“Norms of society are not our thing. We tend to separate from the trend.”
Anyone can make art, but it takes something special to become an artist.
One wouldn’t expect an event called Panit Bukog (Flesh and Bone) to be one of the most prestigious art events in Mindanao, but it just proves the unique take artists have on life that us normies just can’t fully understand.
Before art can take shape, it needs structure – the bukog (bone) – and before coming out into the world, it needs a canvas – the panit (skin). Hence, Panit Bukog.
Now on its 5th exhibition in 23 years, Panit Bukog 5 (PB5) had a long and grueling application process with over a hundred applicants fighting for the chance to display their masterpiece in the highly-anticipated event.
With applicants coming in from all over Mindanao, only 36 artists made the cut.
Local artist from the coastal town of Sindangan in Zamboanga del Norte was not afraid to admit that she takes pride in being perceived as weird by the people around her. In fact, her surrealist piece caught the attention of one of the youngest participants who later on managed to join her in displaying his piece in PB5.
Kevin Grapa, the youngest artist in this year’s exhibition at 22 years old, and a fellow Sindanganon, once saw her work in an art workshop back when he was still in senior high school and was astounded by her concept.
On their art journey and breaking stereotypes
According to Ruby, she knew she wanted to become an artist before she could write her name and by the time she got to high school, she started selling commissioned oil paintings.
Fortunately for her, her parents were more than supportive of her passion. In fact, it was her mother who went ahead and inquired about the art programs in big universities like Silliman University and the University of San Carlos where she later attended and got her degree in Fine Arts.
By 2004, she fully committed herself to her craft and dedicated all her time towards strengthening her career as a full-time artist.
In 2005, she joined an exhibition in Dipolog City where a Trade Commissioner from Canada purchased her work but it wasn’t until 2015 that she had one of the highlights of her career where she had her own solo exhibit in Bohol and sold out 20 pieces to a Canadian Collector.
While all these milestones were happening in her career, Kevin was still beginning to explore his art journey.
Growing up watching cartoons and anime, his fascination for art was just a little hobby at first – something he liked to do during his free time. Noticing his interest, his older brother taught him the fundamentals of drawing but it wasn’t until 11th grde that he started taking it seriously.
He first dabbled in painting when he joined a school-based competition – the first competition he’s ever won. From then on, he took an interest in realism, but later discovered surrealism which is his current style.
However, unlike Ruby, he had a little more convincing to do with his parents. In the end he had to compromise by studying Mechanical Engineering at Western Mindanao State University.
As he continued to join and win competitions, some of which brought him as far as UP Uptown Center in Quezon City, it became clear that this was more than just a hobby but a true calling. Finally, his parents allowed him to pursue his passion.
After two years as a Mechanical Engineering student, he transferred to Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University to study Fine Arts.
PB5 is currently his 4th exhibit.
On their art
Ruby Sabanal’s masterpiece for Panit Bukog 5, Influencers
“I want my work not to fit in the conventional mold,” Ruby said, “but rather, let the viewers respond to the different characters the canvass is being presented with.”
“It’s like a big basket of ideas; a combination of a lot of different things.” She added.
According to Ruby, her main objective for her piece in PB5 is to release a distinct moment of language and coding.
“I want to detach the conventional familiarity of the images and form, but then draw a feeling of momentary relevance of what we have become,” she said.
“I managed to choose screaming colors so the spectators can almost hear the momentary clutter of social media.”
Entitled “Influencers”, Ruby’s piece depicts what seems to be humanoid creatures around a roast human, roles seemingly reversed.
A commentary on the influence of social media and how it’s shaped the way we live our life and the choices we make; it is an in-depth observation on the lengths we are willing to go to to remain relevant.
Kevin Grapa’s PB5 masterpiece, The Apple’s Voyage
“The painting captures the essence of imagination and the spirit of boundless exploration,” said Kevin on his piece, “The Apple’s Voyage”.
Greatly influenced by surrealists Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte, his masterpiece depicts the image on a green apple floating across the ocean, but if you look closely, you can see that there is an entire untold story of the beings that have made life on the apple and how they have seemingly revolved their life around the fruit and the journey it has taken.
“It encourages us to embrace the extraordinary, reminding us that even the humblest of objects can become vessels for fantastical journeys,” he added. “It invites viewers to embark on their own surreal expeditions, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the ordinary apple becomes a symbol of limitless possibility.”
On what makes an artist
As the saying goes, artists see the world differently, but what exactly differentiates an artist from the ordinary person?
“Norms of society aren’t our thing,” said Ruby. “We tend to separate from the trend.”
According to her, she has always taken it as a compliment whenever someone comments on her deviance from the status quo.
“One common quality among artists that might be misunderstood by non-artists is their ability to see beauty and inspiration in ordinary everyday things that other people might overlook,” said Kevin in true surrealist fashion.
While both answers might be different, each is very telling and supports the message their respective artist wishes to put out into the world – to break the status quo, to see beyond the limits and truly delve into the realm of imagination.
On the future of art and young artists in Zamboanga del Norte
Ruby Sabanal (right) and Kevin Grapa (left) paint together during a local artist gathering in their hometown, Sindangan (photo credits: Kevin Grapa)
“I tend to discourage neophytes who romanticize the concept of being an artist.”
As much as everyone dreams of living their dreams, Ruby was not shy about talking about the truth behind the career.
“To start with, if you are a budding artist, need jud nimo ug day job otherwise magsalig ka sa imong parents,” she explained. (To start with, if you are a budding artist, you really need a day job otherwise you’ll have to rely on your parents.)
She also encouraged young and aspiring artists to save up if they truly want to pursue it as a fulltime career. With the number of aspiring artists in their locality as well as their province, there is no shortage of local talents to help foster the artistic culture of the province.
“The art scene in Zamboanga del Norte could potentially thrive through community engagement, investment in local talent, and the development of cultural spaces,” said Kevin. “Initiatives that promote art education, exhibitions, and collaborations might contribute to a more vibrant and diverse artistic landscape in the region.” (RVC/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
