Filipino youth artists to sell limited edition artworks for the benefit of Philippine forests and forest rangers
November 17, 2021
Nine young Filipino artists band together to sell limited edition artwork to raise funds to restore forests in the Ipo Watershed and to support the forest rangers of PH Parks and Biodiversity amid deforestation and the livelihoods lost during the pandemic.
“By selling our artwork and donating the money to the forest rangers or bantay gubat of Ipo Watershed, we are expressing our appreciation for those who protect and keep the forests and environment safe,” organizer Gab Mejia, National Geographic Explorer and World Wide Fund (WWF) Philippines National Youth Council (NYC) Member, said.
“The forests are our frontliners in the fight against climate change so we must all work together and support each other in ensuring forests remain strong,” he said. “Forests absorb carbon dioxide, provide homes for animals, and keep the climate cool. We have to value them in all ways that we can, including through the arts.”
KAGUBATAN, launched on November 10, is a youth-led forest conservation multimedia art exhibit that empowers local storytellers, artists, and conservationists to highlight the importance of Philippine forests.
The artists participating in the exhibit include:
- Issa Barte - Illustrator and Visual Artist; founder of For The Future
- Javi Cang – Nature and Travel Photographer
- Sara Erasmo – Still Life Photographer and Multimedia Artist
- Chesleigh Nofiel (Alagá at Sining) - Painter and Naturalist
- Gab Mejia - Conservation Photographer and Environmental Storyteller
- Angelo Mendoza – Travel Photographer and Filmmaker
- Kara Pangilinan – Visual Artist and Muralist
- Ivan Torres - Filmmaker and Nature and Travel Photographer
- Pau Villanueva – Documentary Photographer
Each artist is selling two limited edition artworks of 3 pieces and part of the proceeds will be donated to WWF-Philippines’ Ipo Watershed Project to support the planting of more than 1,000 seedlings and to also support the livelihood of the forest rangers of the Philippine Parks and Biodiversity.
The artworks are made and printed on Hahnemühle paper, which are 100% sustainable cotton by RedLab Philippines.
© Kara Pangilinan
The Philippine Eagle is a large, awe-inspiring bird that often exudes a sense of power. Through this highly intricate rendition of this rare creature, perhaps that sense of power might be felt.
Interested supporters can purchase the artworks in the KAGUBATAN SHOP.
The art exhibit took inspiration from the different Philippine ecosystems from rivers to wetland forests and from agroforests to the mountains.
The virtual reality experience of the gallery showcases the artworks of the artists in a virtual green space with forest soundscapes both accessible on mobile and desktop.
Those who purchase artworks will be supporting the forests of the Philippines, its protectors, and also the young artists who aspire to create art for the planet.
“We hope this virtual art exhibit also empowers and inspires a new generation of artists to create and pursue a career in the arts working for the conservation of nature,” Mejia said.
For more information about the Kagubatan: Forest Conservation Exhibit visit the exhibit page here: www.kagubatan.ph
For more information, please contact:
Gab Meija
09189116685
jgbmejia@gmail.com
For media arrangements, please contact:
Ms. Chezka Guevarra
Public Relations, Media, and Events Assistant Manager
09276566436
cguevarra@wwf.org.ph
