On a usual day, when we step into an art gallery, we expect to see paintings mounted on pristine white walls, supported by traditional wooden or metal easels.
But what if the easel itself was alive? What if the artists did not just create the art but became part of it?
This is precisely what happened in front of Ayala Malls Legazpi on Saturday, February 8, as artists from all over Albay gathered for the second year of The Human Easel Project.
For 15 minutes, they stood tall, holding their own artworks, becoming living pedestals in an avant-garde display that defied artistic conventions.
Art Beyond Borders
The Human Easel Project, initiated by Art Show Philippines, is not just a local endeavor—it is a worldwide movement.
Simultaneously, artists from different parts of the Philippines and beyond lifted their works in unison, dissolving the barrier between the creator and their creation.
“This project reimagines how art is presented,” said Regine Eina Calisin, a visual artist who took part in the event. “Instead of simply placing paintings on gallery walls, artists themselves become the medium, displaying their works through their own presence. It invites deeper contemplation—not just of the art itself, but of the interconnectedness between the artist, their work, and the audience.”
The movement is not just about aesthetics; it is a challenge to the traditional experience of art appreciation.
Viewers no longer passively observe from a distance but are instead confronted with the physical presence of the artist, making the experience more intimate and personal.
Giving Local Artists a Voice
For many of the participating artists from Albay, the event was more than just a creative statement—it was an opportunity to be seen and heard.
“Ang daming talents, but then kulang yung opportunity to be seen and to be promoted,” Calisin shared.
“Movements like this help showcase and advertise the talents of local artists.”
In a world where artists often struggle for recognition, initiatives like The Human Easel Project serve as a platform—quite literally—for emerging creatives to step into the spotlight.
A Movement That Challenges and Inspires
As the 15 minutes passed and the artists gently lowered their works, the performance left an undeniable impression.
The unconventional exhibit was not just an act of artistic defiance but a powerful statement about the role of artists in society—no longer just creators but integral parts of the artistic experience itself.
With its growing international reach, The Human Easel Project is proving that art is not confined to galleries or museums. It is alive, breathing, and constantly evolving—just like the artists who create it.
And sometimes, to truly appreciate art, we must not just look at it but stand with it.I Jeric Lopez