The Riches Of This Land

2023

Oil on canvas

60 x 60 CM

Akwey Dalusong

P40,000

Dalusong took the reference photo of this painting at Sitio Lakas Bihawo, Botolan while on a mission.

She asked an elderly man, who seemed to be the leader, what they were doing and if it was okay to take pictures.

He agreed and proudly said that it has been ten years since he started doing this job digging for water sources

He also mentioned a few known places he and his team dug up manually.

In that moment, Dalusong can sense his pride in sharing their indigenous knowledge

The man told her that one needs to hit the bedrock for the water to come out and he reminded Dalusong on how crucial it is to know what they know and their processes, not just depending on machines and technology

Here is an Aeta at his prime age digging a well about 10 feet deep to reach the source of water for the whole community

His color resembles the color of the soil that reflects a rustic gold, the riches of the Earth.

River Lahar

2023

Mixed media on paper

29 7 x 42 CM (unframed)

William Matawaran

P9,000

The title, "River Lahar", is a play from the Greek myth of River Styx, the boundary between the mythology's Earth and Underworld.

Similar to Styx, the river itself is an actual place with a long brigde bordering the towns of San Narciso and San Felipe. The river once flowed with water that ends at the sea, but since the 1991 Mt Pinatubo eruption, lahar now has replaced the water and made the river biologically dead.

But now all things, deserve a sad ending, the now dead river sprouts plant life that came from the lahar's nutrients, though still barren, it's still a sight to be hold.

Trekking this bridge can bring one to thinking, on whether such force of nature can end abruptly either by nature itself or by humans. At the end of the day, life goes on into full circle and enjoying this view with the sunset is a treat itself

If HR Ocampo Is Still Alive

2020 Oil on canvas 40 x 30 CM

Akwey Dalusong

P8,000

Dalusong's interpretation of a modernized painting of HR Ocampo’s The Contrast 1940

This painting was made to provoke the undisturbed and further give voice to #AyudaHindiBala during the heightened times of injustices where instead of strengthening the pandemic response and providing proper assistance to the people -- the government's idea of containing the virus was through spending more budget on military dominance and having them control the flow of people.

Many news about human rights violations due to simple protocol violations were heard of

6 AM at Liwliwa

2023

Mixed media on paper

29 7 x 42 CM (unframed

William Matawaran

P9,000

Being at the beach is Matawaran's favorite past time as it is just accessible on where he lives in Zambales

Liwliwa is located at one of the region's coast town, San Felipe, Zambales, known for its pristine coastline, waves for surfing, and marvelous sunset views as it is facing the West Philippine Sea.

Enjoying the 6 AM view of the beach is a privilege not many has, especially for people living in the city Calm waves, gentle cool breeze, misty mountains at the distance - the view and experience itself is a 5-star treat

But that beauty and marvel is slowly facing adversity as it is one of the target of illegal mining for black sand from aliens with boats greatly contributing to the destruction of the environment that leads to more problems in the region.

The beaty of Liwliwa is one-ofa-kind, captivating locals and visitors alike For Matawaran to agree with that statement is not new news but for him, beauty without preservation and respect is outright destruction.

Pawikyey

2018 Oil on canvas 40 x 50 CM

Akwey Dalusong

P20,000

Artist’s first ever oil painting, commemorating a special moment at PawiCare, La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales where she experienced setting off sea turtle hatchlings praying for their survival in the vast ocean ir 4x4, the trip took 2 hours. ht 2 hours was too long in alusong felt dehydrated and She felt ashamed when I these carabaos and the hey are carrying travel for 7 st to buy and trade goods barter area at Baquilan an Aeta Woman framed) an e is no problem in the world, ses on the intent of every s portrait study of an Aeta sure each dab is a f their features without the ation and alienization.

Masinloc Fisherfolk

2023 Ink on paper

30 x 70 CM

William Matawaran

P13,000

On a clear day at Masinloc, Zambales, Matawaran visited the baywalk area there and saw the fisherfolk roving around their boats on the gentle water with the Masinloc coal plantation at the background He thought that it was picture-esque and very serene.

But if one should think about Masinloc, it is one of the heavyhitted areas of the invasion of Chinese vessels, most especially the illegal base settlement at Scarborough Shoal, in which is nearest at Masinloc