The Mighty Bhutens, a collective of three Filipino artists, are renowned for their vibrant mosaic creations that blend humor, spontaneity, and deep cultural reverence. Through their unique “Bathala Na” philosophy, they encourage an active engagement with the universe, resulting in lively and unpredictable designs. Their latest exhibit in Baguio City celebrates Cordilleran culture, featuring a range of free-form mosaics and sculptures that narrate unique stories rooted in local heritage.
In the Philippines' summer capital, Baguio City, a trio of artists known as The Mighty Bhutens is captivating audiences with their vibrant mosaic creations. Composed of Kabunyan de Guia, Guiller Lagac, and Oliver Olivete, this collective has been transforming spaces with their unique blend of humor, spontaneity, and deep cultural reverence since 2000.
The group's journey began in the early 2000s when De Guia and Olivete, college classmates, connected with Lagac at the Victor Oteyza Community Art Space in Baguio. Bonding over shared artistic visions, they formed The Mighty Bhutens, specializing in free-form mosaics and sculptures. Their name, playful yet potent, reflects their dynamic approach to art. Central to their creative process is the “Bathala Na” philosophy, a concept championed by National Artist Kidlat Tahimik, De Guia’s father. Unlike the passive “Bahala Na,” which implies surrendering to fate, “Bathala Na” encourages active engagement with the universe, resulting in lively and unpredictable designs. This mindset allows the artists to “jam with the cosmos,” embracing spontaneity and serendipity in their work.Hailing from a lineage of esteemed artists, De Guia brings a rich heritage to the collective. His works often explore themes of identity and cultural narratives, infused with a playful spirit. Known for his intricate designs, Lagac’s mosaics showcase a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for Cordilleran motifs. His pieces often blend traditional patterns with contemporary elements, creating a harmonious fusion of past and present. Olivete’s approach is characterized by bold colors and abstract forms. Drawing inspiration from everyday life, his mosaics reflect a whimsical yet thought-provoking perspective, inviting viewers to find joy in the mundane.Their latest exhibit, running until February 15 at a mall in Baguio City, is a testament to their commitment to celebrating and preserving Cordilleran culture. The display features a range of free-form mosaics and sculptures, each piece narrating a unique story rooted in local heritage. One notable installation is a dynamic lightning bolt crafted from vibrant yellow and blue tiles, dedicated to the late artist Kidlat de Guia. Titled “Kidlat Ngayon!!!! Isang taon na paglalakbay as soul,” the piece serves as a shrine where visitors can light candles in his memory. Adjacent to this is a jester figure, embodying the group’s playful ethos, and a cloud and lightning sculpture symbolizing Kidlat Tahimik’s “inner dwende” philosophy, a core inspiration for The Mighty Bhutens. Since their inception, The Mighty Bhutens have expanded their reach beyond Baguio. Their mosaics adorn galleries, homes, and museums both locally and internationally. Notable installations include public spaces like Bonifacio High Street in Taguig and Museo Pambata in Manila. Their work also features prominently in Ili Likha, an artist village in Baguio envisioned by De Guia and his father as a sanctuary for creatives. The Mighty Bhutens invite viewers to engage with their art on a personal level. As Olivete notes, “We want to show our own interpretations. We don’t want to explain too much because the art exhibit is the experience itself.” De Guia further explains their creative process: “When we make mosaics, our philosophy is that we break tiles and piece them back together like a puzzle.” “But there always has to be play,” he added. “If the play disappears, the spirit is gone. When you see the child-like characters, I hope you also see the child-like playfulness in what we do. Just like what Kidlat Tahimik says — always look for your ‘sarilinginside you that tells you to do things your way, so that it’s truly yours,” said De Guia. “We won’t be great at what we do if we just copy the masters. We need to have our own touch in everything we create.
ART MOSAICS PHILIPPINES CULTURAL HERITAGE CONTEMPORARY ART BAGUIO CITY
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Champions, bow to the Kings: Sacramento hands stunning rout to mighty BostonUnder new head coaching leadership, the Sacramento Kings continue to show a renewed fire, rising to a 6-1 record under interim mentor Doug Christie following a 17-point rout of the NBA champions Boston Celtics
Read more »
For Kai: Koshigaya dedicates upset win against mighty Chiba to injured center Kai SottoThe Koshigaya Alphas offer their nail-biting overtime win over the Chiba Jets in the Japan B. League to their top center Kai Sotto, who recently sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his left knee
Read more »
Paul George, Sixers finally end 7-game slump, stun mighty Cavaliers in thrilling shootoutThe Philadelphia 76ers force 18 ties and 30 lead changes in a single, tightly-contested game against the favored Cleveland Cavaliers, ending in a stunning 132-129 decision led by Paul George's 30 points
Read more »
After Luka Doncic mega-trade, Cavaliers destroy Mavericks by 43Playing without top stars Kyrie Irving and newly acquired Anthony Davis, the Dallas Mavericks begin the post-Luka Doncic era with a massive 144-101 loss to the mighty Cleveland Cavaliers
Read more »
UST player’s successful brain surgery comforts Tiger Cubs in UAAP Season 87 opening lossUST comes away a winner even before dropping its high school basketball opener to mighty NU as Tiger Cubs player Alfred Loreto undergoes a successful surgery
Read more »
‘Monster ship’ departs, but China deploys replacement—PCGChina Coast Guard (CCG) mighty vessel 5901—dubbed as ‘The Monster’—departed the Zambales coastline over the weekend, but it was relieved by another CCG
Read more »