The painter famously lauded for painting noses out of place, Pablo Picasso, once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with inspiration, you know what this feels like. It was much simpler when you would dream up an entire world, put it to paper, and beam sans teeth—impressed by your own artistic prowess. You were unhindered as a kid. There were absurdities that made perfect sense to you, and yet as we all know, the grueling process of growing older is an imagination-killing one. Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan (Ang INK), however, picked that notion apart with its 25th anniversary exhibit, Tinker Tales.
Ang INK is famous for bringing local children’s literature to life. It is an artist’s collective rooted in the empowerment of illustrators, helping talented individuals network and connect with publishing houses. In a subversion of roles, schoolchildren came up with stories for Ang INK members (INKies) to illustrate, bringing to life a collaborative exhibit that is an experience to take in. Consciousnesses permeate from the bright canvases, showcasing both the finesse of the artists and the personalities of the children who dictated the stories. From stories about brave princesses, to a fish getting accidentally eaten by his buddies, Tinker Tales overflows with humor and whimsy.
Beyond the exhibit, at the merchant’s square on the ground floor, booths were near irresistible, beckoning with squeaks of “buy me!” to each attendee. There were fandom stickers, commision booths, graphic shirts, and postcards–the booth selling painted Stranger Things postcards was a crowd favorite. Kenny Tai, an INKie famous for the Manila Girls postcard series, called it a “celebration of independent artists”. While the inner capitalist may have taken over unwary shoppers, every purchase was in support of a local artist.
Ang InK artists made sure to keep the event overflowing with inspiration as Domz Agsaway, Al Estrella, Aaron Asis, and freshly-minted Archie Comics illustrator Rian Gonzales kept the audience entertained with live art segments. Guests were treated to some visual action, peeking into the process of creating a masterpiece. As the afternoon swept away into nighttime, musician-illustrator Jett Ilagan’s smooth beats kept attendees soft in their dreamy mindsets as they made their ways back home.
Tomorrow, October 8, marks the last day of Tinker Tales festivities. Swing by if you’re interested in an arts & crafts party and sketching sessions with INKies, but also if you’re in the mood to marvel. The third floor of the Ayala Museum is currently lined with color, brilliantly combining the fresh, boundless imagination of a child with the technical skill of a seasoned artist. It is the ultimate creative fusion. In defiance of time and conformity, Ang INK’s Tinker Tales walks proudly to the plate, ready to strike out any idea that says grown-ups and kids shouldn’t work together. In fact, there might be a thing or two to learn from them.
