The SOCCSKSARGEN (SOX) region is a vibrant hub of artistic talent. It is home to a multitude of artists who not only display their masterpieces but also embody the spirit of the region in their creations. In recent years, a new wave of young artists has emerged, making significant strides in the national art scene and etching their names in the annals of SOX’s artistic legacy.
"While SOX is renowned for its performing artists, only a select few visual artists have ascended to national acclaim," observes Leonardo Rey "Bing" Cariño, the curator and organizer of "Emergence."
Cariño is committed to both the local and national art scenes. He dedicated many years to nurturing young talent and guiding them through the intricate maze of the art world. He is the driving force behind Emergence: Emerging Young Artists of SOX,” an innovative art exhibit that creatively repurposes various spaces within SM City General Santos to showcase their work.
His engagement with the arts community is personal because he is also an artist. The challenges he faces are shared by his fellow artists, particularly the struggle to find a venue that bridges the gap between an artist’s work and its audience.
It is a dynamic triad of collaboration between the artwork, the artists, and the audience. The goal is not only to educate the artists but also the audience, fostering a culture of art appreciation among the general public.
The Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College has been a steadfast advocate for artists in GenSan and surrounding communities. Through their initiatives like the “Pasigarbo: RMMC Festival of Arts,” Cariño and his team have successfully conducted numerous art events, providing a platform for these artists to shine.
“Emergence” showcases eight young visual artists who embody the rising tide of artistic talent in SOX. Cariño envisions this exhibit as a springboard for these artists, providing them with opportunities to secure international art residencies, propose innovative art projects, establish their exhibits abroad, and successfully market their artworks.
The eight promising artists, on the cusp of their careers, are optimistic that “Emergence” will serve as a powerful platform to showcase their creations, connect them with their target audience, and pave the way for future opportunities.
Jezza Mae Nuñez-Fuentes (Jea Nuñez)
Jezza Mae Nuñez-Fuentes, also known as Jea Nuñez, is a full-time visual artist based in General Santos City. She came from a family of artists and began her journey in the arts by drawing and painting at the tender age of four. She took up a Bachelor of Arts in English at Mindanao State University-GenSan.
She is active in the Philippine art scene, participating in various art events, conducting her seminars and workshops, and being commissioned by different institutions and establishments. She is known for her mural paintings, and some of her works touch on feminist themes, drawing inspiration from her struggles.
Her exceptional talent and contributions to the art world have been recognized with numerous awards. These include the NCCA Espasyong Bayan Grantee in 2023, the NCCA's National Committee on Visual Arts Sineng Sining Awardee in 2022, and the General Santos City Youth Achievers Awardee for Artistic Discipline in 2022. Her work continues to inspire and influence the Philippine art community.
She is a staunch supporter of local artists. She sees this as a wonderful opportunity to inspire and encourage everyone to support artists within their community.
John Michael Acol (JMac Acol)
John Michael Acol, or JMac, is a multifaceted artist, excelling in both performance and visual arts. He holds the esteemed position of founder and artistic director of the internationally acclaimed hip-hop group, Jah Rules. The group is renowned for its unique style, which seamlessly blends organic freestyling with elements of contemporary dance.
In his capacity as a visual artist, JMac has participated in numerous group exhibitions throughout the region. His work was showcased by SM City General Santos and the Metropolitan Museum in their collaborative project, "My City, My SM, My Art." This prestigious event featured the works of both established and emerging artists from the Philippines, further cementing JMac's reputation in the art world.
In recognition of his significant contributions to the arts, JMac was recently honored with the General Santos City Youth Achiever Award for the Arts in 2023. This accolade serves as a testament to his talent, dedication, and the profound impact of his artistic endeavors.
Yves Mathieu Africa (Sinyas)
Yves Mathieu Africa, who goes by the artistic name Sinyas, is from Davao and now calls GenSan his home. His artistic creations draw significant influence from neo-expressionism, echoing the distinctive styles of renowned artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Willem de Kooning. Sinyas’ unique style is characterized by a compelling juxtaposition of scarcity and abundance. This contrast imbues his work with vibrant energy while simultaneously evoking a sense of concern through his choice of subjects. His artistry, therefore, serves as a vivid commentary on the dichotomies of life.
Janine Mae S. Magbanua
Janine, a distinguished authority in the realm of graphic design technology in Region 12, is an artist of considerable acclaim. Her creative prowess has been recognized with numerous awards, the most recent of which is the prestigious Gawad Bagong Sining award bestowed by the NCCA’s National Committee on Visual Art. Her artistic style straddles the boundary of surrealism, incorporating elements from pop culture. This unique approach infuses her work with a youthful, contemporary vibe that resonates with modern audiences.
Susana Felicidad Tambasacan
Hailing from GenSan, Susana is a gifted mixed-media artist. Her deeply personal experiences and profound emotions catalyze her unique creations, which beautifully blend abstract realism. This innovative approach allows her to capture the ethereal beauty of abstract art while still retaining elements of recognizable imagery.
In recognition of her exceptional talent, Susana was honored with the Outstanding Mentee award at the inaugural Art Show Philippines Art Mentoring Program in 2021. Her captivating paintings have found homes both locally and globally, with art collectors and families from the USA, Canada, and Japan among those who proudly display her work.
Jessie Cris Falalimpa (Jessie Cris)
Jessie is a visual artist based in Banga, South Cotabato. He works with polymer clay, a material that is commonly used in artisanal toys. But he is one of the very few artists working with this medium in the region. Jessie creates sculptures in clay and sand that depict the nature, culture, and heritage of the Philippines. Jessie’s work has gained recognition and has been showcased in various group exhibitions throughout South Cotabato, further establishing his presence in the art community.
Czar Subang
Czar is an artist and architect based in GenSan, known for his work in contemporary art, illustration, and graphic design. In 2021, he was recognized as one of the semi-finalists in the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence competition. Czar has completed the Lunang Art Mentoring Program under the guidance of esteemed artists and sculptors. He actively participates in various art fairs and gallery exhibitions, including the Art Fair Philippines and the Mindanao Art Fair.
Sarsalem Melekysu
Sarsalem is a visual artist who has made a name for himself through his unique string artworks, captivating paintings, and evocative murals. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in multimedia arts at STI College GenSan, where his exceptional talent began to shine. During his academic journey, he earned numerous accolades for his remarkable performance.
His artistry is deeply introspective, often mirroring the intricacies of human emotions and personal battles. While he is best known for his work with threads, Sarsalem continually pushes the boundaries of his craft. He ventures into the realm of abstract realism, bringing a fresh perspective to his oil paintings. His diverse portfolio underscores his commitment to exploring new artistic avenues and challenging conventional norms.
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Jea Nuñez on March 29
Sinyas on April 12
Sarsalem April 26
Janine on May 10
JMac on May 24
Czar June & Susana on June 7
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