Cover Artist Orley Ypon at SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art (Photo: Before Deadlines)
Artist Orley Ypon at SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art (Photo: Before Deadlines)
1 / 1
Live painting, music, performance art, underwater photography, and more. Here’s everything that happened at SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art
It is one thing to be amused by an artwork and another to witness its birth—vivid and in the flesh. On its launch, SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art showcased the talents of several esteemed contemporary artists from the Philippines, working across various mediums.
Its founder, Ayni Nuyda, envisioned a multi-sensory art experience that had not yet been created in the country. “We wanted to create a playground for artists, enthusiasts, and audiences,” she shares.
Nuyda explains that her organisation’s goal is to help people appreciate art better by getting them involved in its progress.
“Since day one, our work at SearchMindscape has always been about inspiring artists to thrive and empowering audiences to build a relationship with the art and the artists. Through Immersive Art, we hope to blur the boundaries between collector and artist, building bridges that will reshape the audiences’ experience of art.”
In case you missed it: Ayni Nuyda unveils father Justin Nuyda’s last work at FilipinaZ Fair 2023
Above Founder Ayni Nuyda during SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art (Photo: Before Deadlines)
Founder Ayni Nuyda during SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art (Photo: Before Deadlines)
1 / 1
Nuyda deliberately involved all human senses. Through SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art, guests and artists can explore and appreciate artworks by touching, seeing, hearing, and feeling.
“This is how you create a memorable experience. Immersive Art was also designed to highlight the ephemeral nature of art in all its forms and iterations. It’s witnessing art at the moment—comparable to watching a live concert versus seeing it [only] on television,” she says.
This year’s theme, Of Echoes and Currents, serves as a resonant message that honours the ocean's beauty, boundless power, and fragility.
Nuyda explains that this theme weaves together the diverse elements of Immersive Art by the SearchMindscape Foundation. From live painting to music, digital projections, and photography, she emphasises, “Everything is connected to the ocean or water. We brought together both emerging and seasoned artists in all aspects of the event.”
More from Tatler: Witness the magic of ‘Elemento: Art + Light + Flow’ at the Ayala Triangle Gardens this December
Here’s what went down during SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art: Of Echoes and Currents:
Underwater photography: Skim through water’s surface or go on a deep dive into the underwater world
Above SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art underwater photography
SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art underwater photography
1 / 1
Above SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art underwater photography
SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art underwater photography
1 / 1
This is how you create a memorable experience. Immersive Art was also designed to highlight the ephemeral nature of art in all its forms and iterations
Before heading up to the main event hall on the second floor, guests were invited to witness a unique photo exhibit featuring the works of underwater lensmen, including Geric Cruz, Romina Diaz, Jan Mayo, Bimpoman, Colin Dancel, Simon Te, Boogs Rosales, Andie Remulla, Chito Neri, Gage Veridiano, Robert Yin, Archie Geotina, Adrian Dan, Mike Barttick, and Bianca Natola.
Within the space, viewers were transported to the deepest, darkest depths of the sea. They were invited to ponder life on the surface, where the rays of the sun glimmer. Bianca Natola, who co-curated and designed the photography exhibit, also showcased her own works, Liquid Snake and De Dust. Her installation piece merges metal, video, and light, adding a three-dimensional layer to the photographs on exhibit.
“Usually we only see these types of underwater photographs on Nat Geo type of platforms,” observes Nuyda. Only a handful of galleries place photography as fine art, especially underwater photography. At SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art, these captivating images were showcased as works of art.”
Above Artist Lydia Velasco at SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art
Above Artist Roedil Gerarldo at SearchMindscape's Immersive Art
Artist Lydia Velasco at SearchMindscape’s Immersive Art
1 / 2
Above Artist Mark Belicario at SearchMindscape's Immersive Art
Above Artist AG Saño at SearchMindscape's Immersive Art
Artist Mark Belicario at SearchMindscape's Immersive Art
1 / 2
As soon as the main hall's doors opened, guests were invited to enter an alternate universe where digital art, music, poetry, movement, and live painting converged. The expansive 909sqm event space of Green Sun (also known as The Eye) was surrounded by floor-to-ceiling digital art projections.
“The digital art display pushes perceptual boundaries, blending technology with nature to create immersive experiences. These works prompt viewers to reconsider their relationship with our waters, using various techniques to depict elements in ways that are both conceptual and evocative,” Nuyda explains.
Digital Art Projections showcased during SearchMindscape's Immersive Art include original works by Manny Montelibano, Bea Mariano, Jet Leyco, Tey Clamor, Idan Cruz, Lih Ocampo, Jermaine Peck, Kristone Capistrano, Boogs Rosales, James Clar, Rebbie Ramoso, Madge Reyes, John Torres, Rhadem Musawah, Marianne Valdez, Susan Larsson, Red Sales, Chino Neri, and Bimpoman.
Battle of the Brush: Witnessing the creative process unfold
Above The stage at SearchMindscape's Immersive Art 2024
The stage at SearchMindscape's Immersive Art 2024
1 / 1
A pioneering concept born out of a collaboration between Kevan Sang (Capulet Art) and Canadian artist Raymond Chow, Battle of the Brush is a live painting competition that allows audiences to witness artists’ creative process—from blank canvas to completed paintings.
For its inaugural debut in the Philippines, Battle of the Brush welcomed six pairs of artists to the stage. “Our roster of artists will set the bar for future iterations of Battle of the Brush,” says Nuyda.
The finished pieces include Rythm of the Waves by Lydia Velasco and Anina Rubio, Journey of Hope by Charlie Co, Abyss by Roedil Gerardo, Marine Treasures by Orley Ypon and Mark Belicario, Armored Endangered by AG Saño and Buwi Meneses, Spirit of the Story by Barc and Dime, and an untitled work by William Higginson and Olga Rybalko.
Proceeds from the auction and sale of pieces will support the relief efforts (through Kaya Natin and Angat Buhay) in Bicol, Nuyda’s hometown.
NOW READ
Filipino Artist Justin “Tiny” Nuyda And His Significant Art Collection
National Artist Arturo Luz’s genius lives through ‘Improvisations’ by Rustan’s for the Arts
Credits
Images: Before Deadlines
Topics
Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
