00:00 Rizal-based visual artist Denmark Maribuhok is making noise in the art scene with his
00:05 "As Light Whispers" exhibit on view at the Art Underground until October 6th.
00:10 And to tell us more about this, joining us now are Denmark Maribuhok himself and Art Underground's
00:14 gallery manager Desiree Mapandi. Desiree, good morning to both of you, first of all.
00:19 Desiree, let's talk about Art Underground. What is it that makes this particular
00:26 venue so unusual and different? Sure, Art Underground was established in 2014, so it has been in the
00:34 industry for quite a time. We are based at San Juan, we are on the second floor of a Bini 180
00:40 at the Berengue Edition Hills, and it's really a platform for contemporary art, and it keeps on
00:45 elevating in terms of contemporary art styles. And we want to bring in and onboard new emerging
00:52 artists. We want to onboard young ones such as Denmark so we could showcase local talent.
00:57 Okay, well before I jump to Denmark, what exactly do you see in or how do you hand-pick
01:04 the up-and-comers that you decide to feature in Art Underground?
01:08 We of course look at young blood, those with great values. We look at those who are focused,
01:15 those who are able to adapt to what is going on in the contemporary art terrain. And of course,
01:22 in terms of artistic style, he is a fine painter, and that's what we see in him, and we see that he
01:29 would reach greater heights with the gallery. Agree, agree with that. Mark, how does it feel
01:34 to be singled out, you know, you do something different, your work, you know, stands out from
01:44 everybody else. I feel blessed and such a great opportunity that I work with the gallery. What
01:51 do you think, Denmark, about your work that really makes it sort of stand out?
01:56 Play of light, I think the play of light because it's more on the dark background and
02:04 the light is so fine. Play of light. Right, so this is a lot of, it's classic
02:13 Cairoscuro sort of techniques for sure, but you know, it's a very distinct style,
02:20 obviously a very sort of modern approach to portraiture. Why did you choose portraiture?
02:27 I mean, what is it about this particular format of art that appeals to you?
02:32 Portrait, I think it's so challenging to do portraits, and I just enjoyed it.
02:41 Are you basing it on people? Obviously it's not hyper-realism or it's not realism in that sense,
02:49 but what is it about, for example, landscapes or still lifes, why portraits? Are you
02:58 referencing real people? What is the message behind the portraits that you put together?
03:03 Usually, it reflects on the viewer, it reflects on the collector. If the collector sees it,
03:15 "Oh, this is me," like that. So the work has to obviously reach out and speak to the collector,
03:21 to the viewer. As Light Whispers, interesting title, how did you guys come up with this and
03:27 I don't know, what's the overarching theme throughout this exhibit?
03:31 It's actually his second solo exhibition, and it's a huge transition from the first.
03:36 And what we've worked with the artist is for him to really utilize his skill in the play of light.
03:42 That's what he mentioned a while ago. That's why it's called Light Whispers, because as you see
03:46 in the artworks in this particular series, the light is just slightly subtle inside of the canvas.
03:53 It whispers, but it does shout out for attention. You can't help but be drawn in. There's an amazing
04:02 subtlety, but at the same time, it's loud and it's called for you to actually sit there and
04:07 view and be drawn in. It's the point of the series wherein the subject is actually staring at the
04:12 viewer, and yet the gaze isn't too aggressive. That's why it's just a really subtle, and it's
04:18 really a whisper. Right. The eyes of the portraits that we have here, they're particularly large.
04:27 They call out to you. They draw the viewer in. What do you mean by that, with the particular
04:36 focus on the large eyes? It's more on the eyes. The eyes are very expressive.
04:45 Usually, you can see what the viewer is saying with the eyes.
04:49 Okay. According to Desiree, this is your second show, and it's a big jump from your first show.
04:57 What else do you want to do? Where do you want to take your art? Which direction do you think
05:02 you're going to be moving in? I think it depends on…
05:06 More portraits? Yes.
05:08 More portraits, for sure. What do you think the future holds for young artists like Denmark over
05:13 here, Desiree? Huge. We are actually already looking into
05:16 art fairs, trying to bring them out locally. Of course, if everything plays out well, we would
05:22 love to bring them out in international level. Okay. We can't wait to talk to you then,
05:26 but for now, let's focus on this particular show. Please, Desiree, invite everybody to come out and
05:31 catch "Eyes Like Whispers." Of course. I am inviting everybody,
05:35 everybody viewing right now, to visit our gallery at Mabini 180, Barangay Edition, Hills and Juan.
05:42 Do catch Denmark Marie Boholk's second solo exhibition, "Eyes Like Whispers." It will be
05:47 running until October 6th. There you go. Fantastic stuff. Desiree,
05:51 Denmark, thank you so much for joining us this morning here on New Day.
05:53 Thank you.
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