Visions arise from a child’s perspective, a thought that was instilled in Jonard Villarde as he formed the centerpiece of his passion for being an industrial arts educator and a visual artist.
Villarde is a native of Ivisan, Capiz Province, known for its abundance of small fish blessed with both aquamarine and agricultural products. For several years, he has contributed his skills as an illustrator for children’s books because of his passion for the art education of young people.
He has previously taken part in the regional arts conference “Viva Excon Iloilo 2016: Embracing Arts of the Islands,” and he collaborated with Tasuo Inagaki on his Balay Sugilanon project at “Viva Excon Capiz 2018: Don’t Even Bring Water,” and a member of the Guban Handuraw Art Group for Nature based in Pilar, Capiz.
But what distinguishes him from other local artists is his desire to pay homage to his drawings, such an aspiration emerges from his artworks from Picasso’s works while incorporating elements from his Capiz roots and the abundant produce of the sea.
Employing methodologies such as linear narrative, and pictorial idiom, Villarde puts a strong emphasis on the process of Cubist painting in its truest sense.
His solo exhibition debuted this March as a step in his artistic career. A viewer may find pleasure in Villarde’s humor and eye for beauty in this exhibition, which is titled “Hamungaya,” a Hiligaynon word for fruitful or bountiful.
The paintings, according to Villarde, depict his perspectives on the “unseen,” as his connection with the fisherfolk dates back to his childhood. A collection of paintings follows the journey of fish from the fishermen’s net to the porters and couriers who transport it in woven boxes to the market, where it will be purchased and served to us.
One can almost sense another compelling explanation for his artwork pays homage to God, who is the focus of these fishermen’s large, round eyes.
To concentrate more on the forms and figurations of the objects, this rationale is no doubt guided by his preference throughout this phase. Villarde has seen several points of view, a representation of the intersection of art and culture in relation to the fishing practices of ‘uga’ or dried fish which certainly wrestled long his growth as an artist.
Through his work, he works hard to envision a brighter influence to promote the importance of culture and traditions for all.
Villarde didn’t give any details about what it is currently working on, but is eager to meet and collaborate with more artists on future endeavors. He also exhorts other artists to embrace art in order to foster a creative community.
