1AM SF » art benefit

SALAMAT JAMES FOR “TABI TABI PO”

1:AM — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 01:18:27 +0000

We want to say farewell to “Tabi Tabi Po” in style. Join us this Saturday, December 12th, for this incredible show’s closing reception from 6-9pm. Baliktad, a two man team made up of Pu22le (aka Alex Abalos) and Mike Boo (a turntablist not only known in the Bay but around the world), will be filling the gallery with their music. They will be spinning and playing sounds incorporating break beats, traditional Filipino instruments and city noises.

Visit our previous post, “Animating Tabi Tabi Po“, for a sampling of their music.

Pu22le and Mike Boo making the sounds come alive in the gallery!

Salamat (thank you) James for making this happen! It is a truly enjoyable show where people get to experience the richness of Filipino culture and the amazing talents of all the artists that participated.

TABI TABI PO CLOSING RECEPTION THIS SATURDAY FROM 6 – 9PM!

“THE DWENDE THAT GREW TOO BIG”

1:AM — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 22:56:34 +0000

On Saturday, December 5th, join us for an experimental play that shares the story of a dwende (a tiny dwarf-like creature) that wakes up and realizes he turned into a giant. Through live music and shadow play by Bindlestiff Studio, a community based Filipino performing troupe, we explore the world of Azaro, the dwende, and his journey to make peace with a new destiny. The event will be held at 1:AM gallery from 5:30 to 8:00pm. This is a free event and open to all ages. Bring the kids!

This performance complements our current art exhibition, titled “Tabi Tabi Po” (pronounced Ta-bee Ta-bee Poe). The exhibit is dedicated to celebrating Filipino folklore through urban contemporary art. A percentage of the art sales will be donated to the victims of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng through BAYAN Philippines and BALSA (Bayanihan para sa Sambayanan). For more information, check out our recent “Tabi Tabi Po” posts.

I am really excited to see how they, yet again, transform 1:AM gallery to something completely different. Hope you can join us. See you Saturday!

"Ate Socorro" by Cece Carpio - her interpretation of a female Dwende

MAKIN’ IT HAPPEN: JAMES “gaNyan” GARCIA

1:AM — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:20:42 +0000

James “gaNyan” Garcia definitely put his heart and soul into making his vision a reality. “Tabi Tabi Po” not only presents amazing pieces of art but also an experience. From the recorded sounds of the busy streets of the Philippines to a shanty depicting the slums of Manila to the traditional huts called “Bahay Kubo” with baybayin markings on the doorway to the documentary showcasing Filipino artists explaining folklore creatures to the murals inside and outside, James has brought the Philippines to 1:AM gallery. If you have not had a chance to see it, make sure you head down to the gallery and soak in the Filipino culture.

Get to know the mastermind behind “Tabi Tabi Po” by reading the interview we did with him below.

James being blessed by Kulart's Alleluia Panis during the opening night

How did you come up with the theme “Tabi Tabi Po”?

I have been doing research on Filipino Folklore for the past couple years and have been implementing it here and there in my personal works. I found it a great way to learn more about my culture. I felt that by having an exhibit where other artists of Filipino descent express themselves through exploring Filipino Folklore- it would create a space for dialogue for the Fil-Am Community to connect and re-connect through this tradition, and ultimately share this with the greater bay area community. Tabi Tabi Po, means pardon me, or excuse me, often said to Filipino Forest Creatures so they won’t but a spell on you…to me these creatures protect the forest and help keep people aware of the environment. Myth, or reality, folklore allows us to open up to the idea that spirits exists, and fooling with Mother Nature ain’t no joke.

What Filipino folklore creature: scares you the most? you are most captivated by?

The Manananggal, is the most frightening and captivating to me. They split into 2 halves, their torso separates from the waist down, and grow bat wings and hunt for peoples organs and expecting mothers’ fetuses at night…and in the day blend into society as beautiful women.

Do you have any experience with these creatures?

Well, once i couldn’t move while I was in bed late one night, as if i was being held down. There is a creature called a Bangungot in Filipino Folklore that sits on your chest and sometimes chokes you to death. Its crossed my mind that could’ve been the reason.

How did you ask your buddies to help you out? Were they surprised when you wanted to make a shanty and bahay kubo?

The folks helping with the install are mostly artist friends who wanted to help with creating the vision I had. The others were just really good friends who wanted to contribute as well. It was a real familial type atmosphere when were creating the installation. Other then the murals, the structures are an integral part of the exhibit in creating the environment for the artwork and documentary. They were thrilled that I had planned to have a shanty and a bahay kubo. Luckily I had experienced builders who helped me fabricate and give me advice. Aaron Niles, a local architect, designed and coordinated the construction of the Shanty, and I got some great advice from Kevin, owner of “The Natural Builders”, a Berkeley based company, who creates bamboo structures internationally, to help with building the bahay kubo.

How did typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng affect you?

It just really made me sad for all of those who lost their lives, homes, and livelihood. I have friends and family out there that I was really worried about; fortunately they are all okay.

Why did you think it was important to make this exhibition an art benefit?

It just was the perfect opportunity to help financially, and also spread awareness of how much damage the typhoons caused and how we all can continue to help.

"Untitled" by James "gaNyan" Garcia, part of Tabi Tabi Po. Email info@1AMSF.com for more info.

What is your background?

Fil-am, born and raised in the Coachella Valley of So-Cal.

When did you start painting?

Been creating all my life, but began painting in ’98 and started to take it seriously about 5 years ago.

What training have you had to bring you to this point in your career?

I studied graphic design and illustration for a bit at Cal State Fullerton in Orange County and then, transferred to San Francisco State and received a BA in Art in 2002. Since then, I have been showing work in galleries and producing exhibits all over, and have made a lot of great artist friends along the way. I have learned a great deal of technique from painting with friends.

What is your favorite medium?

Acrylic, cuz it dries fast and I like to paint quickly.

What is your inspiration?

Completing the next painting.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Would you be a good guy or bad guy?

To fly, and I’d be good of course

Tell us something that people don’t know about you…

I’m an extraterrestrial.

Can you tell us what we can expect from James “gaNyan” Garcia in the next 5 years?

I’m leaning towards getting myself in a Graduate Program in the near future for Painting. I also would like to spend sometime in the Philippines and do more research on the Urban Contemporary art movement there, and also to go backpacking up and down the archipelago.

Any new themed-shows in the horizon?

Not sure what themes they would be, but I definitely would like to keep producing Filipino Art Exhibits, and possibly tour this one.

Quick Answers

Your Favorite…

… Toy growing up The original Hound Transformer

… Artist (dead and alive) Don’t have a favorite

… Magazine Hi-Fructose

… Books Paulo Coehlo’s books

… Place to go to get your creative juice flowin’ Going to gallery exhibits and watching Anime

LAST THOUGHTS? Thanks to the folks at 1AM for being kick-ass!!!

Here is a video by JR “Dyno” Ignacio (another participating artist) took at the opening reception.

“Tabi Tabi Po” @ 1:AM gallery through December 12th!

RECAP OF TABI TABI PO OPENING

1:AM — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:35:58 +0000

The vibe was positive, the art was dope, and a lot of artists were on hand to answer questions about their art. The best part of the night was the people in attendance. They were inquisitive and genuinely wanted to learn more about the Filipino culture. Also, another high point in the evening was seeing James “gaNyan” Garcia be able to relax and enjoy his time with his friends after a long week of building and setting up for the show. Cheers to James for making this happen! (Lifting my imaginary shot of Maker’s Mark for him)

More pictures on our flickr.

Alleluia Panis, from Kularts, blessing Tabi Tabi Po show and the gallery

Wondering what these creatures are...

Texting photos of the art to friends

Crowded.

Gem Mateo, Dino Ignacio, and James "gaNyan" Garcia at the end of the night.

Thanks to all the artists that made this happen!

The only down part of this evening was that this was the first opening that Roman, Rocio and Anna had to do without Dan. Dan was laid out with a 48 hour bug that kept him bed ridden the whole time. He was definitely missed.