The Baguio artist behind Paperspective, Shaphir Aleph Lizarondo, finally came out of his comfort zone as he presented his first paper art series at the Corte de Papel of the Blanco Art Gallery in Angono, Rizal.
Lizarondo, an alumnus of the University of the Philippines in Baguio, has shared in media interviews that he never planned to be an artist better yet even having his art displayed at the Blanco Gallery’s Corte de Papel 12-artist exhibit held in partnership with the Papercutters Guild of the Philippines from October 12 to November 7.
What started just as a paper cutouts hobby led him to create intricate masterpieces of art that displayed awe-inspiring and stunning work. As more and more people admired his work and encouraged him, the Baguio artist said he gained the confidence to share his talent and cause.
Lizarondo said he chose endangered animals in his Animal x Mandala Series as his subject using the paper medium because he wanted to raise awareness about these critically endangered species and encourage the public to save and protect them from extinction.
“I think it will capture people’s eyes kasi. When they read the captions, maiintindihan nila na endangered na sila and hoping na manghihinayang sila na pabayaang mawala ‘yung mga ‘yun (… they will understand these are endangered species and I hope they would realize it’s a pity to let them disappear),” the Paperspective artist said.
“Nakita ko na may mga natutuwa at nagse-share so maganda siyang outlet to share information and raise awareness (I saw people liking and sharing my works and I realized it’s a good outlet to share information and raise awareness),” Lizarondo added.
Using only simple materials like white cardstocks, cutting tools, cutting mat and lots of patience as he worked 10-15 hours on each piece, the Filipino artist was able to create impressive artworks that enable him to create awareness about some of the world’s endangered species.
Paperspective’s Animal x Mandala Series presented the following species:
Pithecophaga jefferyi (Philippine eagle)
Eretmochelys imbricata (hawksbill sea turtle)
Anthracoceros montani (Sulu hornbill)
Manis culionensis (Philippine pangolin)
Betta splendens (Siamese fighting fish)
Bufoceratias wedli (Angler fish)
Bubo scandiacus (Snowy owl)
Filipino artists have innovated with ways to spread their advocacy, among them, JC Enon’s Moto In Can recycled aluminum cans miniature art pieces which are nominated to the 2019 iCARES Earth Hero Award in Las Vegas, AG Sano’s marine mural at the Makati underpass art canopy, colorist Ivan Bilugan’s eco-bricks tiny house, and Francis Sollano’s Trashion environmental fashion.
SEND congratulations in the comments below to Baguio artist Shaphir Aleph Lizarondo of Paperspective for showcasing endangered animals in his artworks!
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