AT two o'clock in the afternoon of Nov. 14, this author arrived at the One Ayala Mall building in Makati City. The brand-new structure, reminiscent of the building in Singapore where he stayed last July, was quite impressive. This author felt a personal connection to the Manila Bang art fair, fueled by his fond memories of the vibrant and diverse Singaporean art scene. The original plan was to visit artist friend Pancho Piano, who had a solo booth at the art fair. However, upon entering the venue, the author ran into another dear friend, Gab Villalobos who contributed several pieces to the fair, all under the Artienda Gallery, owned by Russell Tee. His distinctive fishing-themed cubism, complemented by a well-crafted wooden frame, was a sight to behold. The perfect lighting further enhanced the beauty of his artwork. Slowly walking through the venue, the author stopped to admire the wall-mounted paintings of various artists. A familiar style caught the eye: it was from Janddie Castillo, whose 'wisik' style is mesmerizing. Castillo's massive works, painted in vibrant colors, were a testament to his painstaking process. His style, requiring patience, an extended amount of time, and dedication, was challenging to emulate. After taking selfies with artist friends — including Castillo's father, Nelson, known for pioneering micro-paintings — the author continued exploring.Along the way, the artist's attention was caught by fellow Ilokano artist Art Lozano's unique style. His heavily textured canvases, pastel yet earthy colors, and retro car motifs — particularly the Combis and Volkswagen Beetles — transported the author to the 1970s hippy era. Although Lozano's booth featured other artists, his works dominated the space, highlighting his established status as a visual artist.The walk was further punctuated by wall-mounted paintings. Mark Czar Espenilla, a vibrant and enterprising artist, proudly showcased his works. Espenilla's String Art, a form of pin and thread art, involved intricately woven colored threads on large canvases. His pieces, the only ones of their kind at the fair, attracted a crowd of art enthusiasts.Finally, the author found Pancho Piano's booth, where his massive, captivating artworks stood out. Piano's creativity shone through his bold application of colors in heavy strokes. The merging hues of vibrant colors create a distinctive 'Piano style,' particularly evident in his latest works that depict the devastation caused by Typhoon Kristine. His solo booth was a captivating spectacle, with large canvases transforming the walls into a breathtaking showcase. The Manila Bang Art Fair struck a perfect balance, presenting both emerging talents and established artists, making it a true feast for the eyes. Pancho Piano's artwork left a significant impact, inspiring art lovers.
