Get ready to dive into the mesmerizing world of the Philippine cut-and-paste scene! If you’re a millennial or Gen-Z who has spent ample time on the internet, chances are you’ve come across the captivating realm of digital collage. These surreal and bizarre visuals often grace the thumbnails of online articles, music videos, and album covers. What makes this art form unique is its clever use of layering random and seemingly unrelated images to create a cohesive visual masterpiece through the art of copy-pasting. In the era of Photoshop and the ubiquity of social media, collage has transcended traditional paper cutouts, scissors, and glue, evolving into a limitless and rule-free medium. Instagram has emerged as a thriving hub for both local and international collage enthusiasts, where talented individuals from all corners of the globe join forces to showcase their exceptional skills and connect with art lovers worldwide. Within this vibrant landscape, Filipino artists specializing in this technique have made their mark on the scene.
The birth of the Manila Collage Collective on Instagram in 2020 sparked a movement to promote artists and diverse collage styles within the Philippine art community. Since its inception, the account has showcased homegrown creatives and curated independent exhibits in the metro, demonstrating the immense growth of the collage community in the country. Whether you’re new to the world of digital collage or eager to broaden your exposure, here are some local visionaries you should definitely follow on Instagram.
1. Marika of Woman, Create (@womancreate):
Marika, a 33-year-old artist, describes her evolving pieces as colorful, feminine, and explorative. Her collages feature elements such as flora, gemstones, and female figures, intricately layered with tiny objects and textured patches amidst bustling images. Marika embarks on an intricate process of hoarding, sorting, and cutting images to compose her art, drawing inspiration from femininity and its ideals. Her aim is to inspire viewers with the value and power of femininity, challenging societal perceptions of it as a lesser or weaker attribute.
2. Cam De Mayo (@keepcam):
Cam De Mayo, 28, presents vibrant colors and grainy surrealist creations on her Instagram feed. Unlike many collage artists, De Mayo rarely utilizes stock photos and instead incorporates original photography from friends and creatives she encounters during outings. With a subtractive digital process, she combines vector and photo manipulation to produce thought-provoking visual exaggerations of real scenarios inspired by current events and trends. As someone with ADHD, De Mayo finds inspiration in anything and everything, translating it into her pieces.
3. Ab Hong (@ab.hong):
Ab Hong, a full-time artist at 29, explores both digital and analog collage techniques. Her collages beautifully combine scanned sketchbook pages reminiscent of vintage magazines and picture books with ephemera like dried flowers and handwritten text. Hong’s process involves selecting images from books and slowly cutting them to compose her art pieces. Different emotions fuel her creativity, resulting in finished works that evoke perseverance, melancholy, or genuine love. The lack of rules in collage art provides Hong with a satisfying outlet for her free-spirited nature, countering her perfectionistic tendencies.
4. Andi Lanuza (@andilanuza):
Andi Lanuza, a 30-year-old artist, seamlessly blends her love for K-pop with her artistic creations. Her maximalist work, characterized by an “organized mess,” draws inspiration from the vibrant and diverse visuals of K-pop music. Lanuza’s technique, honed through proficiency in Photoshop, incorporates mesmerizing collages that even feature movement. Her creative process is unstructured, relying on gut feelings and allowing her to work on multiple projects simultaneously. By infusing layers of sound from songs into her pieces, Lanuza explores the combination of disparate elements.
5. Lei Reburiano (@collage.lei):
Lei Reburiano, known as @collage.lei, employs a distinct grainy, greenish-cyan, and red-orange color scheme in his minimalist collages. His works showcase a minimalist use of flora, fauna, female figures, and line art. Reburiano draws inspiration from surrealist artist René Magritte, aiming to convey his own stories through the uncanny beauty of Magritte’s art. His green-and-orange pieces serve as temporary escapes to his imaginary world, allowing him to visually express his emotions. The ability to connect with others through art is a validating experience for Reburiano.
6. Michael Lorenzana (@michaellorenzana):
Michael Lorenzana, a visual artist and photographer, creates artworks that will ignite your wanderlust. His collages feature architectural structures, serene oceans, majestic mountains, and lush greenery from all around the world. With clean and intentional compositions, Lorenzana integrates isolated people against muted, solid color backgrounds. While he doesn’t adhere to a specific style, Lorenzana lets his photographs guide the tone and creative direction of his collages. Each element within his minimalist pieces holds a personal story, allowing him to convey his emotions in an abstract manner.
7. Arden of Unardent (@unardent):
Prepare to be mesmerized by the surreal photomontages presented by @unardent. This artist harmonizes textures, graphic design, and vibrant colors to create captivating visuals. His work draws inspiration from various sources, resulting in a unique artistic style that stands out. With an open and exploratory approach to art-making, @unardent’s collages reflect their personal experiences and emotions.
Dive into the world of these talented Filipino collage artists and let their creativity inspire and captivate you. Follow their Instagram accounts for a daily dose of innovative visual artistry.
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