When people hear the term “art exhibit,” they often think of collections of paintings or drawings. However, art goes beyond just those mediums and includes sculpture, photography, and even handwoven tapestries like the ones showcased in this exhibit.
Until October 11, ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria is hosting an exhibition of handwoven tapestries that transcend traditional grids and repetitive patterns. Created by skilled artisans from the Cordilleras, these tapestries resemble paintings but are entirely made of thread.
Named “Art Weave: A Tapestry of Life & the Arts,” this exhibit brings together traditional hand weavers and local visual artists. It envisions a future for woven cotton fabric (inabel) that celebrates the individual artistry of its makers while honoring their identity and history.
Inabel was traditionally woven on narrow looms, resulting in narrow fabric panels that were joined together to make wider ones. These panels were then used to create household items like tablecloths, table runners, bed sheets, and blankets.
However, this exhibition reshapes patterns and reimagines motifs. Twinkle Ferraren, the project head, shared how Art Weave began as an idea and passion project when she moved to Baguio during the pandemic.
“During my time in Baguio, I encountered various art activities and met artists from all backgrounds. I wanted to dedicate time to my own artistic exploration and return to the things I love,” she said.
Ferraren, who started as an accessories and swimwear designer, always researched and sought out local textiles and weavers. “Over the past 15 years, I’ve met different communities and groups. When I teach and train, it’s important for my students to understand the inspiration and concepts behind their work.”
These encounters led her to think about the possibilities of merging different designs and patterns. She collaborated with visual artists and textile weavers from the Cordillera region, and now, visitors can see some of the results exhibited and available for purchase at ARTablado.
The exhibition features vibrant tapestries alongside the paintings that inspired them, as well as textured wall hangings that tempt viewers to reach out and touch them. “Seeing handwoven textiles in their many dimensions is both a visual and tactile experience,” Ferraren explained.
“We chose to exhibit at ARTablado because Art Weave was also born during the pandemic. We are delighted that ARTablado is a nurturing space that provides opportunities for new artists and groups to introduce new art forms to the public,” she added. “The Art Weave Project was made possible by Baguio Arts & Crafts Collective Inc. and TELUS International Grant.”
There will be weaving art workshops where participants can learn the basics and create their own mini woven works of art. These workshops, priced at P1,500 per person, include a kit and materials for participants to take home and continue working on. The workshop schedules are as follows: Sept. 29 (1:30-3 pm and 6-7:30 p.m.) and Sept. 30 (1:30-3 p.m.)
Established in 2020, ARTablado by Robinsons Land is a platform that showcases Filipino ingenuity and creativity. Through this stage, emerging and established artists can express themselves freely and gain recognition for their talent and hard work. To date, ARTablado has hosted numerous exhibitions and featured over 400 artists.
ADVT.
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