PRISM 2017: Bright lights & #NeonCity nights

Under the bright lights of the Neon City, friends and strangers wandered through meandering pathways to discover the gems of art tucked away at every corner. To the delight of art-enthusiasts from the South, the annual tradeshow of DLSU-D’s Graphics Design and Multimedia (BGM) senior class PRISM returned this year at Ugnayang La Salle (ULS) from May 22 to 24—this time, bigger and brighter than ever.

With three days full of art, music, and free pizza every now and then, it’s no wonder that students kept coming back for more at PRISM 2017.

 

In the neon city jungle

For this year’s edition of the tradeshow, PRISM took on the theme of “Neon City,” a concept that was the brainchild of organizer Vanessa Viado. From the get go, you could feel the electric atmosphere pulsing in your veins just from walking through the entry tunnel glowing with neon lights.

It was like hitting rewind to 2010 and stepping onto the set of an MGMT or Passion Pit music video—and we mean this in the best way possible.

As to how the entire concept came about, Viado shared, “One time, nakinig ako sa 1975, ‘yong bagong album nila, and do’n ako na-inspire.”

And so, the Neon City began to take shape as the senior BGM students began planning as early as August 2016, and juggling the exhibit and their own theses throughout the rest of the year.

On the impact they hope to leave behind with the Neon City, Viado said, “An art exhibit is to give inspiration and uplift the art industry in this generation,”—something that PRISM undoubtedly achieved, attracting art buffs inside and outside of campus to relish in a neon city illuminating the work of homegrown artists.

 

On being different and daring

One of the standout exhibits from PRISM was The Black Gallery by Den Faderogao that gave off some classic Art Fair vibes. A unique mini art installation exhibit, The Black Gallery featured everyday objects painted black and set up in a minimalist way that attracted many people to pin their “favorite exhibit” stickers onto the booth.

“I did not go into trad[itional] or digital [art]. Since ‘yong mga ibang booth hina-highlight nila ‘yong mga gawa nila digital ‘tsaka trad so naisip ko na what if magagawa ako ng medyo iba,” Faderogao shared on how he came up with the unique concept.

He added, “Makulit ako mag-isip, so ini-incorporate ko ‘yong mga nangyari sa ngayon tulad ng ‘Wag Tularan’ theme ko.”

 

Another standout exhibit was that of Yuriko Sotani whose 3-D mermaid artwork stole the show with its striking reimagining of the ocean. Striving to emphasize the content of her art over the construction of the booth, Sotani described how she focused more on defining herself as an artist and designer with her evident love for the ocean.

Describing her art, Sotani shared that “It’s full of risk”—risk that she hopes others will be daring enough to take in every piece of art that they do.

As for her message for the art-loving PRISM goers, Sotani adds, “Do not be afraid to show themselves when it comes to art.”

 

When artists converge

Aside from the art exhibits that dotted the grounds of ULS, the event also featured a set of speakers, short films, and musical performances stretched out over three days.

The various talks included film and filmmaking with Quark Henares, watercolor with Jamie Sarmiento and Erica Bravante, design with Andrew Panopio and Tim Lopez, working with clients with Valerie Jiongco, photography with Ritz Marie, branding with Boy in Transit, and advertising with Third Domingo.

On the second day, short films produced by the fourth-year BGM students were screened, namely “Tahanan,” “Nagsimula Tayo sa Wakas,” “Halos,” “Subok Lang,” and “Tatsulok.”

Closing the three-day event on a high note with musical performances from some fan-favorite indie artists, Fools and Foes, Ben & Ben, and Reese Lansangan took to the stage to the delight of the indie-lovers in the crowd.

***

Needless to say, we need more events like this in the future—chances to channel our inner visionary and let creativity take its course. And if you missed out this year, then do make sure not to miss it next year—so you can witness the creativity of the young artists of PRISM, ready to light up the art industry.