SearchMindscape Foundation brought together live painting, music, performance art,
underwater photography, large-scale digital art projections, and interactive art installations
for one day only–all under one expansive roof. Its powerful message, underscored by the theme
Of Echoes and Currents invites everyone to rethink our relationships and experiences.
October 26, 2004– Even before the gates of IMMERSIVE ART by SearchMindscape officially opened at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati, guests had already made their way to the venue. A palpable mix of curiosity and excitement drove them to a multi-sensorial art experience, unlike anything that has been done in the Philippines.
SearchMindscape Foundation’s Ayni Nuyda shares: “We wanted to create a playground for
artists, enthusiasts, and audiences. Since day one, our work at SearchMindscape has always
been about inspiring artists to thrive and empowering audiences to build a relationship with the
art and the artists.
National Artist, Ramon Orlina
Through the IMMERSIVE ART, we hope to blur the boundaries between collector and artist, building bridges that will reshape the audiences’ experience of art.” Ayni was intentional about touching on the five senses. She says, “This is how you create a memorable experience,” IMMERSIVE ART was also designed to highlight the ephemeral nature of art in all its forms and iterations. “It’s witnessing art at the moment, comparable to watching a live concert versus seeing it on television,” she describes.
Of Echoes and Currents was the event’s resonant message, honoring the beauty, boundless power and fragility of the ocean. The theme tied together the various limbs that made up IMMERSIVE ART by SearchMindscape Foundation. From the live painting to music, digital projections, and photography,
Ayni emphasizes, “Everything is related to the ocean or water. In all aspects of the event we brought together the emerging and seasoned artists.” UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY: Skim Through the Water’s Surface Or Go On Deep Dive Into The Underwater World Before heading up to the main event hall on the second floor, guests were invited to witness a unique photo exhibit featuring the works of underwater lensmen, including: Geric Cruz, Jan Mayo, Colin Dancel, Bimpoman, Simon Te, Boogs Rosales, Andie Remulla and more.
Within the space, viewers are transported to the deepest, darkest depths of the sea. They are
invited to ponder on life on the surface, where the rays of the sun glimmer. Bianca Natola, who
co-curated and designed the photography exhibit also showcased her very own works entitled
Liquid Snake and De Dust. Her installation piece merges metal, video, and light, adding a three
dimensional layer to the photographs on exhibit.
“Usually we only see these types of underwater photographs in Nat Geo type of platforms,”
observes Ayni. Only a handful of galleries place photography as fine art, especially underwater
photography.” At IMMERSIVE ART, these captivating images were showcased as works of art.
It also served as a fitting prelude to the multi-sensorial experience that would unfold in the main
hall.
DIGITAL ART PROJECTIONS: Pushing Perceptual Boundaries
As soon as the doors of the main hall opened, guests were invited to enter an alternate universe
where digital art, music, poetry, movement, and live painting all converged. The expansive
909-square meter event’s space of Green Sun (also known as The Eye) was surrounded by
floor-to-ceiling digital art projections.
Ayni explains, “The digital art display pushes perceptual boundaries, blending technology with
nature to create immersive experiences. These works prompt viewers to reconsider their
relationship with our waters, using various techniques to depict elements in ways that are both
conceptual and evocative.” Digital Art Projections showcased during IMMERSIVE ART include original works by: Manny Montelibano, Bea Mariano,Jet Leyco, Tey Clamor, Idan Cruz and others.
MUSIC, MOVEMENT, SCULPTURE, AND POETRY: Immersing The Senses
As various larger-than-life digital artworks surrounded the space, live music, poetry, and movement unfolded center stage. Beneath Aze Ong’s installation of her four Queens, a ballet by Lily Andres opened the show accompanied by Sheree Chua’s poetry. At halftime, an intuitive movement and meditative sufi dance by Chloe Chotrani took place.
Live musical performances, curated by Nick Lazaro and Mike Constantino (Homonym), accompanied various digital wall projections surrounding the venue. Ayni furthers, “Live music performances introduce an auditory dimension to the exhibit, drawing inspiration from the rhythmic patterns and sounds of the seas. Compositions are inspired by the gentle lapping of the waves, the distant calls of marine creatures, and the powerful surge of tides, creating an acoustic landscape that deepens the emotional impact of the visual art.” Musical acts featured at IMMERSIVE ART included Filipino rock music’s queen Sampaguita, who turned up the crowd with her iconic musical hits such as Laguna, Nosibalasi, and Bonggahan, proving once again the reason why she’s still one of the most iconic names in Filipino culture.
BATTLE OF THE BRUSH: Witnessing The Creative Process Unfold
A pioneering concept born out of a collaboration between Kevan Sang (Capulet Art) and renowned Canadian artist Raymond Chow, BATTLE OF THE BRUSH is a live painting competition that allows audiences to witness the creative process of artists–from blank canvas to completed work of art. The live painting event has united exceptional artists through a shared passion for collaboration and creative excellence.
For its inaugural debut in the Philippines, BATTLE OF THE BRUSH welcomed six pairs of artists to the stage. “Our roster of artists will set the bar for future iterations of BATTLE OF THE BRUSH,” said Ayni. In Vancouver, BATTLE OF THE BRUSH has extended its presence beyond the competition stage, adding a creative layer to events like weddings, corporate team-building exercises, and other milestone celebrations.
The brand has also etched its place in Beijing’s dynamic art scene. Artworks that were born during the inaugural Battle of the Brush at IMMERSIVE ART. Proceeds from the auction and sale of pieces will be dedicated to supporting the relief efforts (through Kaya Natin and Angat Buhay) in Ayni’s hometown of Bicol. “It felt more meaningful to redirect all the proceeds from the sales of artworks and photographs to a cause that supports the rehabilitation and relief of our kababayans ( countrymen ) in Bicol. ” ends the founder and director.
All the photographs at IMMERSIVE ART are for sale & silent auction. For inquiries, email
immersiveart@searchmindscape.com (look for Kinah or Jeby).
