Ready.Get.Grit

 Pigmento.Ph Group mounts maiden exhibition

By Demi Braque 

Pigmento.Ph, a group of 14 visual artists, will mount its first exhibit, as a collective, at the Nami Art Gallery in White Plains, Quezon City. Simply dubbed "Ready.Get.Grit," the exhibit will feature each of the artist's unique works.

"We use Art as main language, a tool for healing, and a conversation piece. We say our thoughts and emotions not by words, but paint them unto canvases. While some of our group members are new in the art circle, others are accomplished artists. Artists need to protect other artists. That's why we have a mentoring program amongst us members. A good artwork comes from overcoming pain; turning sorrow to joy!

"Each of our exhibits, personal or as a collective, has beneficiaries. Pigmento.Ph supports women who are wrongfully abused. We usually target a group of 50 each time. The first time was 57, then 98. We hope to save more and come up with a center where we can shelter them," revealed wordsmith Mari Zhar CarVill, whose crumpled artworks are beautifully laid on canvas.

During a sneak preview of the exhibit, seven of the fourteen members showed us their beautiful works on display. 

Jeff Dahilan's mosaic uses angled shards of wood to create his ouevre. Titled "Angulo," or "Ang Gulo," his works gave direction and focus to his life, now translated into beautiful forms on canvas.

 Cas Lib, a culinary artist based in New Zealand, showcases dotted dolls as symbols from her childhood.

Dwight de Leon, a court officer who survived a mild stroke, uses Art as therapy with flowers as his subject.

Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo, a beauty queen and entrepreneur, intimated that Art sense comes out naturally, and thus visit her in moments of inspiration.

Marko Bello, a visual artist for two decades now, portrays women in states of undress with his signature red swishes over the eyes. His dramatic collection shows 'skin that breathes.'

Chris Manalo is into the fluid medium. This is evident in her strokes using swirls and swishes.

The Pigmento.Ph artist group is comprised of Mari Zhar CarVill & La Gemina, Jes Luna, Pam Diel, Angelo Roxas, Girl Lee & Hemilyn Escudero-Tamayo, Dwight de Leon, Maldita Magsaysay & Cas Lib, Chris Manalo, Marko Bello, Dwight de Leon, Jeff Dahilan, and mentors Anthony Palomo and Julius Legaspi.

"Art is a convergence of different emotions from different artists. In this exhibit, you'll 'feel' the paintings through its varied emotions," enthused show curator and gallery owner Tin Yap.

By 2026, the Primero.Ph artist group will be touring in Australia, New Zealand, and New York.

The Nami Art Gallery (White Plains) is conveniently located along Katipunan Avenue, Saint Ignatius, White Plains, Quezon City. The "Ready.Get.Grit" exhibit will run until July 31, 2025.

Nami Art galleries are also located in Greenhills, San Juan and Pioneer St., Mandaluyong City.