In the summer of 1991, Bagsik (Batanguenong Grupo sa Sining at Kultura) was created after a group of painting enthusiasts considered forming an art group. They were products of the summer art lessons artist Remo Valenton of The Gray Gallery organized. Their common bond was their love for visual art, a diverse range of forms including oil, acrylic, sketching, and watercolor. The group officially started in 1992 with Bill Perez as its president.
Members of Batanguenong Grupo sa Sining at Kultura or Bagsik CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The group’s activities were diverse and vibrant, engaging in on-the-spot paintings and exploring different locations to fuel their passion for the arts. Their love for visual art was evident in their numerous exhibits in Batangas, held at the Lion’s Clubhouse, the Alpha Hotel Rooftop, and the Caedo Commercial Complex.
With the support of the provincial government under Governor Hermilando Mandanas, they held regular exhibits in the lobby of the Batangan Plaza Hotel from 1993 to 1996. Their passion even led them to the 1st Luzon Visual Art Congress in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, in 1995, where they had the opportunity to meet National Artist Jose Joya. They were invited to art talks and the Assertionism Master Rene Robles exhibit in Batangas City, keeping all engaged and interested in their artistic journey. These achievements are a testament to the vibrant and thriving art community in Batangas, of which they can all be proud.
They enjoyed each other’s company and bonded through painting until the members left the group one by one to pursue other art careers or explore opportunities abroad. It was an art group of young painters in their teens who, over time, grew into individuals with diverse interests and aspirations. Some chose to study architecture, others delved into digital art, tattooing, or mural painting. Their paths, once intertwined, now led them on separate but equally exciting artistic journeys.
It was a surprise during a Christmas party in 2021 when they thought about having a reunion, curious about what happened to the members of the group and the mentor, Remo Valenton, after 30 years. With that reunion, they thought of pursuing their lost love and passion for painting and creating art. It was timely that SM City Batangas needed a group to exhibit in celebration of Breastfeeding Month. It was a Godsend as the theme of breastfeeding goes with the hunger to be nurtured by the arts. Architect Ed Fiedalan was the duly elected president that year.
This year, under president Remo Valenton’s leadership, Bagsik Art Group had 14 exhibits and eight workshops in various locations after the reunion. Most memorable was the first Manila exhibit at 1159 Creative Space Gallery at Makati Cinema Square last August and a sold-out show at Agoncillo Event Center in December 2022. This journey from a simple reunion to a successful year is a testament to the group’s resilience and passion for the arts, making all proud and connected.
As the Bagsik Art Group celebrates its 33rd year as the premier art group in Batangas province, it launches “Treinta Y Tres.” This launch is a testament to their renewed vigor and passion as they strengthen their unwavering commitment to nurturing and promoting visual art in Batangas. It also marks the beginning of their future plans, which are not just promising, but set to be as inspiring and impactful as their past achievements.
Moreover, the BAGSIK Art Group will be featured in an upcoming book published by LPB Arthaus Media Ltd. entitled “Art Group in the Philippines,” which will be distributed for free at colleges and universities that offer fine arts, architecture, and graphic designs throughout the archipelago. Registered galleries and museums also benefit from the coffee table book.
