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Independent Works Nihil This is a student film for my Sci-Fi class, featuring apocalyptic and existential themes. It incorporates the 1962 short film La Jetée’s photo-novel style, which favors still images over motion pictures. Read More

Featured Artists Leslie de Chavez Philippines DISCOVER Inna Yadne Siberia DISCOVER Yessiow Indonesia DISCOVER Crystal Worl USA (Alaska) DISCOVER

Featured Artists Leslie de Chavez Philippines DISCOVER Inna Yadne Siberia DISCOVER Yessiow Indonesia DISCOVER Crystal Worl USA (Alaska) DISCOVER

Featured Artists Biligt Enkhtaivan Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia View Gallery Nancy Qin Australia View Gallery Herminio Tan Philippines View Gallery Niyamat Mehta New Dehli, India View Gallery

Featured Creatives Ron Yuan A Life Like a Serenade: Ron Yuan and the Integrity of Transformation Read More Victor Yadne The Song of the Tundra: The Living Art of Victor Yadne Read More Hautahi Kingi Kin to the River: The Life and Work of Hautahi Kingi Read More Darwin Masbang “Always Be Different”: Darwin Sanchez Masbang’s Harana of Beauty Between Pampanga and Paris Read More Jeonghyun Park From Dojang to Runway: A Korean Designer Turning Sweat Into Couture Read More

Featured Creatives Roman Zaragoza Owning Complexity, Creating Connection Read More Sybil Wa A Creative Light of Care, Dignity, and Commitment Read More Michael Cho Elegance in Form: Michael Cho at Amsale Read More Elizabeth Clenci Harmony Within and Without: Filipino Heritage and the Pursuit of Holistic Health Read More Taylor Yasui A Multi-talented Cellist and Entrepreneur Harmonizing Music, Real Estate, and Culture Read More

The Eruptive Nature of Fashion Jay-r Gamboa Flores Sultan Kudarat Couture Virtuoso Read More Nguyễn Tiến Truyển The Tapestry of Dreams: Nguyễn Tiến Truyển weaves thread into divine creations Read More Kermit Tesoro Cultural Heritage and Sustainability: The Essence of Kermit Tesoro's Work Read More Michel & Amazonka Unveiling Mongolian Elegance: The Journey of Michel and Amazonka Choigaalaa Read More Lê Ngọc Lâm Architecture and Haute Couture: A Harmonious Fusion of Vision and Reality Read More Minae Lee Minae Lee’s Perspective: Where Fashion Meets Urban Development in New York City Read More

FASHION CREATIVES Jay-r Gamboa Flores Sultan Kudarat Couture Virtuoso Read More Nguyễn Tiến Truyển The Tapestry of Dreams: Nguyễn Tiến Truyển weaves thread into divine creations Read More Kermit Tesoro Cultural Heritage and Sustainability: The Essence of Kermit Tesoro's Work Read More Michel & Amazonka Unveiling Mongolian Elegance: The Journey of Michel and Amazonka Choigaalaa Read More Lê Ngọc Lâm Architecture and Haute Couture: A Harmonious Fusion of Vision and Reality Read More Minae Lee Minae Lee’s Perspective: Where Fashion Meets Urban Development in New York City Read More

Featured Creatives Roman Zaragoza Owning Complexity, Creating Connection Read More Sybil Wa A Creative Light of Care, Dignity, and Commitment Read More Michael Cho Elegance in Form: Michael Cho at Amsale Read More Elizabeth Clenci Harmony Within and Without: Filipino Heritage and the Pursuit of Holistic Health Read More Taylor Yasui A Multi-talented Cellist and Entrepreneur Harmonizing Music, Real Estate, and Culture Read More

FEATURED ARTISTS Dayat Sutisno Indonesia His photography captures profound stories in a single frame, making words almost unnecessary. Dayat Sutisno is an Indonesian photographer known for capturing compelling images that often reflect the rich cultural and natural landscapes of Indonesia. His work typically emphasizes the vibrant life, traditions, and scenic beauty of the country, bringing to light aspects of Indonesian society and environment that might otherwise go unnoticed. Sutisno's photography is noted for its vivid use of color and composition, which creates a powerful visual narrative. Photo credit: Dayat Sutisno View Artist's Work Joshua Limon Palisoc Philippines Emerging from Nueva Ecija, Philippines, Joshua Limon Palisoc is an artist whose journey mirrors the intricate materials he sculpts. Raised watching his parents operate their junkyard business, Joshua saw discarded materials—wood, metal scraps, bottles, and plastics—as the building blocks of his creativity. Despite a conservative Catholic upbringing that limited discussions on sexuality and emotions, Joshua found ways to express his inner paradox, blending logic with instinct and control with spontaneity. Initially on a path to nursing, Joshua delved into human anatomy and physiology, experiences that heightened his awareness of life's fleeting nature. This understanding propelled him towards art, leading him to the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. Here, he explored oil, ink, paper, ceramics, and metal, discovering a deep connection with the tactile process of creation. His work simplifies life's complexities, bringing order through lines, textures, and patterns, offering both a personal escape and a unique worldview. Graduating magna cum laude in 2016, Joshua quickly made his mark. His debut at the Pinto Art Museum showcased his initial metalworks, launching his career. In 2018, he joined Eskinita Gallery’s Tuklas Artist Mentorship Program, learning under contemporary sculptor Riel Hilario and social surrealists Renato Habulan and Alfredo Esquillo. This mentorship was pivotal, refining his skills and expanding his artistic horizons. Joshua's first solo exhibition, "Ephemeral Vessels," launched in November 2020 at the Pinto Art Museum amid the COVID-19 pandemic, seeking to reclaim death as a universal experience. In 2021, his work reached an international audience with "Open Vessel" in Berlin, Germany, marking his first exhibition outside the Philippines. His second solo exhibition, "Tahanan ng Makasalanan at Banal" (House of the Holy and the Sinner), in 2022, explored the nature of morality through lifelike paintings and sculptures. Joshua Limon Palisoc's art transforms the discarded into profound beauty and introspection. By simplifying life's complexities, he offers a meditative escape for himself and a resonant experience for his audience. His journey from a junkyard in Nueva Ecija to global galleries is a narrative of resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of one's true calling. Photo Credit: Provided by Joshua Limon Palisoc View Artist's Work Reynard Borillo Philippines Reynard Borillo's work is a celebration of his passion for translating words into visual stories. Deeply influenced by Southern culture and inspired by his travels through Mindanao, his canvas is filled with a rich variety of tales. He collects old items, books, dried flowers, and printed textiles, and he experiments with new materials, ensuring each piece transcends a single medium. Working with mixed media art grants Reynard the freedom to express himself fully. His distinctive style involves creating layers of collages from his collections, evenly coated with resin to serve as a backdrop. Many of his works incorporate bouquets of withered flowers layered with patterns inspired by William Morris. These dried flowers symbolize life reborn from death, and through his art, he encourages his audience to see beauty in imperfection and to embrace hope. Since graduating from Ford Academy of the Arts in 2011, Reynard has grown significantly as an artist. As a resident artist at Mendez Big and Small Art Co., he found opportunities to develop his craft. His first solo exhibition, "Seeking Light," debuted in 2013, followed by "Here After" in 2014. His journey continued with solo exhibitions at Provenance Gallery (2018), Ysobel Art Gallery (2018), and Pinto Art Museum (2017). He has also showcased his work internationally at events such as the New Dawn of Filipino Realism in Singapore (2019), the Asian Contemporary Art Show in Singapore (2016), Art Apart Fair in Singapore (2015), and the Museum of Fine Arts in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (2012). Reynard Borillo's journey continues, and he remains dedicated to exploring new ways to tell stories through his art. Photo Credit: Provided by Reynard Borillo View Artist's Work

< Back Shaira Ventura Embracing Diversity: Shaira Ventura and the Transformation of the Modeling Industry The modeling industry has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, embracing a global perspective that challenges traditional beauty norms and champions diverse cultural identities. This cultural shift has elevated models from various indigenous communities, allowing them to bring their unique heritage to mainstream fashion through campaigns, editorials, and runways. Among these trendsetters is Shaira Ventura, a 23-year-old from the Tausug community in Sulu province, Philippines. Ventura made waves by gracing the cover of Vogue Philippines in April 2024, captivating audiences with her natural elegance and modest charm. She represents a powerful shift away from conventional standards, highlighting the rich diversity and cultural heritage that indigenous models bring to the global fashion scene. The Tausug Heritage The Tausug, known as the “People of the Current,” possess a rich history and vibrant fashion culture that reflects their identity and traditions. For Tausug women, traditional attire includes the Batawi for formal occasions, often made of silk or velvet with intricate designs and gold button adornments. For daily wear, they wear the Sambra or Supa Supa, paired with Sawwal pants and an embroidered wrap called Kindang. Men wear the Badjuh Lapih as an upper garment and Kuput as pants. This sartorial legacy is woven into their cultural identity, influenced by Islam since the 13th century. The Tausug’s cultural roots run deep, with a history shaped by the establishment of the Sultanate of Sulu in 1475. While Islam is central to Tausug identity, they also retain elements of pre-Islamic practices that enrich their unique cultural heritage . A Journey of Balance and Faith Ventura, a newly registered nurse, grew up as the eldest child in her family, with three younger brothers. She describes her role as a caregiver and mentor to her siblings. “Being the eldest, I have to be the role model for my brothers,” Ventura explains. “When my parents are not around, I step in as a secondary parent, cooking for them, ironing their clothes, and attending school events,” she adds. Her journey into modeling began at age 12 through pageants, which led to opportunities with local designers. With her family’s support, especially her mother’s encouragement, Ventura balanced her cultural values with her aspirations, determined to pursue modeling while keeping nursing as a potential career path. Her modeling career is guided by her faith and cultural practices around modesty. In her hometown, she wears a hijab and adheres to traditional norms that emphasize covering her face and body except among close family members. “There are criticisms, but I keep in mind that my personal beliefs are more important than any criticism over appearances,” Ventura states. When Vogue Philippines approached her, Ventura expressed her requirements for modest attire, declining any styling that felt uncomfortable. “If it doesn’t feel right, then I don’t pursue it,” Ventura says. Her selection for the Vogue cover honors her authenticity and commitment to her values. Challenging Stereotypes and Celebrating Culture Ventura’s rise has also given her a platform to challenge stereotypes about her Tausug community, often misunderstood as combative due to media portrayals of Mindanao. “Someone once identified me as Tausug, saying they could tell by my expression, insinuating that I looked like I was ready for conflict,” Ventura recalls. She emphasizes that negative perceptions are overblown and do not represent the reality of her homeland. “It’s true that we can be fierce when defending our rights, but I grew up there and never encountered trouble.” “Tausug women can be fighters. We protect our rights and adapt while staying true to our values. Modesty and respect are the foundations of how we conduct ourselves,” Ventura asserts. Ventura also shares insights into Tausug customs around marriage and the evolving role of women. Traditionally, courtship led to prompt marriage, but today, women are empowered to choose their own spouses, aligning with Islamic requirements for mutual consent. Her parents serve as her role models, embodying both tradition and progressiveness. Ventura’s father, a mechanical engineer, and her mother, a school nurse and former aspiring model, support her unconditionally. She admires models like Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid, appreciating their confidence, even though she does not emulate their style directly. Inspiring a New Generation As Ventura continues to pursue modeling, she recognizes her role as a representative of her Tausug community. She aims to inspire women by showing that a conservative background is not a limitation but a testament to respect for tradition. To young models with cultural concerns, Ventura offers encouragement to remain true to their practices and values. Shaira Ventura has become more than just a model—she’s an icon of honor, resilience, and cultural celebration. By bridging the worlds of tradition and contemporary style, she inspires her community to honor their roots unapologetically and reminds us all of the strength found in embracing who we are. Shaira Ventura isn’t just walking the runway; she’s leading a new generation to wear their heritage with pride. 1/5 Images provided by: Shaira Ventura Previous Next

< Back Kermit Tesoro Cultural Heritage and Sustainability: The Essence of Kermit Tesoro's Work Kermit Tesoro’s designs bloom with intricate beauty and untamed wildness, deeply rooted in the vibrant tapestry of tropical flora and fauna. As a master horticulturist, he cultivates each piece with meticulous care, drawing inspiration from the organic curves and textures of nature. His creations are not just garments and shoes, but living ecosystems, where fabrics intertwine like vines and textures blossom like exotic flowers. Tesoro’s fascination with cacti and succulents is evident in his work, where spiky embellishments and robust structures evoke the hardy yet alluring nature of these desert plants. His bold shoe designs, featuring towering heels and intricate patterns, push the boundaries of traditional footwear. Each stage of Tesoro’s design process is a period of extreme creative silence, a calm before the storm, where ideas germinate and take root in his imagination. As he nurtures these concepts to fruition, the anticipation builds until the final reveal erupts with provocative brilliance. His designs are a symphony of the natural world, transforming wearers into walking manifestations of the botanical wonderland he so passionately adores, reflecting the resilience and exotic beauty of both tropical and arid landscapes. FROM MANILA TO BERLIN A pioneering Filipino artist originally from Manila and now based in Berlin since 2018, Kermit Tesoro has electrified global fashion with audacious footwear creations, installation art, and fashion designs. Trained at Central Saint Martins University of the Arts London, the Fashion Institute of the Philippines, and the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, Tesoro gained prominence with avant-garde shoe designs and organic, abstract body-enhancing silhouettes showcased at Philippine Fashion Week for six consecutive seasons beginning in 2008. One of his earliest and notably innovative designs was his reinterpretation of the “Bakya,” a traditional Filipino wooden clog featuring towering 9” heels. This creation along with more than 100 designs from other artists were featured in the “Stepping in Pinoy Style” exhibition at the Yuchengco Museum in the Philippines in 2009, a visual conversation highlighting the cultural significance of traditional Filipino footwear. ICONIC DESIGNS The skull heel, or “The Seat of Intelligence,” a daring fusion of the macabre and the elegant, underwent an extensive two to three years design process according to Tesoro. The prominent skull on the heel, combined with neutral colors, is reminiscent of Georgia O’Keeffe’s painting “Ram’s Head.” The curvature of the shoes, like the flower on the painting, is a reminder of its conflicting elegance. This design went viral globally, inundating Tesoro’s Facebook inbox with messages. “If it wasn’t for the skull heel, I would be dust. It truly changed my life and opened many doors,” Tesoro reflects. Following his fourth runway show at Philippine Fashion Week in 2010, Tesoro was approached by Lady Gaga’s team, sparking a collaboration that catapulted him into international recognition. In 2011, Lady Gaga’s stylist, Nicolas Formichetti, commissioned Tesoro and Filipino artist Leeroy New to create an armor dress worn by Lady Gaga on the cover of “Marry the Night.” This collaboration solidified Tesoro’s place in the global high fashion arena. When discussing the balance between art and wearability, Tesoro explains that his primary focus is on artistic value rather than practicality. For instance, the shoes worn by Lady Gaga on red carpets, while orthopedically correct, were designed to be admired rather than for ease of movement. “If you love a pair of shoes enough, you’ll find a way to wear them,” he notes with humor. Tesoro recalls another instance when Madonna’s stylist, Bea Åkerlund, invited him to create shoes and clothing for Madonna’s 2011 Super Bowl performance. However, lacking practical considerations, particularly for a dance performance, his designs could not meet the requirements. This experience taught Tesoro the importance of balancing comfort with artistic integrity. Reflecting on his influences, Tesoro speaks about the profound impact of his mother, especially during the design phase of his 2014 conceptual project, Polypodis. Much to his sorrow, his mother passed away the same year, marking a tumultuous period for Tesoro. “When certain emotions or moods intervene, there is always a transformation,” he reflects. The Polypodis shoes, inspired by cephalopods and the sundew plant, solidified his reputation as an innovator on the global stage. The forms of the tentacles, also reminiscent of Medusa’s hair, evoke the complexity of human (the wearer) emotions and the evolution of thought through personal experiences. Tesoro’s affinity with horticulture has influenced his designs in both abstract and literal ways. In 2016, he introduced Equilibria, inspired by the Venus flytrap, which blends natural forms with the human foot. The form and coloration of Equilibria clearly reflect a more literal interpretation of the plant; the wearer's foot becomes the trapped fly. This collection was exhibited alongside Polypodis at Lichtenwald Castle in Germany. SUSTAINABILITY AND CULTURAL ROOTS His latest capsule collection, *Leucistic Observation*, seamlessly blends avant-garde elements with a modest approach inspired by traditional Filipino values. Named after leucism, a genetic condition in animals characterized by reduced pigmentation, the collection reflects Tesoro's ongoing exploration of subtle yet profound themes. The incognito layering of textures in pale and neutral colors, accented with speckles of gold, silver, and pearl beadwork, reveals itself only upon close inspection. This striking contrast between an initial impression of modesty and the bold character revealed through intricate weaving and embroidery makes the collection irresistibly captivating. Throughout his career, Tesoro has consistently incorporated sustainable materials such as banana fiber, rattan, bamboo, and recycled plastics, some sourced from beaches. In the Leucistic Observation collection, he emphasizes sustainability by using native Filipino pineapple fiber as the dominant material, along with abaca fiber, sinamay, and repurposed Capiz shells. Living in Berlin, Tesoro celebrates his Filipino roots through his use of native materials for Leucistic Observation, reflecting his emotional journey and cultural pride. His designs adhere to the Filipino national costume guidelines, ensuring respect for tradition while innovating sensibly. “I was taught in school that there are certain guidelines to follow to avoid bastardizing the national costumes. I wanted to stay true to that philosophy,” Tesoro explains, referring to his handling of the traditionally woven fibers for his garments. THOUGHT-PROVOKING ART AND FASHION Tesoro’s audacious work elicits strong reactions, challenges norms, and provokes taboos, touching on themes of sensuality and critical thought. Reflecting on his collaboration with Lady Gaga, which drew criticism from conservative Christian groups and led to his work being labeled as diabolical, he asserts, “Provoking emotion, whether positive or negative, is the goal—to move people to respond.” When asked which historical figure he would design for, Tesoro enthusiastically mentions Atang de la Rama, a prominent Filipino actress and singer celebrated as the “Queen of Kundiman.” Known for her exceptional performances of traditional Filipino love songs, Atang de la Rama made significant contributions to Philippine theater and cinema during the early to mid-20th century. Tesoro expressed his excitement at interpreting the “bakya,” or traditional Filipino dress, alongside other contemporary designs for her, saying, “I would love to dress her.” In contrast, when asked which celebrity he would like to design for at the MET Gala in New York City, Tesoro promptly replied, “Cate Blanchett! I love her! If given the opportunity to dress her or create something for her, I would be more than okay (hinting at pure bliss in life).” From his journey through triumphs, challenges, evolution, faced with both adorations and scrutinies, Tesoro advises young aspiring creators with unique visions to stay informed and rooted in their core values. "Being canceled isn't permanent. Identify your creative truth and defend it," Kermit encourages, emphasizing authenticity over fear of judgment in today's cancel culture. Kermit Tesoro's bold exploration of art and fashion transcends conventions, challenging the fashion world to embrace new perspectives and possibilities. As a Filipino artist, his upbringing in Paete, Laguna, known as "the carving capital of the Philippines" and his late mother's hometown, nurtured his principles of design versatility and innovative material use. This environment, rich with childhood memories and family experiences, instilled in him a deep appreciation for Filipino aesthetic traditions and cultural heritage, particularly the "bakya" culture. His dedication to horticulture and environmental sensibilities enrich his creative vision, while his advocacy for sustainability underscores the ethical foundation of his work. Tesoro's creations epitomize the power of creativity to provoke thought and reshape boundaries, marking him as an avant-garde artist on the global stage who remains genuine and true to his values. 1/5 Images provided by: Kermit Tesoro Previous Next