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An Exhibition on Labor, Escape, and the Endless Cycle of Survival

In a world that moves too fast, where the weight of labor leaves bodies aching and spirits worn, “Inhuman Session” delves into the unspoken rituals of rest and release. It is an intimate portrayal of the ordinary men and women—farmers, carpenters, painters, and drifters—who carve out moments of relief, sometimes in joy, sometimes in recklessness, but always in pursuit of something beyond the fatigue.

This exhibition unearths the raw, cyclical nature of survival—where exhaustion is numbed by routine, where laughter is a brief escape, and where contentment can feel like both a comfort and a cage. The clinking of glasses at the end of a workday, the idle hours spent in conversation, the temporary relief that often blurs into something heavier—these moments are captured with unflinching honesty, revealing the beauty and quiet tragedy of those who simply want to live.

“Inhuman Session” is not just an exhibition; it is an invitation to step into these lives, to sit in their spaces, to listen, to feel, and to question. How do we define rest? When does routine become a prison? And in the end, is survival enough?

Each of us learns from the masters – those who have come before us and reached a level of success on the paths we choose. Learning from the best means gaining valuable insight and inspiration to be the best versions of ourselves as well.

In “Masters Redux,” Monnar pays homage to some of the iconic painters of history and their most beloved works – creations that undoubtedly provided influence to his own artistic journey. The goal isn’t to reproduce these pieces but to showcase Monnar’s style in reinterpreting these familiar masterpieces.

“When I was much younger, my father (Manuel Baldemor) would buy art books from the museums he visited,” Monnar shares. “To be honest, although I was fascinated by the works of the masters, I preferred cartoons and comic strips. I never thought I’d end up painting as well.”

“Masters Redux” is a treasure trove of rediscovery – collecting a veritable who’s who in art. Monnar’s first piece is his take on Salvador Dali’s “Persistence of Memory” (1931), a true cornerstone of Surrealism. From there, he runs the gamut of the classics – from the poignant “The Kiss” (1908) by Gustav Klimt, to Vincent Van Gogh’s epic “Starry Night” (1889), to the sprawling “Guernica” (1937) of Pablo Picasso, and more.

Throughout the collection, Monnar demonstrates his own mastery of acrylic use – complemented with the painstaking, patient fills of pen and ink – giving his personal, fresh imprint on the pieces. His signature pastel-colored background lights up each canvas to focus a true yet still metaphorical spotlight on the featured greats – mirroring a personal theme of constant evolution for Monnar’s work as well. – Kap Maceda Aguila

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In his debut solo exhibit, GENESIS, Sheldon Villanueva offers an immersive journey into the spiritual and introspective dimensions of his artistry. Scheduled during Art Month in February 2025 at The Artologist, Edsa Shangri-La Plaza, this landmark showcase features Villanueva’s exquisite wood sculptures.

The Angel Series embodies Villanueva’s belief that ordinary people are divine messengers, angels permitted by God to traverse the earth, spreading peace, guidance and joy. These sculptures capture the serene, ethereal essence of angels while remaining rooted in human forms, bridging the celestial and the terrestrial. Through their grace, strength and quiet power, these pieces remind us of the sacred within the ordinary and of our shared potential to impact the world positively.

At the core of Genesis lies Villanueva’s conviction that creation is a sacred act with God as the ultimate artist-the original potter-who envisioned and sculpted the universe into existence. His sculptures celebrate this divine origin, reflecting humanity’s role as co-creators, endowed with the capacity to shape, inspire and transform the world.

Villanueva’s commitment to sustainability and respect for nature is woven deeply into his practice. Each sculpture is crafted from reclaimed and repurposed hardwood, a deliberate choice to honor and protect the earth’s resources. The natural cracks, textures and imperfections in the wood are embraced as storytellers of the material’s history-witnesses to the passage of time and testaments to resilience. These raw, unpolished elements mirror the artist’s own journey, offering a profound narrative of renewal, perseverance and transformation.

Genesis is more than an exhibition; it is a meditation on life, faith and the enduring connection between humanity, nature and the divine. Through this remarkable body of work Sheldon Villanueva inspires viewers to reflect on their role in the ongoing act of creation and to find beauty in the imperfections of their own stories.

“As We Fly” is a melancholic art exhibition that delves on the metaphor of flight to illustrate one’s journey on pursuit of a lifelong aspirations, highlighting the glimpse of cherished moments of happiness in spite of the highs and low experienced along the way, the savouring of the joyous instances that provides motivation and makes the journey worthwhile, the yearning for a milestones that yet to be achieved, and the resilience required to navigate obstacles.

The exhibition encapsulates the complexities of human ambition and the emotional landscape of striving toward one’s goals.

China Tolentino, born in 1997, is a contemporary Filipino artist based in Manila, known for her spherical composition that employs vibrant and bold use of colors and expressive brushwork that reflect her unique perspective and artistic versatility. Her pieces invite viewers to engage with the emotional depth and spontaneity inherent in her creative process. With her deep commitment on exploring the boundaries of visual expression, It makes her a notable figure as a contemporary artists.

Rex Cabaroc is a Filipino artist and educator based In Manila; He received his formal artistic training from the University of Santo Tomas. He is a photorealist artist using oil paint as his medium . He already did several projects like portraits and murals. Rex is very meticulous when it comes to choosing the right colour of the paint, the right brush and the right model for the composition and continuously experimenting.. His composition is a fusion of classical and cyberpunk genre with a vintage and melancholic atmosphere.

Renaissance and baroque art are experiencing a renascence or rebirth of sorts in BULLET DEMATERA’s newest suite of paintings. Dematera apparently intends his current collection to be a summary or condensed narration of art history from the time of the low renaissance school of Giotto to post-modernism. There is a unifying thread in his compositions though which isn’t classical at all, which is his usage of surrealist trappings and tricks. His portrayal of pale-complexioned women reminds us of Leonardo da Vinci’s depictions of lone women, specifically of the “Mona Lisa”, but with a varicolored surrealistic twists. In addition to imagery drawn from a neo-classical wellspring, Dematera also exhibits in his art a look often seen in Filipino paintings that are filled all over with pictorial elements and details. This compulsion to fill up every square inch of the canvas is called kenophobia or horror vacui, which is defined as fear of empty space. Dematera’s kenophobic tendency is most palpable in the painting, “A Place for Lifetime Memories”. Here, a woman with her back to the viewers sits on grass with her half-naked presumed lover facing her. The ground between them is littered with food remnants, like apples, peeled oranges, etc. Completing the cast of characters in this “picnic scene”, in illogical juxtaposition, are another woman, an eagle, a displaced statue of a child, and cherubs flitting all over and almost covering the sky. Another trait noticeable and common in this collection are the hidden and half-covered eyes of the women, hinting at their coy urge to look at something, which, I surmised, must be some attractive male somewhere. These paintings definitely exude romantic or sensual undertones, especially the painting “Pursuit of Purity”, which shows a serpent—a universally recognized symbol of temptation–creeping up to a supposedly virginal woman. But not all of Dematera’s paintings hint at sensual love, because one painting, the  “Blossom of Love and Solitude”, portrays maternal love instead.  This collection of recent works demonstrates the high level of skill Dematera had achieved. Apart from his convincing portrayal of the human figure, he is at his best in his hyperrealist rendering of flora, fauna, and fowls. This virtuosity stemmed from his apprenticeship with two internationally- acclaimed Filipino painters who guided him not only in the use of various mediums like oil, acrylic, and graphite, but in brushwork as well. With 11 solo exhibits under his belt, Dematera, couldn’t be considered as an up and coming artist anymore. He is well up there in the august company of the established ones, adding his particular brand of neo-classic neo-surrealist art to the existing array of styles Filipino painters adhere to.

Paintings and Fine Prints

Renowned Filipino printmaker Pandy Aviado presents “OPUS,” an exhibit that transcends his celebrated printmaking roots to showcase a stunning array of paintings and fine arts. Discover a collection that blends tradition with innovation, highlighting Aviado’s mastery of technique and his passion for storytelling through art. Immerse yourself in this compelling tribute to one of the Philippines’ distinguished artist.

About the Artist:  https://www.theartologist.net/artist/pandy-aviado/

“Simply Abstract” is a curated exploration of minimalist and zen-inspired abstract art, hosted at the Artologist Gallery. The exhibit showcases a collection of works by a diverse group of artists, each bringing their unique interpretation of abstract minimalism.

The featured artists—Adam Nacianceno, Chai Soo, Coeli Manese, Dante Enage, Jayson Pettz Muring, Kenneth John Montegrande, Melchor Tagana, Ronald Gochangco, and Sam Penaso—offer a meditative visual experience. Their works emphasize simplicity, balance, and the subtle interplay of form and color, inviting viewers to find tranquility and introspection in the minimalist aesthetic.

In “Simply Abstract,” the gallery becomes a sanctuary of calm, where the deliberate restraint of the artists’ techniques encourages contemplation. The pieces on display capture the essence of zen through their muted tones, soft textures, and minimalist compositions, making this exhibit a must-see for those seeking serenity in the world of contemporary art.

The Artologist Gallery presents (4) Four visionary artists fuse business, law, and sports with life’s highs and lows. Witness how they redefine beauty through their unique, ambidextrous artistry.

Japeth Aguilar “Court to Canvas”

During the day, Japeth spends his time constantly staying in game on the court, in his free time expressing his passion on the canvas. Through abstract and colors, Japeth exemplifies ambidexterity

Nina Alagao “Life filled with Beauty, Love and Colors”

Nina, a Fine Arts graduate from the University of the Philippines, expresses her love for creativity through both modeling and her hobby of creating fine art. Her artistic works, which resonate with many, showcase her unique ability to align her beauty and talent, demonstrating ambidexterity in life.

Manny Cabrera “Pop of life, Pop of Art”

From starry nights to media sensations, Manny, a prodigy of Ben Cabrera, proves ‘art is for everyone’ with his whimsical paintings that redefine ambidexterity, making it anything but boring.

Sal Ponce-Enrile “The Laws of Abstract”

A former legislator from the Philippines, Sal transitioned to a life driven by her passion for art. As an abstract expressionist, she leverages her ambidexterity to refine her unique style, breaking barriers for female artists in a male-dominated field.

Hiro Kiyoshima Kawabata May 2, 1968 A figurative sculptor and art professor based in Kagoshima, Japan. He has extensive formal training including an MFA. Hiro is a multi-awarded artist. Some of his works can be seen in Institutions and Museums. Notable Projects, Exhibitions and Awards: -Japan fine art exhibition at the National Art Center in Tokyo -2016-2017 International Salon awarded 2nd Prize”. 2016 – “Ken muon- The Specter of the Amami forest” installed at Kaiun Sake brewing in Kagoshima pref. 2015 •”Boys and Girls Fencing relief” installed at Toa Gakuen high school in Tokyo. – “The man of noble mind Isson statue” installed at Isson Tanaka memorial museum in -Kagoshima. • “GCA Figure Sculpture competition awarded 3rd Prize” at GCA, NY. June 4th -to June11th 2015. -ARC 2014-2015 International Salon Finalist”. 2014 – “Black fertility goddess statue” installed at Kagoshima Bank Osaka branch entrance in Osaka. 2013 Jury of “Japan Sculpture Association Exhibition” The National art center, Tokyo 2012 -“ARC 2012-2013 International Salon Finalist”. 2011 -“Haku jitsu Association Selection” Exhibition at Matsuya Art Gallery, Ginza, Tokyo. July 26th to August 6th.