui Manaig, John Marin, Pow Marin, Jett Osian, Roy Rosatase, Yani Unsana)
Acrylic on canvas

Passion - apathy
Science - religion
Tradition - change
Societal interests - individual rights
Conversation - debate
Principle - practicality
Right - wrong

We seek to explore the dualities that define the balance we seek.

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. ― United Nations, Uni… — Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. ― United Nations, Universal Declaration of Human Rights
MAKINIG
Studio 1616 (Janardan Balingit, Keb Cerda, John Marin, Jett Osian, Roy Rosatase, Yani Unsana, and Erick Villarruz)
Acrylic and oil on canvas

The more we are attached to gadgets, the more we are detached from ourselves. In the picture we see an A.I. robot, its body resembles a drone and the lower part, a somewhat bicycle suggesting human intervention in all its actions. From afar, the A.I… — The more we are attached to gadgets, the more we are detached from ourselves. In the picture we see an A.I. robot, its body resembles a drone and the lower part, a somewhat bicycle suggesting human intervention in all its actions. From afar, the A.I. robot is a high-tech version of a ‘bulol’ catching and almost ready to drop a bomb coming from a machine (war). Atop is a dome with a cross suggesting who is in charge and that war is a punishment coming from god. In essence, it is us humans who will cause our own destruction.
On the right side is figure holding a torch, symbolic of hope and progress but it’s an abnormal one as the image suggests and is disconnected from ground (culture). The machuca tiles on the floor are reminiscent of olden days and gives the feeling of ‘traditional’ and colonial. In it are trash and what the dog is smelling is an arm wrapped in crumpled box, a notion on what is life now a days. What is left of an old man sharing wisdom is just shadow. The old man is nowhere to be seen. In his lap is a baby playing with its pacifier. Who knows, he/she might’ve clicked the kill button already.
ROBOTS DON’T CRY
by Leonard Aguinaldo
Carved fiber board, acrylic, oil, printers ink, clear acrylic spray

For children, it is undeniable that the benefits of the online world far outweigh the negatives. They will need to learn how best to wield the tools and take advantage of all the opportunities that the Internet has to offer if they are to be product… — For children, it is undeniable that the benefits of the online world far outweigh the negatives. They will need to learn how best to wield the tools and take advantage of all the opportunities that the Internet has to offer if they are to be productive and competitive in the future.
Still, children are highly impressionable and may not yet be emotionally and mentally ready for everything the Internet has to offer. They are also highly curious and unafraid to explore. This curiosity, combined with their lack of maturity, can make them to wander off to corners of the Internet that are inappropriate or unsafe.
(Excerpt from the parents' guide to "Safe Space, a Kid’s Guide to Data Privacy" (forthcoming, November 2020). Commissioned by Globe Telecom, Inc. with additional support from Google, this new children’s book will support the information and education efforts of the National Privacy Commission of the Philippines.
INTO THE CLOUD
by Liza Flores
Hand cut paper art (diptych)

This is recent time. Our world is facing adversity and we need to adapt to this new normal, stay focused and hopeful to get through. The Philippines is no exception. Staying steadfast is our best option.RESILIENCE by Darby Alcoseba Oil on canvas — This is recent time. Our world is facing adversity and we need to adapt to this new normal, stay focused and hopeful to get through. The Philippines is no exception. Staying steadfast is our best option.
RESILIENCE
by Darby Alcoseba
Oil on canvas

Each of us is a boat in a stormy sea. Those without an anchor will be lost, or worse, will sink and vanish. Information is deceiving. Finding the self’s ‘North’ is more complex now that the truth has countless different forms. We, as human beings … — Each of us is a boat in a stormy sea. Those without an anchor will be lost, or worse, will sink and vanish. Information is deceiving. Finding the self’s ‘North’ is more complex now that the truth has countless different forms. We, as human beings searching for our own place in a vast ocean of “musts” and “shoulds” have to strengthen our ability in weighing rationality and intuition to find ourselves.
MAN-MADE NORTH
by Don Bryan Bunag
Acrylic and thread on canvas

This painting is inspired by Jose Rizal's Bapor Tabo in El Filibusterismo. It is a representation of our view of the current state of the nation. Malacanang Palace symbolizes the government at the top of the boat, and is occupied by the upper and ru… — This painting is inspired by Jose Rizal's Bapor Tabo in El Filibusterismo. It is a representation of our view of the current state of the nation.
Malacanang Palace symbolizes the government at the top of the boat, and is occupied by the upper and ruling class, while all the burden is placed on the lower and working classes. Winnie the Pooh is a reference to the cartoon character banned by Xi Jinpung. Rizal with his floating book symbolizes recognizes that education, or more appropriately our cultural awakening, is our hope and lifesaver. Other elements of our culture are represented in the artwork as well - colonialism, religion, the plight of the farmers, even the symbol of Icabod Bubwit's subtle resistance.
There are many forces and facets at play. There is no balance, but there is a desperate search for one. Without genuine change, we fear the search will be endless.
BAHAY NA BA ‘TO?
by The Durian Collective (Manny Garibay, Otto Neri, Jason Moss, Demet dela Cruz)
Acrylic on canvas

I encountered this pond with a bridge in my province and it is my inspiration. I will replicate this in my farm and channel waters from a nearby stream to create a pond. The whole idea is to conserve the water and to support wildlife that is losing … — I encountered this pond with a bridge in my province and it is my inspiration. I will replicate this in my farm and channel waters from a nearby stream to create a pond. The whole idea is to conserve the water and to support wildlife that is losing their habitat to urbanization. The pond will enhance balance by offering a healthy environment and a place for breeding of wildlife like insects, frogs, and birds. // Water is life. There is no balance without water.
OVER THE POND II
by Jim Orencio
Acrylic on canvas

“Ang Nawawalang Amo” defines seeking balance as a response to the absence of leadership. The country has literally gone to the dogs. In anamorphosis in art, an image can be seen when viewed from a particular point. This composition provides quite… — “Ang Nawawalang Amo” defines seeking balance as a response to the absence of leadership. The country has literally gone to the dogs.
In anamorphosis in art, an image can be seen when viewed from a particular point. This composition provides quite the opposite and requires us to take a step back and look at the bigger picture; much like how we should see current events in these times as a counter balance.
ANG NAWAWALANG AMO
by Jason Moss
Oil on canvas

Ang bansang puno ng yaman at ganda, ngunit pinamumunuan na karamihan ay mga buwaya. Ginagatasan at pinagsasamantalhan ang ating kabang yaman habang ang bawat Pilipino ay lugmok sa kahirapan. Baon tayo sa utang na pati ating mga apo ay kailangang mag… — Ang bansang puno ng yaman at ganda, ngunit pinamumunuan na karamihan ay mga buwaya. Ginagatasan at pinagsasamantalhan ang ating kabang yaman habang ang bawat Pilipino ay lugmok sa kahirapan. Baon tayo sa utang na pati ating mga apo ay kailangang magbayad sa bilyun-bilyong inutang na karamihan ay napunta lang sa mga bulsa ng iilan.
ONE TO SAWA, BAYAN ANG KAWAWA
by Othoniel “Otto” Neri
Oil on canvas

The image of Rizal measuring the head of greek god is a commentary on what I see as one of our problems with identity. In many ways, we measure ourselves against western standards and heritage which do not exactly fit who we are. I tried to show thi… — The image of Rizal measuring the head of greek god is a commentary on what I see as one of our problems with identity. In many ways, we measure ourselves against western standards and heritage which do not exactly fit who we are. I tried to show this too in the other elements within the painting - the zebra carabao, or the bananas growing from a different tree, for example. Because we have failed to recognize this hybridization, or maybe even precisely because of it, we are unable to define who we really are, and are unable to move forward.
TITULADO
by Manny Garibay
Oil on canvas

It is our hope that these artworks will help to reveal the bigger picture, and empower everyone to imagine and believe that solid footing can be found even in a world and future that are suddenly more uncertain as ever.

Inexplore sa "Phased Out" ang relevance ng mga lumang bagay na nag-eexist pa rin sa kasalukuyan. Mga social issues na minana pa natin sa mga naunang henerasyon. Kadalasa'y puro remedyong panandalian lang ang sagot natin sa mga ito. bahala na lang … — Inexplore sa "Phased Out" ang relevance ng mga lumang bagay na nag-eexist pa rin sa kasalukuyan. Mga social issues na minana pa natin sa mga naunang henerasyon. Kadalasa'y puro remedyong panandalian lang ang sagot natin sa mga ito. bahala na lang ba ang susunod na henerasyon? Napakahaba ng listahan at pili lamang ang mga nasusolusyunan. Mabagal ang pagpanaw ng mga luma pero mas mabagal ang pagbangon ng mga kapalit nito. Marahil ang ating sistema at mga remedyo ang nararapat gawing phased out.
PHASED OUT
by Biskeg (Ben John Albino, Denmark Dela Cruz, Boni De Guzman, Rachel Anne Lacaba, Kinoo Padlan, Frenk Sison, Jojit Solano)
Acrylic on canvas

This work is part of an upcoming wordless book for children that is also a commentary on the travails of man as he traverses from youth to adulthood to old age.LUKSONG TAPAT by Mark Justiniani Handsketched digital image, giclee on archival paper — This work is part of an upcoming wordless book for children that is also a commentary on the travails of man as he traverses from youth to adulthood to old age.
LUKSONG TAPAT
by Mark Justiniani
Handsketched digital image, giclee on archival paper

I did the painting before the quarantine. I never thought it would connect to our current situation as a nation. I was watching people last summer in one resort and I noticed one individual just floating. It dawned on me that everyone, each person, … — I did the painting before the quarantine. I never thought it would connect to our current situation as a nation. I was watching people last summer in one resort and I noticed one individual just floating. It dawned on me that everyone, each person, at one point will just need to float - no matter how tired or heavy his or her burden - in this race called life.
AFLOAT
by Renato Barja Jr.
Oil on canvas

This work is an output of a performative prayer for the 73 children victims of the extra judicial killings under this administration as of June 2020. Inspired by a series of works I began at the start of this pandemic – Flowers for the bedside table… — This work is an output of a performative prayer for the 73 children victims of the extra judicial killings under this administration as of June 2020. Inspired by a series of works I began at the start of this pandemic – Flowers for the bedside table and the art of letting go. I dedicate my strokes and colors to all those who were killed. I seek eternal peace and justice for them and with them.
#stopthekillings #standforhumanrights #forthechildren
1 OF 73
by Jaime Pacena II
Acrylic on canvas

With the rise of zoonotic disease most recently COVID-19, bats are increasingly being viewed with fear and disgust around the world. However, they offer us numerous important ecosystem services, in particular, pest control and pollination. But the g… — With the rise of zoonotic disease most recently COVID-19, bats are increasingly being viewed with fear and disgust around the world. However, they offer us numerous important ecosystem services, in particular, pest control and pollination. But the greed of mankind has endangered the earth and destroyed its resources. His greed has been the cause of natural calamities, destroying the balance of ecosystem. This pandemic forces us to rethink not only our priorities in ethnobiology, but also to envision new epistemological trajectories aimed at more effectively mitigating the management of natural resources that ultimately threaten our and other beings' existence.
ANG PANINISI SA INOSENTENG PANIKI
by Jojit Solano
Acrylic on canvas

Bar scenes are one of my usual subjects. Little did I know that the pandemic would take a toll on this industry. The two places in this work have closed down already. Many nights have been oddly quiet. I miss the noise.LAST HURRAH BEFORE LOCKDOWN by… — Bar scenes are one of my usual subjects. Little did I know that the pandemic would take a toll on this industry. The two places in this work have closed down already. Many nights have been oddly quiet. I miss the noise.
LAST HURRAH BEFORE LOCKDOWN
by Lui Gonzales
Pen and ink on layered and torn tracing papers

Sa gipit na pagkakataon, lalabas ang tunay na intensyon. May lalapit para sa kapatawaran . May kakapit para hingin ang bawat pangangailangan , sa usaping pamamanata. May mga ligaw na lobong hahalo sa purong mga tupa. Magmimistulan silang makaDiyos … — Sa gipit na pagkakataon, lalabas ang tunay na intensyon. May lalapit para sa kapatawaran . May kakapit para hingin ang bawat pangangailangan , sa usaping pamamanata. May mga ligaw na lobong hahalo sa purong mga tupa. Magmimistulan silang makaDiyos subalit ang hangarin ay tila hindi makaTao.
MANIPESTASYON
by Cedrick Dela Paz
acrylic on canvas (polyptych)

We could be individuals simply living life, or organizations or corporations striving to achieve collective goals, or a nation trying to rally behind some shared vision. Finding balance is our continuing challenge, requiring us to confront endless questions with ever shifting answers.

We rise, fall, move and fail as one.ANG PATULOY NA PAG-USAD NG LIPUNANG MAY SAYAD by Sangviaje (Daniel Aligaen John Paul Antido Edrick Daniel Dennis Fortozo Guerrero Habulan Joven Mansit Jaypee Samson Pogs Samson) — We rise, fall, move and fail as one.
ANG PATULOY NA PAG-USAD NG LIPUNANG MAY SAYAD
by Sangviaje (Daniel Aligaen John Paul Antido Edrick Daniel Dennis Fortozo Guerrero Habulan Joven Mansit Jaypee Samson Pogs Samson)

A couple, Rhythm and Harmony, try to look for balance in life, together they seek their version of the right fit, proper circumstances, and the perfect moment . Despite the obstacles they face, they work hand-in-hand and side-by-side.JOURNEY OF RHYT… — A couple, Rhythm and Harmony, try to look for balance in life, together they seek their version of the right fit, proper circumstances, and the perfect moment . Despite the obstacles they face, they work hand-in-hand and side-by-side.
JOURNEY OF RHYTHM AND HARMONY
by John Paul Antido
Oil on canvas

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