After six months of quiet living in El Nido– six months, which is long for me, I realized this was the longest I’d ever stayed on an island, and an even more remote one at that. Back when I lived in Bali, I used to bounce between Manila and Bali constantly for over a year, especially with all the visa runs I had to do. Movement felt normal then, almost like a rhythm my life was built on.
El Nido slowed that rhythm down so much that coming back to the city felt like stepping into another dimension, almost like a quantum leap! Everything was suddenly fast-paced, and loud, almost too sharp after months of soft landscapes and ocean breeze. A whole month slipped past before I even realized a week had gone by. (Sounds like a different kind of breeze!)
Here are a few snapshots from my recent gallery visits as I reconnect with the local art scene.
It feels surreal moving from pure nature to the city’s interpretations of it, seeing how artists translate oceans, skies, and inner journeys onto walls and sculptures.
Somehow, it’s familiar and disorienting at the same time, like my island self and city self are still negotiating space.
It’s comforting to feel like myself again, even in a world that moves so fast.
Art Shows/Galleries:
Gallery Joaquin, Rockwell
Ayala Museum
Elisa Tan @ Museum of Contemporary Art & Design
Poklong Ananding @ Silverlens
I create digital and traditional art inspired by nature, music, life, and spirituality. writeme@lheanstorm.com for Commissions, Web3 collabs & Inquiries.
You must be logged in to post a comment.