Legazpi City, Albay – Inside the cozy and inviting space of Kapihan in P2, Gogon, Barriada, art blooms in every corner. From July 19 to August 19, 2025, ArtNihan 3.0 – The Seeds of the Future brings together the creative spirit of Bicolano artists, powered by Art Lift PH-Bicol, Art Peninsula, and Kapihan.
Now on its third edition, ArtNihan continues to evolve, this time with a unified theme that curator Dennis “DenCon” Concepcion says is “all about the camaraderie and hard work of today’s generation.” Unlike previous runs, the 2025 exhibit challenges participating artists to create works rooted in a shared narrative. “I hope the public will get to know not just the meaning of the artworks but also the artists,” Concepcion adds, noting how experimentation and storytelling have shaped the region’s art scene in recent years.
Stories on Canvas: Voices of the Artists
For artist Ma Cel, the journey to ArtNihan 3.0 was deeply personal. Describing herself as “a work in progress,” she contributed two pieces — Highlands and New Dawn.
Highlands, she shares, was inspired by a trip with a friend, marveling at the beauty of Mount Mayon and envisioning a future where development coexists with nature — where advanced farming, parks, and establishments thrive without harming the environment. New Dawn, on the other hand, reflects resilience and hope: “It’s like our life… it means a fresh start,” she says.
For Ma Cel, the exhibit’s theme resonates with her mission: “I want to plant some inspiration through art for our young generation… I want to touch lives, but I love it more when I touch hearts.” Overcoming an art block just months ago, she found renewed energy and a fondness for coffee art, that fueled her participation.
Clarence Denise Agripa approached the exhibit as a chance to tell a new kind of story. “Every detail has its own interpretation, every line and curve comes with explanations,” she says. Initially brimming with ideas, Clarence admits the process was far from smooth. With submission day looming and uncertainty clouding her choices, inspiration struck just in time. “I almost cried looking at the finished product… I went from excited to worried to satisfied.”
For her, the theme “The Seeds of the Future” is about the necessity of starting today to reap tomorrow’s rewards. “You don’t expect a future if working today is not in our vocabulary,” she notes. Beyond technical skill, Clarence aspires to be an artist with substance, one who tells stories, conveys emotions, and inspires others. “It’s about fostering art in a way that’s engaging and meaningful.”
A Space for Growth and Connection
Events like ArtNihan are more than just exhibitions, they’re catalysts for community growth. Visitors describe it as a fresh take on art, with coffee as an unexpected yet captivating medium. “It’s surprising and inspiring,” one attendee shares. “It’s something different and worth experiencing.”
For Mida Del Mundo Casulla, owner of Kapihan, hosting ArtNihan 3.0 is about more than filling walls with paintings. It’s about giving Bicolano artists a platform. “Supporting local artists keeps culture alive and growing. They tell real stories from the community and deserve a space to be seen and heard,” she emphasizes.
Looking Ahead
With the exhibit running until August 19, 2025, ArtNihan 3.0 invites everyone to witness the seeds of creativity being sown today. As Concepcion reflects, it’s not just about the art, it’s about the people behind it, the stories they tell, and the future they envision.
In every brushstroke and coffee stain, ArtNihan 3.0 reminds us that the future of Bicolano art is not just imagined, it’s already taking root.I Story by Angela Antivola
Photos: Dennis Concepcion