TAM-AWAN FEATURES BULACAN ARTISTS

June 22, 2025 Lifestyle

The Tam-awan Village gallery opened its doors to the Bulacan in an exhibit titled “This Gathering,” bringing together artists. Oliver Marquez , champion – 20th GSIS National Art Competition 2025, being part of this exhibit is a dream fulfilled. “Ah, dito, pinagmamalaki ko yung Tam Awan Village, nakasama ako sa group exhibit. Sapagkat itong Tam Awan, eh, kilala talaga ito pagdating sa sining/visual. At maipagmamalaki natin na makasama dito sa exhibit na ito. Ito yung isa kong naging pangarap, na makarating dito,” he said.

Marquez is one of many artists who sees Tam-awan not just as a gallery, but as a cultural ground where artists meet, grow, and inspire one another. A decade ago, Bulacan artists also held an exhibit at Tam-awan—making this year’s “This Gathering” feel like a beautiful return, a reconnection of two artist communities. “Unang-una, yung mga matagal ko ng formula sa painting, ma-i-share ko naman sa iba,” Marquez said when asked about what he hopes viewers take away from his work. “Tsaka gusto ko, sa naging artwork ko, maging unique na wala silang makikita sa ibang artwork. Tsaka yung atake ng artwork ko ay magiging inspiration din sa mga new generation… Pati yung mga collector na pag tinangkilik nila ang aking artwork na magiging yaman din para sa kanila. At magiging investment pagdating ng araw,” he added.

In the exhibition, every artist presents their own voice, background, and technique, yet they are united by their shared passion. Each piece stands proudly on its own—but together, the artworks form a greater whole, echoing the message of unity in diversity. It’s a gathering not just of creatives, but of ideas, histories, and hopes. For Marquez, inspiration begins with family. His work often includes a recurring symbol—the Tres Marias, which represents his three daughters. These figures are not just subjects of his art, but his muses, and through them, he shares stories of love and meaning. “Unang-una, nagiging inspiration ko yung family ko. Karamihan sa artwork ko merong Tres Marias. Yung Tres Marias na yun, yung tatlong anak kong babae na naging tema ko para ma-share ko sa larangan ng sining,” he shared.

Marquez believes that a good artwork isn’t just about decoration. “Magkaroon ng kabuluhan yung mga ginawa kong artwork. Magiging meaningful. Lahat naman ay merong kwento. At yun ang pinaka-importante sa artwork din. Magkaroon ng kwento yung isang artwork… Tapos, pag tinignan nila yung artwork, may nararamdaman sila. May nararamdaman na pagmamahal, may nararamdaman na konting drama.” The exhibit runs until July 4 and is part of the Dayo exhibition series, now on its third show.

By Glyna Ritch Sabado, Photo courtesy of Tam -Awan Village