When three generations of illustrators explore the world, they discover many more

A collective of illustrators, Ang INK investigates what’s around us. Hidden, unnoticed or imagined—these are their worlds within worlds.

Little creatures, labyrinthine paths, unexpected dwellers, and things that go bump in the night —Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK) finds inspiration in worlds that interact, overlap, and sometimes, collide with each other in interesting and unexpected ways in its new exhibit “Worlds within Worlds,” slated to run from June 15 to July 28, 2024 at the Ayala Museum, Makati City.

The 2024 annual exhibit by Ang INK is anchored on the concept of the worlds that we are part of, that exist around us—albeit hidden or tucked way beyond what is immediately obvious, as well as those that we imagine or hope to live in. These worlds highlight our connectedness, the value of shared spaces, co-existence, and thriving together.

Blooey Singson’s 3D “After Hours” shows new customers coming after a bookstore has closed for the night. Ang INK’s “Worlds within Worlds” at Ayala Museum on June 15 to July 28 is free to the public. It features 100 individual works.

“Worlds within Worlds” showcases over 100 individual works by member illustrators, including the 2024 batch of new members.

Among the works are Angela Taguiang’s “Point of View,” which explores the unexpected things we see if we really look. Dani Go’s “The World is Hers,” shows a person finding wholeness and joy through art and animals. Domz Agsaway’s “Ano Kaya” depicts a bookshelf of curiosities, featuring the vast lands contained within each book.

Blooey Singson’s “After Hours” is a 3D work that shows what happens when a bookstore gets new clientele after it has closed for the night. Jap Mikel’s “Ang Mahiwagang Tahanan ni Señor Iro” features an enchanted aparador that serves as a secret passageway to other places and worlds. Aaron Asis’ “Palette Museum” reimagines his artist’s palette as a museum, showcasing interesting color blends and brushstrokes as the exhibits, with visitors looking on.

Tin Javier’s “Sundew Circuit” portrays a maze of electronic circuitboards, reimagined with robotic insects, buildings, and blooming gardens. Leo Alvarado’s “Hardin” reveals flower sprites inside a flower shop. In Marcus Nada’s “Uwian Na,” the street lamp illuminates the bustle of a bus stop after school. Patricia Ramos’ “Book Nook” proposes that everyone deserves a cozy corner to curl up with a book, no matter their shape or size.

The opening reception for the exhibit is scheduled at 4 pm on Saturday, June 15. Adding more excitement are activities organized by Ang INK that visitors to Ayala Museum can look forward to.

“INK Fest” — Ang INK’s art fair will take place on Sunday, June 30, coinciding with Ayala Museum’s Free Museum Day. Aside from this, special talks by Ang INK’s award-winning illustrators will take place in mid-July to celebrate National Children’s Book Day.

“Worlds Within Worlds” runs at the Ayala Museum Second Floor Gallery from June 15 – July 28. Admission is free. Ayala Museum gallery hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am- 6 pm.

Founded in 1991, Ang INK is the Philippines’ first and only organization of artists dedicated to children’s illustration. Aside from illustrators, its members include graphic designers, painters, writers, educators, and literacy advocates among others, united by the shared vision of enriching and elevating the visual art of illustration and the continued professionalization of the industry.

Ang INK has more than 70 members who are illustrators, graphic designers, painters, writers, teachers working in educational institutions, publishing companies, and design and advertising agencies. The organization aims to enrich and elevate the visual art of illustration while contributing to the continued professionalization of the industry.

For more information about Ang INK, follow ANG INK on Facebook and Instagram, visit www.ang-ink.org, or email hello@ang-ink.org.

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