Ang INK explores 'Worlds Within Worlds'
Little creatures, labyrinthine paths, unexpected dwellers, and things that go bump in the night — Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK) finds inspiration in worlds that interact, overlap, and sometimes, collide with each other in interesting and unexpected ways in its new exhibit "Worlds within Worlds."
Running until July 28 at the Ayala Museum in Makati City, this 2024 annual exhibit by Ang INK, is anchored on the concept of the worlds that exist around humans — albeit hidden or tucked way beyond what is immediately obvious — as well as those that people imagine or hope to live in.
"Worlds Within Worlds" showcases over 100 individual works by member illustrators, including the 2024 batch of new members.
Among the works are Angela Taguiang's "Point of View," which explores the unexpected things seen when truly looking. Dani Go's "The World is Hers" shows a person finding wholeness and joy through art and animals. Domz Agsaway's "Ano Kaya" depicts a bookshelf of curiosities, featuring the vast lands contained within each book.
Blooey Singson's "After Hours" is a 3D work that shows what happens when a bookstore gets new clientele after it has closed for the night.
Jap Mikel's "Ang Mahiwagang Tahanan ni Señor Iro" features an enchanted aparador (cabinet) that serves as a secret passageway to other places and worlds. Aaron Asis' "Palette Museum" reimagines his artist's palette as a museum, showcasing interesting color blends and brushstrokes as the exhibits, with visitors looking on.
Tin Javier's "Sundew Circuit" portrays a maze of electronic circuitboards, reimagined with robotic insects, buildings, and blooming gardens. Leo Alvarado's "Hardin" reveals flower sprites inside a flower shop.
In Marcus Nada's "Uwian Na," the street lamp illuminates the bustle of a bus stop after school. Patricia Ramos' "Book Nook" proposes that everyone deserves a cozy corner to curl up with a book, no matter their shape or size.
Adding more excitement to the exhibit are activities organized by Ang INK that visitors to Ayala Museum can look forward to. "INK Fest" — Ang INK's art fair, will take place on Sunday, June 30, coinciding with Ayala Museum's Free Museum Day. Special talks by Ang INK's award-winning illustrators will also take place in mid-July to celebrate National Children's Book Day.
Ayala Museum gallery hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Founded in 1991, Ang INK is the Philippines' first and only organization of artists dedicated to children's illustration. Aside from illustrators, its members include graphic designers, painters, writers, educators, and literacy advocates among others, united by the shared vision of enriching and elevating the visual art of illustration and the continued professionalization of the industry.
Ang INK has more than 70 members who are illustrators, graphic designers, painters, writers, teachers working in educational institutions, publishing companies, and design and advertising agencies. The organization aims to enrich and elevate the visual art of illustration while contributing to the continued professionalization of the industry.