The Creative Dork

If there’s one particular exhibit I am urging everyone to check out this year, it would be Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan‘s 20th anniversary exhibit at the Ayala Museum entitled ‘20 Taon‘. With and without any personal biases, it’s one of the most inspiring and joyous exhibits I have been to all year.

In case you don’t know Ang InK (how could you?!?!?!), it’s a local organization of illustrators who creates wonders for the world of children’s literature. If you’ve seen the books published by Adarna House, Anvil, etc. the illustrators are most likely members of Ang InK.

Every year they screen a lot of applicants and only a few gets selected to be part of this prestigious group. Being a member is a huge accomplishment and honor because you get to meet other well-known illustrators in the field. So when I found out about this exhibit, I was really eager to go to see the works of some of my idols. If it weren’t for these guys, I wouldn’t even consider becoming an illustrator. =)

Can anybody name this instrument?

Aseo and I met up at Starbucks then headed to Ayala Museum at around 6:30 in the evening. From the entrance, we could already see that the place was packed. Upon entering, we realized that the event has finally started so we immediately registered and I immediately saw some Inkies (what we call the members) and congratulate them.

A group of kids were playing this traditional instrument and they were really awesome at it. The crowd loved it, especially when they played the Star Wars theme, and I already felt a lot of positive energy from the kids upon hearing them play. From that point on, I knew it was gonna be an inspiring night since I felt motivated to play the violin again.

After the performance, they brought out 20 small cakes to represent the group’s 20th anniversary and the members came upfront to blow the candles as the exhibition was finally unveiled to the public. Since Rhaf and I knew it would be really packed inside with so many guests excited to see the artworks, we stayed behind and decided to chow down on some food. I ATE A LOT, OKAY?!?! Plus, those desserts looked so cute.

After taking the photo, the crouching girl turned around at friend ko pala! Share ko lang... baket ba?

Cute installations all over the exhibit.

The place was still packed even after an hour. I can’t blame them though. I wanted to spend enough time looking at each illustration but couldn’t because there were a lot of people going around. I know I’m definitely coming back for a more intimate time with these illustrations.

It could get a little overwhelming because of the great number of artworks displayed. But it’s overwhelming in a positive way. I got to see the original versions of works by idols Mark Salvatus, Marcus Nada, Pepper Roxas, Serg Bumatay III, and so much more! I was a very happy camper that night.

By Zeus Bascon

I took a lot of photos of the paintings and venue but I’m not gonna share all of them here. You have to go there and see for yourself! It would be so much better if you see them for the first time and have that awed look on your face and appreciate the works just like a kid would.

Cute sculptures by Pergy Acuna and Jomike Tejido

By Aldy Aguirre

I immediately recognized this painting by Rommel Joson! <3

Photo with Zeus Bascon, Blooey Singson, Meneer Marcelo, and Rhaf Aseo

After going through the exhibit, all the members decided to have a group photo taken. Former InK President Liza Flores saw me and told me to join them. At first, I was a little hesitant because I haven’t been an active member for so long but she told me it was for all past and present members of the group. Kinilig naman ako so naki-join na rin. Hahaha.

Afterwards, she gave me a pin that all the other Inkies had pinned on their shirts! Nagalak ako super! It feels really great to have been a part of an org like this.

Past and present Inkies pose together for a once in a lifetime moment!

Pinned!

After this, I vowed that I will be an active member again! A sudden surge of inspiration and positive vibes have been pouring out of me lately and I think that the time is finally right.

If you are planning to visit, block of the dates below where they’ll also be holding seminars and workshops. You only have to pay the P150 entrance fee of Ayala Museum. P150 is a very small price to pay to see the amazing illustrations done by INK. I’m pretty sure after going there that you wont regret paying.

K-Zone Art Workshop for Kids 
with Jomike Tejido
26 November 2011, Saturday
10:00-11:30AM

Caltex Art Workshop for Kids
with Domz Agsaway
03 December 2011, Saturday
10:00-11:30AM

Ang InKies Talk
with Liza Flores, Mark Salvatus & Marcus Nada
03 Dec 2011, Saturday
2:00-4:00PM

Adarna House Art Workshop for Kids 
with Yas Doctor
14 January 2012, Saturday
10:00-11:30AM

Industry Talk
with illustrators, authors, publishers & book reviewers
14 January 2012, SAT / 2:00-4:00PM

I will be there on December 3 and January 14 so kitakits! :D