As part of its ongoing commitment to become both a world-class resort as well as a center for the arts and humanities on the island, Crimson Resort and Spa Boracay recently introduced ten young local artists currently being nurtured under its Arts in Youth program.
Under the tutelage of Crimson Boracay’s General Manager Patrick Manthe and Artist in Residence Eric Egualada, these young artists are being encouraged to make the most of their imagination and creativity to make pieces that are both visually striking and thought-provoking.
“Arts in Youth is a fusion of fundamental ideas and approaches towards art,” Egualada said of the program when asked about the impetus behind it. “I would say that [my approach for] part two of the program is more technical, conceptual, practical, scientific, and creative”
With regard to the selection of participants, Egualada selected youngsters with advanced skills in drawing and painting. Several participants have also proven themselves with regard to poster-making, portraiture, and simple landscape painting.
A Different Approach
For this batch, Egualada challenged the young artists to step out of their comfort zones by creating works using a realist color scheme under a number of themes, including Flowers in Watercolor.
He also introduced concepts like the separation of positive and negative spaces in visual art, as well as how to break down and compose organic and geometric shapes in colors and figures.
Egualada also took participants on a live painting activity titled Plein Air at the Katungan Itibajai Mangrove glade at the Bungan-Bungan cold spring in Aklan.
Hopes for Expansion
“Apart from the passionate mentorship of our resident artist Eric Egualada, we also provide the students with a unique space to paint, art materials, meals, transportation, and, not least, an opportunity to showcase their amazing artwork as part of an exhibition,” Manthe said of the second batch.
Manthe added: “I would like to congratulate the ten Arts in Youth graduates to the successful completion of this module and the outstanding artworks they created through hard work, perseverance and hours of practice.” He also expressed his gratitude towards the program’s donors and supporters, as well as his hope to expand Arts in Youth further to give more youngsters the opportunity to hone their skills and capabilities.
Formally launched late last year, Crimson Boracay’s Arts in Youth program is the resort’s way of encouraging fresh talents to make the most of their imagination under the guidance of the artist in residence.
The works of Crimson Boracay’s second batch of Arts in Youth participants are currently being exhibited at the resort until Tuesday. Visit www.crimsonhotel.com or follow @CrimsonBoracay on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
