Artist : Melissa Yeung Yap
Title : Bintana sa Pinto
Medium : Acrylic on Capiz (Araw)
Acrylic on Canvas (Gabi)
Capiz Window Frame
Year : 2024
Dimension : 49.5 x 93 Inches
“Bintana sa Pinto” is a painting made of acrylic on canvas and on traditional Capiz. The artwork comes in two parts: one for the daytime (araw), when the windows are open, and one for the nighttime (gabi), when the windows are closed. As spring blooms in lush colors on the Capiz shell in the center, moonlit flowers painted on canvas hide behind the panes of the window. The panes remain functional and can slide together or apart to reveal the “araw” or “gabi” sides of the painting. The combination of visual form and function spotlights the immense value traditional craft has on modern art by adding to its uniqueness and visual narrative.
“Bintana sa Pinto” aligns with Filipino-Chinese artist Melissa Yeung Yap’s aesthetic by intertwining lush Philippine ecology with our rich culture to revitalize different textures and forms. Fascinated by cultural heritage and anthropology, Yeung Yap’s works inspire audiences to reflect upon and appreciate Filipino indigenous heritage. By merging traditional Capiz craftsmanship with contemporary acrylic painting, the piece exemplifies how modern art can honor and preserve cultural traditions while simultaneously pushing creative boundaries.
About the Artist:
Melissa Yeung Yap is a distinguished Filipino artist known for her poignant works that often blend traditional Filipino themes with contemporary techniques. Her artistry is deeply influenced by her commitment to social causes, environmental advocacy, and the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. Through her art, she seeks to address pressing issues such as environmental conservation and the empowerment of marginalized communities. Yeung Yap's contributions to the art world extend beyond her captivating pieces, as she actively collaborates with local artisans and advocates for cultural preservation and social change.