Art etc. on the Net

The creativity of Filipinos goes beyond the need for awards if only to be recognized.

But true enough Filipinos now and then take center stage for the masterpieces their natural artistic talent has brought out in them in whatever discipline of art.

In the digital world of art, Filipino artists, designers and animators have made a field day stretching their immense artistry to the hilt and gained increasing popularity for it.

There the likes of Whilce Portactio and Gerry Alanguilan, both of whom have worked on Marvel’s comic book characters found in the Uncanny X-Men, Wolverine among many others. Then there’s Ricky Nierva, the man behind most of the endearing and funny monsters in the hit Pixar movie Monsters, Inc.

In literature, the classic works of Jose Garcia Villa, F. Sionil Jose, Jessica Hagedorn amid the other seasoned writers brought the Filipino artistry in writing to international consciousness. Their novels, short stories and poems caught the attention of well-respected publishers abroad such as Random House which carried Jose’s Don Vicente, and Ballantine Books which published Hagedorn’s The Umbrella Country.

An artist must possess a heightened sensitivity to beauty and a dynamic imagination. Often we are well unaware that we are surrounded by such gifted Filipino artists in the disciplines of writing, performing arts, design, film, digital and fine arts.

The need for a venue to promote and celebrate the artistry of Filipinos from around the globe is essential to capture a higher regard for works we can call our own.

Similarly important is the presence of a port that lays strong emphasis on giving opportunities for the fresh breed of art virtuosos to parade their stuff.

A website aptly called www.maARTe.org brings just that to artists, art enthusiasts and the curious minds alike.

An "arts webzine," Maarte.org features interesting stories, engaging topics, must-see events and fascinating people. All in the frame of art.

MaARTe.org aims to inspire creativity and "critical thinking" among Filipinos in their communities from Manila to anywhere else in the globe.

MaARTe.org gives opportunities to artists looking for a new challenge and an outlet to release all the talent screaming to get out of them.

Its most interesting and thought provoking section is called "Untitled," which invites surfers with artistic sense to "interpret" a photo or painting put up by MaARTe.org.

"There is no wrong or right answer!" Any interpretation would do whether using a straight form of commentary, a short story or if the reader is inspired enough, a poem is definitely acceptable.

Playing with your imagination is the key. Of course, you must come up with a title for the piece before submission. If your review is chosen, your name is on the Web!

MaARTe.org also features a diverse pool of well-endowed Filipinos - both famed and beginner – in theater, film, poetry, painting, and creative writing.

Critics get to review the latest books, films and art works. In a recent issue, art critic and writer Alice Guillermo talks to Art Manila based in Quezon City, Manila on what else? Art in all its beauty and form and her wisdom on the field.

MaARTe.org also re-published from Art Manila an analysis on a book titled 13 Painters for the 21st Century, authored by Ana Labrador and published by Sikat Books Publishing Inc.

The painters featured in this book have received critical reviews for their works.