Gallery Genesis Hosts Kulay Sa Tubig National Watercolor Invitational Competition
It is an event that is highly anticipated by artists, audiences, and collectors alike.
Gallery Genesis recently celebrated its 36th Kulay Sa Tubig National Watercolor Invitational Competition. In this prestigious event, 97 made it to the finals and five were declared as winners with five more as runners-up. Truly, it was an event that is highly anticipated by artists, audiences, and collectors alike.
The landscape of watercolor has truly flourished since Kulay sa Tubig was initiated in 1983. At the time, watercolor used to be considered as a lesser kind of form, which was only apt for studies or drafts. Gallery Genesis founders, Mr. Ernesto and Mrs. Araceli Salas, took on the mission to showcase the medium’s aesthetic nuances unique to itself: the luminosity of light, finesse of each stroke, and the fluid movement of pigment.
Considered to be one of the most challenging mediums to master, no brush stroke is ever the same when it comes to watercolor. Between a brush and paper, there is an infinite number of possibilities. From the varieties of washes to blooms, gazing, and dry brush, the artist has a wide range of techniques to wield– and a true master knows the balance between spontaneity and deliberation, and that each stroke must have intention. They are able to manipulate the shape and the flow of paint with precision and discipline, and are able to bring out its expressive qualities that provide glimpses into inner truths. Just as a small creek merges into a raging river, water itself has no master. But for the few who are able to master it, they deserve the honor and recognition. Those who have joined Kulay Sa Tubig have gained significant recognition as artists which led to the blossoming of their artistic careers. In Kulay sa Tubig, those who have truly mastered the art and proven themselves time and time again by winning thrice have earned their name in the “KST Hall of Fame.” Among these are artists such as Jose ‘Ping’ Ceriola, Margarita ‘Marge’ Lim, Rodelo ‘Toti’ Cerda, Egai Fernandez, Jimmy Vista, Victor Ng, Noli Manalang, and many others.
There has been no shortage of talent in the Philippines. From hundreds of entries, Gallery Genesis carefully curated only the best to be exhibited in Kulay sa Tubig. Naturally, what emerges are different facets of what it is to be Filipino, as seen in these myriad depictions of pastoral landscapes, urban sprawls, cultural heritage, historical narratives, and deeply human stories. Kulay Sa Tubig has become more than just a competition. United in their passion for watercolor, its artists have also built a community of friendship, learning, and growth; a community where they are able to encourage and inspire each other.