pHOTOGRAPHY cULTURE & THE aRTS

It's a different feeling to write about someone you know to a certain extent than writing about someone you haven't really shared space and time with other than the yield of research.This is how I'm writing about Karina Baluyot, one of the most dynamic and vibrant young artists in the Philippines today. We are like--come to think of it now--soulmates. Once in a while we hang out together, and--wala lang--talk about life in general and as it pertains to her art and my photography. I am comfortable sharing a meal or coffee with her in a in a coffee shop or restaurant in a mall or somewhere else.

I'm writing about Kaka--her nickname--because tonight is her third one woman show at Galarie Raphael on the 2d floor of Serendra in Global City. Called Ode to Water, the exhibit consists of 33 paintings on different media. She describes them as "...paintings on canvas, board and handmade paper. Depicting shells, the rain, waves, the sea and other elements inspired by water."

In the tradition of theater and the performing arts, you don't wish cast and crew good luck but the ominous break a leg.

Pray tell: What do you say to a painter on the opening night of her exhibit?