Kristine Lim: SOAR

SOAR KRISTINE LIM

A SOLO EXHIBITION

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I S A I A H

ON THE COVER Mercy Unfolds

Diameter 23” Mixed Media on Canvas

4 0 : 3 1

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O A Ironic that my inspiration with SOAR came during the time when I felt my life was in a series of falling-of-the-cliff kind of circumstances. When falling seemed like to never end.

Ironic but in my moments of falling and hitting rock bottom, I felt that I was soaring the highest because I knew God was above, beneath, and surrounding me... sweeping me up and gliding me on His wings, His presence assured me that no matter what, I am safe and free.

That’s the beauty of our downfalls and our struggles. We pause.

We rest. We hear. We realize. We see clearly beyond the limits of our sight.

SOAR is not just my story or personal reflection. It’s everyone’s story that presents who our Creator truly is that we can only discern when we allow ourselves to. SOAR depicts His immeasurable power and might. SOAR embodies His perfect love that envelopes us.

SOAR also shows us times we fail and fall to the lies and traps of forces we think are so great as if in comparison to who God is; revealing our vulnerabilities like our fears that engulf us or our pride that consumes us into thinking we can achieve great heights with our own strength and effort, yet at the end of it all, He is still beyond what we can even fathom and comprehend... and no one can make us truly SOAR but Him. We SOAR when we are willing to humble ourselves and let go.

We must know and accept who is in control. He is in control. In our weakness we are humbled and in our humility, God picks us up and lifts us in ways only He can do. The only way to SOAR is not by our own strength but by Him and through Him; on our knees, on the ground, reaching out to surrender to Him all that we are wholeheartedly and completely.

Kristine Lim

Artist

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H I B I T I O N O T E S

A staggering 32 framed mixed media works, with several of them triptychs, comprise the 2nd solo exhibition of visual artist Kristine Lim at the famed Manila Hotel. Using her specialized technique of combining a special textured ground with layers of transparent metallic bronze and gold colored glazes over the graphite pentimenti, or under drawings, which she deliberately allows to be seen as a trace of the journey the artist makes in the making of any work, and occasionally adding special details like straight gold lines, reminiscent of her graphic design practice, and small, shaped mirrors and textured and brightly colored red resinous epoxy to attach them which both illuminate and serve as surfaces of reflection; Lim creates a cohesive and compelling exhibition using the Philippine eagle as the central motif with complementing verses from the Bible scribbled lightly at the edge of each work.

A Filipino Christian with an evangelical vocation, she uses the phrase “Artist with a mission” as her tagline, as her faith and her patriotism serve as foundation for the art that she makes, while remaining true to her own personal life experiences. By using these as her jumping points, she creates multiple avenues of connection with her audiences who share these with her.

The majestic Philippine Eagle serves as the central image in most of the works. A powerful animal endemic to the Philippines, it is a symbol of the nation; and a reminder of both how blessed we are with natural resources, and how we need rightful stewardship in keeping the balance, as it is critically endangered due to the loss of habitat from the encroachment of Filipinos and the deliberate destruction of our forests in the name of unsustainable progress. As a symbol, it is emblematic of both the potential of Filipinos as a people, and the complicated societal imbalances we face because of our colonial baggage in all aspects of culture, politics, and economy.

In its solitary appearance in all the works, the artist seems to also imply the need to be in our own space, to reflect, and to have an honest appraisal and reckoning with ourselves.

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With SOAR, Lim proposes a potential way to salvation, based on the guiding principles of her Christian faith. Reflecting on how the eagle is often used in the Bible as a metaphor to compare the impossible heights God raises his people in an effort to keep them away from harm and to raise them in exultation, Lim proposes a total surrender such as she has experienced, when she has undergone personal tribulations, one after another in quick succession, and emerged from it unscathed as she lifted all these up in faith.

To see the solitary eagle soaring in the vast immensity of sky which Lim often leaves bare in her works, we are reminded that it is not by the eagle’s efforts that it glides across the sky, but by the invisible updrafts of air that support it and lift it up. In the mysteries of life, we know by heart that what we cannot see is as important as what we can, and oftentimes, even more so.

SOAR is both a testament to God’s love and saving grace, as well as the capacity of the Filipino spirit to transcend limitations, especially in the lowest periods. It provides hope that even in the direst situations, the love of God, and the love for our fellow man, will enable us to transcend our condition, and be free to be our realest and fullest selves.

Ricky Francisco

Curator

By Faith

17" x 11" Mixed Media on Canvas

I have known Kristine Lim for sometime now from my friendship with her family. She is a wonderful young woman, a loving wife and mother, and an aspiring artist. In October 2020 we hosted her exhibit “Almost There” here at The Manila Hotel, from which she raised funds to support frontliners and displaced workers affected by the pandemic. It is clear she uses her passion to extend help where needed, and makes her faith the center of all things she creates. With this new exhibit for 2021, “Soar”, she continues to give glory to God with her innate talent and inspire others to do the same in their own ways. We are happy to support her.

Atty. Jose D. Lina, Jr. President The Manila Hotel

Surrender

17" x 11" Mixed Media on Canvas

The distinctness of Kristine Lim’s works gives a sense of who she is. She’s a visual artist and a missionary like no other. How she can transform the boldness of her faith and her beliefs into something tangible can touch and move the viewers in phenomenal and extraordinary ways they never knew they needed.

Without a doubt, Kristine’s artwork will trnascend through time and inspire more generations to pursue their passion with an equal desire to spread the word of God. WHAT FEELS LIKE LOVE IS 30" x 30" Oil on Canvas

Mark A. Villar

Secretary Department of Public Works and Highways

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R T I S T O N A I S S I O N Being able to draw before learning how to write foretold what Kristine Lim was born for. Lim graduated Cum Laude from University of the Philippines Diliman, College of Fine Arts with a major in Visual Communications. As a University Scholar for four consecutive years, she passionately explored her chosen path which has always been her calling. Over the years, she has come to understand what visual art means for her. Art is a God-given skill to relay and do something beyond what the artist wants to convey and where the message goes past all known words and lexis.

This Artist on a Mission has captured the hearts of many, especially her art collectors. Her works are also officially part of the National Archives of the Philippines and the Presidential Museum and Library at the Malacanang Palace.

She founded and spearheaded the Artists on a mission workshop and Little Artists on a mission workshop. She uses her art to help and support NGOs and LGUs and other missionaries like herself. Succinctly, Lim is an advocate of Edenic Living, Sustainability and Mental Health. She is currently a volunteer as the Director of Culture & Arts for Sustainable PH, a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability and becomes the forefront of Greenovation in the Philippines. Lim is also one of the founders and the Vice President for External Affairs of Christian + Collective, an initiative she and her fellow Christian artists created to further evangelize the word of God through arts. As she always says, "An artist is not just someone who creates art. A true artist is someone who can create meaningful pieces that impact and change lives; because it is WE RADIATE THAT WHICH WE ARE 30" x 30" not self-serving. It is purposeful.”.

Oil on Canvas

SOAR will fly highest because of its sincere intention of bringing those it touches to a life of peace which transcends our understanding. It also makes everyone soar up closer to our Creator as Kristine tries to communicate with humanity that God also speaks to His people through His creation.

Never have we found any artist both here and abroad who profoundly professes his or her love to the greatest Artist in the world, the one whose masterpiece was formed only by His precious words, the one who is called by the name I AM. Dr. Anthony Golez

President Malasakit Para Sa Bayan Foundation

(former Presidential Spokes Person to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo)

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MALASAKIT PARA SA BAYAN FOUNDATION Empowering local communities to benefit from the provision of basic services provided by the government unlocks real potential for social, economic and environmental progress.

Evidence shows that many communities who have good access to education, health and sanitation see massive benefits.

In this time of crisis, many Filipinos continue to suffer from lack of services or assistance from the government to meet basic needs such as education, health care, as well as basic necessities like clean water and sanitation. Building capacity to meet these needs will create jobs, community development, economic opportunities and well- being while helping to ensure no Filipinos are left behind. Meeting basic needs for the poor is an area of immense opportunity.

Mission: Malasakit para sa Bayan Foundation shall enable poor, disadvantaged Filipinos to address their needs by facilitating their access to appropriate services from the government and other sectors.

Vision: Malasakit para sa Bayan Foundation is a grassroots-based people’s movement. It envisions empowered Filipinos actively involved and engaged in development initiatives for nation-building.

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COLLABORATING with KRISTINE LIM Kristine Lim, the official artist chosen by the foundation to do a collaboration with. Aside from being an artist she is also a missionary who founded and spearheaded the “Artist on a Mission Workshops” that moves around the country to teach new generations of artists by sharing the gospel and conducting art workshops and other charity efforts. Her philanthropic efforts captivated many including The Malasakit para sa Bayan Foundation. Collaborating with Kristine’s Art Exhibit, the foundation decided to to an Auction to raise funds and the proceeds will be donated to fuel more projects and programs. The Malasakit para sa Bayan Foundation get their money primarily through contributions from benefactors or from fundraising activities. The support that will be received from the fundraising event will greatly make a real difference to the indigent communities most specially during this pandemic .

Wisdom in Surrender II 50" x 30" Mixed Media on Canvas

Wisdom in Surrender I 50" x 30" Mixed Media on Canvas

The Fourth Face

Diameter 1" (3) Mixed Media on Canvas

David

Diameter 1" (3) Mixed Media on Canvas

UNTITLED 1 20" x 19.5" Oil on Canvas

UNTITLED 2 20" x 19.5" Oil on Canvas

YOUR Plans for Me I Diameter 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

Reckless LOVE

17” x 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

Here I am, Lord

LOVE Swept Low

17” x 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

And YOU Are There 17” x 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

17” x 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

Gain New Strength 17” x 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

ON POINT 27" x 18" Mixed Media

OUTRAGEOUS JOY 30" x 30" Oil on Canvas

YOUR Faith Made You Well Diameter 57” Mixed Media on Canvas

Surrendering Now

Wait on YOU

17” x 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

17” x 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

OPTIMISTIC ANTICIPATION 30" x 30" Oil on Canvas

You Gave Me Eden I

17” x 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

You Gave Me Eden II

17” x 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

Grace UNFOLDS

SOAR

Diameter 23” Mixed Media on Canvas

Drench My Soul

Diameter 23” Mixed Media on Canvas

Diameter 37” Mixed Media on Canvas

Mercy UNFOLDS

Diameter 23” Mixed Media on Canvas

My WAY

37" x 12" Mixed Media on Cnavas

My TRUTH

37" x 12" Mixed Media on Cnavas

My LIFE

37" x 12" Mixed Media on Cnavas

YOUR Plans for Me II Diameter 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

Reversing the Fall DIameter 28” Mixed Media on Canvas

To Hear YOY

Surrounded By YOU

12” x 12” Mixed Media on Canvas

To Know YOU

12” x 12” Mixed Media on Canvas

Trust on YOU

17” x 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

12” x 12” Mixed Media on Canvas

At YOUR Command 17” x 17” Mixed Media on Canvas

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