Inside the historic Calvo Building in Escolta, Manila, the FEATI Art 2025 exhibit is bringing together a diverse collection of works from faculty, alumni, and students of FEATI School of Fine Arts (SFA).
The photo features The Art District’s (TAD) Lucas Nieto (fourth from right) alongside several featured artists of FEATI Art 2025. (Image courtesy of TAD)
This year’s exhibition, themed “Unveiling the Extraordinary” curated by artist and educator Jonathan Rañola, showcases the progressing nature of contemporary Philippine art while celebrating tradition and advocacy-driven creativity.
“This exhibit features works from faculty, alumni, and current students of FEATI SFA,” said Rañola, who exclusively walked Simpol.ph through the gallery. Among the standout pieces is a work by Oscar Villaneza, an award-winning artist and FEATI SFA graduate. Another notable piece is by Aner Sebastian, a former faculty member and a distinguished member of the Saturday Group, a collective of renowned Filipino artists.
Rañola is an exhibiting artist. His works, displayed prominently in the gallery, feature retablo pieces, a mixed-media approach that incorporates watercolor and pen. A crucial part of his practice is the use of recycled and upcycled materials to reflect his personal advocacy for nature conservation.
“My themes often revolve around figures like Maria Makiling and other nature maidens,” he shared. “I mix spirituality with traditional and contemporary art.”
This pledge to sustainability is echoed throughout the exhibit, where artists explore personal advocacies through their distinct styles. The open-theme format for this year’s show allows for a broad range of interpretations, from figurative to abstract, and traditional to experimental.
Among the other featured works is a skateboard artwork by Chas Maratas, a Metrobank Art Competition grand prize winner. Another celebrated artist, Andrew Tan, also a Metrobank grand prize winner, is showcasing his latest work.
The exhibit features FEATI Art 2025 artists who use their creative lenses to showcase their talent and vision. (Image courtesy of TAD)
One of the most striking pieces in the exhibit is a dragon sculpture made of wire and clay, crafted by Annalyn Joy Inocencio, a first-year Fine Arts student. “She has an incredible talent for intricate sculptures,” Rañola said, highlighting how the exhibit nurtures emerging artists.
For Rañola, FEATI SFA has played a pivotal role in shaping the contemporary Philippine art scene. “Our alumni and students are significant contributors. Many of them are leading figures today,” he said. The institution’s devotion to artistic mastery continues with initiatives like this exhibit, which aims to prepare young artists for professional careers.
The FEATI Art 2025 provides a platform for students and alumni, and not only showcases their work but also supports a booming creative community. “Even with digital advancements and artificial intelligence, traditional art will always have a place,” Rañola said.
One of the exhibit’s key objectives is to inspire young artists. “Exhibitions like this encourage aspiring creatives to pursue a career in fine arts,” Rañola noted. “Not everyone may become an artist, but everyone can support the arts.”
For those interested in starting an art collection, most of the exhibited works are for sale. Visitors can explore pieces at the Art District and inquire about pricing.
FEATI Art 2025 is open to the public from Feb. 15 to Mar. 15 at The Art District inside the Calvo Building in Escolta, Manila. The gallery is located on the second floor and welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
To end, Rañola hopes that it will spark a deeper appreciation for Philippine contemporary art. “Keep creating art, no matter what style you pursue. Every art form has an audience,” he encouraged aspiring artists.
