Art has always been a part of life—reflecting our histories, inspiring our cultures, and spurring conversations in a search to find the answers to life, the universe, and everything that encompasses it.
As life unfolds, the conversation changes as well, opening another realm of views, opinions, and observations that are just waiting to be analyzed and understood. While art has always been a conversation in and of itself, it is also steered by different perspectives, whether by the artist who creates or the viewers that witness. In times of stress, and strife, art gives us an opportunity to examine ourselves as well as our society while offering reassurance and hope.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the repercussions it has had globally, it’s safe to say that the pandemic has significantly affected the way we live and look at life—from family, relationships, careers, goals, and even our dreams.
With all the time spent at home during lockdown, artists have injected their personal experiences on how this global pandemic has given them an altered viewpoint, from their craft to their subjects, or from their daily endeavors to their vast ideals.
“Brave New World: Art and the Pandemic” was meant to capture the feelings, emotions, fears, frustrations, hopes, and aspirations of a nation in the throes of one of the most devastating and dramatic events in an entire generation.
South East Asian Heritage Publications, Inc. published this noteworthy book and mounted the art exhibit that coincided with the book launch at Art Lounge Manila at The Podium. With the support of local artists, the book touches on how we have lived life in the past couple of years, when everyone has either been forced to stay at home and keep themselves and their families safe, or brave the fight towards what was then a foreign virus no one knew how to handle.
With a formidable list of contributors that include Ricky Francisco of Fundacion Sanso, art enthusiast Prim Paypon, poet Jose F. Lacaba, UP Diliman Art History Lecturer, Petty Benitez-Johannot, celebrated artist Jose Tence Ruiz, lifestyle columnist Pepper Teehankee, and Galerie Joaquin’s Managing Director, Jack Teotico, “Brave New World” shows us the journey towards a cultural awakening that transpired since the beginning of the pandemic.
As you pore over the pages, you’ll witness collective story-telling through engaging artwork and photography that not only pays tribute to the Philippines’ bayanihan spirit, but also honors the everyday heroes that helped us live safely within the parameters that the pandemic has presented us.
Whether or not you agree with the idea of “The New Normal” or believe that life shall return to pre-pandemic days, we must nonetheless admit that how we live our everyday life has been changed forever.
Prim Paypon talks about the natural inclinations of Filipinos to work together and how various individuals in the private sector spared no time in trying to get the community helping out, and tapping local artists was no exception. The Art Rocks auction underscored the relevance of art in society, and how it called everyone to buy into a cause that benefited those who were most in need.
Purissima “Petty” Benitez-Johannot discusses how art thrives in times of crisis. While the situation seemed serious, bleak, and depressing for what felt like too long a time, the rise of thoughtful creations manifested through the eyes of the artist also began to emerge.
On the other hand, Jose Tence Ruiz tells it like it is: we may have a new way of living, but our old ways should find themselves joining in the mix, and that no matter what social distancing protocols are in place for everyone’s personal safety, there is something about physical presence that trumps the innovation of a what some can call “a virtual life experience.”
In every crisis, there’s always someone who envisions the after-life of it all, and Galerie Joaquin’s Jack Teotico is one who touches on the significance of “Art in the Post-Covid World.” In his section, he touches on the effect the pandemic has had on businesses and various global economies, the Philippines included. But he also shares how art has gained traction over the past few years in spite of the lockdowns and that the interest in Modern Asian Art will still continue on to do even better than we could imagine.
As a lifestyle columnist and tastemaker, Pepper Teehankee looks at how the pandemic is depicted through various artworks and how it has redefined our lives.
“Brave New World” allows us to take a glimpse and remember how far we’ve come—whether it’s art, life, or what lies in between. The book may be ordered online at artplus.shop. The art exhibition will be on display until March 26 at Art Lounge Manila at The Podium.
South East Asian Heritage Publications, Inc. is the official publisher of the book and organizer of the accompanying art exhibit.