READ: Norman Crisologo believes art is for everyone
This February, Art Fair Philippines will reawaken the Filipinos' love for art by showcasing new artwork from both Filipino and international artists. One of the people working behind this highly-anticipated exhibit is renowned art collector Norman Crisologo.
During the media launch of Art Fair Philippines 2020, Norma talked about his own journey as an artist, how he thinks aspiring artists should begin their career, and why art is for everyone.
Love for the art
Norman is known in the Filipino art scene as a collector and curator. But before that, he was also a painter. Norman narrates, “It started a long, long time ago just as an artist and as a collector. It just evolved into helping other artists and putting together their works.”
So, what is his favorite art form? Well, all of them!
“I'm actually into everything but I like figurative art, in general. Siyempre lahat ng forms, like tapestry, collage, lahat 'yan they're all really beautiful. Siyempre painting is always historical, classical. I like painting, but I like it all,” he explains.
Norman also shares his love for art with his wife, actress Beauty Gonzales. He reveals, “She paints also. I think she'll be there sa Art Fair PH kung payagan siya, kung walang taping.”
Words from the wise
One would expect that going to art school or attending workshops would be the top advice for aspiring artist. But for Norman, he believes that exploring your love for art should be the first and most important step.
He explains, “This is the best way. Go to the art fair and look at all the art. Diyan, makikita mo what's around. Ano 'yung ginagawa ng mga Pinoy. Ano'ng ginagawa ng mga foreigners. So, it's an education, eh.
“Makikita mo 'yung buong art world in one room. So, that's the best place (to start) talaga. Better pa than school. Kasi when you go there, makikita mo talaga kung ano'ng gusto mong gawin. What type of art you feel na kaya mong gawin.”
"Art is for everyone"
Most of the time, people who are not artists or art aficionados shy away from art exhibits, because they fear that they will not be able to appreciate the art works on display if they didn't go to art school, or if they don't have an artistic bone in their bodies.
Norman wants to dispel this notion. He says, “Like me, I'm unschooled. Hindi rin ako nag-aral niyan (art). Visual lang 'yan. Basta hindi ka -sasabihin ko (sana) basta hindi ka bulag- but actually, kahit na bulag ka mag-eenjoy ka pa rin kasi you can touch and hear a lot of the art. So, go there for a good time.”
Art Fair Philippines 2020
Norman is the art consultant for the ArtFairPH/Projects section of the Art Fair Philippines 2020, where interactive and thought-provoking installations by internationally established Filipino visual artists will be showcased.
He imparted his vision for the project. He details, “With these projects, I plan to put it all together in one space. All the artists na minention nila, they'll all be in one space, all intertwined. Hindi parang group show, solo show pa rin silang lahat pero everything is visible to one another.”
Norman encourages everyone to go see the art works in Art Fair PH 2020. He says, “For a small fee, you can stay there as long as you want. And talagang sobrang enriching. I think that's the word eh. Talagang nakakapuno ng heart, soul, mind, lahat.”
“Ang daming pwedeng gawin, instead of the usual -going to the mall, watching a movie - dito na lang kasi may movie din, may film program din. Ang dami mong makikitang maganda, on many levels. You'll see a lot of people. It's fun. You can dress up. So many things to do.”
Art Fair Philippines 2020 will be held on February 21 to 23, 10 AM to 9 PM, at The Link Carpark in Makati City. Tickets are now available online for only P350. Concession tickets for students, PWD, and senior citizens will only be available on-site. For more info on the tickets and schedule, simply log onto their website.
