Next-gen artists back children’s nutrition campaign
Art has long been a powerful tool that allows artists to express their individuality or provide a visual commentary on social issues that can inspire change and healthy dialogues. Knowing the influence of art, World Vision has teamed up with Raya Gallerie and DryBrush Gallery for the “Next Gen: The New Faces of Art Exhibit and Auction” to support the humanitarian organization’s “Bawat Batang Pinoy Malusog” (BBPM) campaign.
The exhibit and auction is happening at Dry Brush Gallery MOA in MOA Square, Mall of Asia, Pasay City with a by-invite-only auction today, art workshop for kids on May 25 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and public viewing from May 18 to May 30 (except May 24).
A portion of the proceeds from the art auction will go to World Vision’s BBPM campaign which aims to rehabilitate 7,700 undernourished children by giving them access to life-saving nutrition and provide more than 919,700 individuals with access to clean drinking water by 2026.
BBPM supports children through key interventions including Positive Deviance/Hearth, a nutrition rehabilitation for undernourished children; Go Baby Go parenting program; and Wash, which ensures access to clean water, hand washing facilities, and sanitation in both households and schools to prevent disease.
“We’re very excited to take part in such a beautiful event. Not only will this be an avenue to raise awareness and foster dialogues on pressing issues such as child hunger, but I hope these new generation of artists can serve as inspiration to children living in vulnerable circumstances to explore their potential through art,” shared Dr. Herbert Q. Carpio, World Vision’s national director.
“Next Gen: The New Faces of Art” will serve as a platform to launch young and talented Filipinos from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao who have developed innovative art styles that are uniquely theirs while remaining true to their Filipino heritage.
Among the artists that will be featured is Junevy Formentera Llosa, who discovered his love for the arts at a young age, using pencil and ballpen as his mediums. Despite facing many challenges such as financial constraints, losing his father at a young age, and his mother leaving him with relatives, Junevy remained dedicated to his passion, choosing architecture as a related field. He supported his siblings and his own education through his apprenticeship with an architect while continuing his love for painting.
His talent and hard work have been recognized in various art competitions, including the Jose Rizal Portrait Painting Contest 2021 in Cebu City where he won the grand prize, as well as the Rizal Provincial Government Painting Contest in 2016 where he also won the grand prize.
Hailing from Samar Island is natural-born artist Morris Labana, who inherited his artistic gift from his father Pastor Wilfredo Labana. One of Morris’ renowned series is “The Thread of the Past” which symbolically weaves together emotions and memories using golden threads. He formally began his career in the arts in 2013, participating in exhibitions, competitions, and workshops across the country. His artistry has also been featured by local media and highlighted in top-tier auction houses such as Leon Gallery and Salcedo Auctions from 2019 to 2021.
Another young artist that will be featured is Katelyn Ann de los Santos Miñoso, a self-taught artist who hails from Iloilo City. Her passion for art started in primary school. She gained recognition by winning in various art competitions including the 2021 Quincentennial Art Competition where she took home the Legacy Minor Prize. She has also held her own exhibitions: “Sa Palibot” at Madge Café in 2022 and “Two Places at Once” at Mamusa Gallery in 2023. Many of Katelyn’s works, which reflect her surroundings and inner struggles, have been showcased in premier venues like the National Museum and the Modern and Contemporary Art Festival in BGC, Taguig.
The other artists in the exhibit include Vicson Apostol, Rico Bastasa, Jeanne Belmonte, Racmah Dirumpongan, Monie Domer, Jhon Lhoyd Escueta, Clem Steve A. Huerte, Harold “D-Lorah” Macabitas, Kyna Francine Yap Ong, Krizzia P. Purog also known as Likha Malaya, Cristel Ramos, and Leandro C. Sebastian or Neugrey.
