Cafe by the Ruins Dua’s latest exhibit brings the animal kingdom to the interior of the restaurant -slash- art space. The art show, entitled “Faunagraphy” is a tribute to the creatures of the Earth. A play on words, “Faunagraphy” is a combination of “fauna” meaning ‘animals’ and “graphy” meaning ‘the art of’.
There are four artists who joined forces for this exhibit: Kyrah Capuyan, Keziah Dacaimat, Jireh-el Rodriguez, and Jannelle Willer, each of them having their own distinctive styles in interpreting the theme.
It is also interesting to note that the four artists, Jireh, Jannelle, Kyrah, and Keziah, may not have a degree in Fine Arts, but as art is their passion and a definite part of their lives, their works and efforts have a definite home in the creative city of Baguio.
Kyrah Capuyan shows proficiency in her medium, watercolor painting. She has chosen to represent three species of animals who are endangered, namely, the Philippine Kingfisher, the White Rhino, and the Sea Turtle. To put additional detail in her works, she included preserved foliage to give the works more character.
Though also adept at watercolor, Keziah Dacaimat can be identified with her wire bending. Being a crafter who makes jewelry such as rings, earnings, and bracelets out of different wires, she incorporated her brand into the theme by curling dreamcatchers into the form of a fox and a rabbit.
On wood panels, Jireh-el Rodriguez created mixed media paintings of a fox and a pair of deer. The pieces have the illusion of thick layers of oil paint. He also has, what he calls, a political piece of a whale shark or “butanding”, indicative of the poor treatment of animals in the Philippine context.
Jannelle Willer brings another advocacy to her art – cancer awareness. Having the first-hand experience of a family member undergoing the challenge, Janelle adds the human element to her acrylic paintings on canvas, with symbols such as balding, red fingers, and surgery being evident throughout the works.
“Faunagraphy” hopes to raise awareness for the ethical treatment of animals and the protection of endangered species. As humans and animals are interconnected as we share the same world, we must work hand in hand to preserve our natural surroundings so that we all have homes in this planet.
Check out the whimsical exhibit “Faunagraphy”on display at Cafe by the Ruins Dua.
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