“Doon Sa Aming Probinsya”
48” x 36“
Acrylic on Canvas
2012

“Tsya o Tsyub”
34” x 26“
Acrylic on Canvas
2012

“Dumidiskarte”
34” x 26“
Acrylic on Canvas
2012

HAPI NOYPI by BALASBAS & SONIO @ POWERPLANT

Based on the June 2012 Happy People Index (HPI) released by the New Economic Foundation, Filipinos ranked 24th happiest among 151 nationalities.  (The HPI ranks countries based on life expectancy, experience, well-being and Ecological Footprint.)  This high index rating is attributed to the Filipinos’ propensity to smile despite his many difficulties.  This pleasing attribute is highlighted by Gallery BiG in its exhibition “Hapi Noypi” by two of its soon to be BiG names in the art scene – painter Jun Balasbas and sculptor Kelly Sonio, in a pairing of comical creations starting July 9, 2012 at Archaeology 2nd level of the Powerplant Mall in Rockwell, Makati City.

“Hapi Noypi” is an exhibit idea whose time has come,” says Jonathan Sy of Gallery BiG.  “Here, art takes on a more humorous, light-hearted tone instead of its usual serious inclinations.  Balasbas who is known for his Pinoy pop art and Sonio for his whimsical Terracotta sculptures are both self-taught artists and together their artworks present a glimpse of Pinoy slice of life in a most entertaining manner.” 

Jun Balasbas began working for a greeting cards company immediately after high school in 1996. His creative skills came to the attention of the company's owner who encouraged him to apply these skills to both graphic and fine art. Learning to paint by himself, his patience and hard work paid off when his first one man show sold out in 2004.  Balasbas prefers happy scenes and naturally paints them with bold, bright colors. High tech influence is playfully integrated in the background, underscoring the artist being a product of the MTV generation.  His works’ absence of pretentions reaches across the viewer as if saying “Hey don’t feel down! The world is a funny place to be with much to smile about.”

Kelly Sonio, on the other hand, is the 2006 grand-prize winner of the Metrobank Arts and Design Excellence in Sculpture award who hails from La Carlota, Negros Occidental. The fiesta scenes of his hometown are his inspiration as he captures the joys and moods of the people in their various jovial poses. This humble Ilonggo meticulously forms his figures by hand using terracotta (or clay) taking as long as two weeks to finish one artwork and then sets them to dry for a month before firing them in a kiln. Afterwards, he uses acrylic to paint the details of each figure, working to enhance the appearance and highlight certain subtleties he wishes to emphasize. Many of his works are also metaphors of the different Filipino character traits.  The fruits of his labor are very impressive indeed and can be compared to the finest terracotta sculptures in the world.

Feeling a bit blue?  Don’t go for that food trip to cheer up your spirits just yet.  Maybe a trip to this wonderful art exhibit would do. Who knows, it might save you from gaining a few extra pounds too.

“Hapi Noypi” will be on display until July 26, 2012. For inquiries please call 666.7755 or 895.4516.

“Pinya”
11” x 7.5“ x 9.5”
Terracotta
2012

“Magbubuko”
11.5” x 7” x 11.5”
Terracotta
2012

“Mamang Sorbetero”
11” x 8” x 11.5”
Terracotta
2012