Drawing the Line

Drawing is one of the most fundamental forms of human expression. It is an immediate and direct means of externalizing our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions of the world. As Anna Lovatt puts it: “Drawing makes sense of the world through a line, mark, or trace — a way to claim literal and metaphorical space.” In this exhibition, "Drawing the Line," 10 artists examine developments in drawing as both a medium and a powerful tool of expression, engaging with the complexities of identity, culture, history, and the politics of visibility.

For these artists, drawing is more than just an aesthetic practice; it is an assertion of presence. In a society where voices are often marginalized or silenced, drawing serves as a form of resistance — reclaiming narratives that are too frequently erased or overlooked. Drawing provides a slow, reflective counterpoint to the rapid pace of everyday life. In a digitally driven, hyper-connected world, the act of drawing allows for deeper engagement with time and meaning.

Lovatt also mentioned the physicality of drawing, which plays a critical role. This somatic engagement offers a raw, intimate, and sometimes messy portrayal of the artist’s lived experience. Finally, the materials used in drawing – whether sustainable, found, or economical – become a political statement in and of themselves, critiquing consumer culture and challenging the commercialization of art.

In Drawing the Line, each artist presents their perspective on the power of drawing. Together, they remind us that drawing is not just a way to represent the world — it is a way to reshape it, to make space for new stories, and to reclaim what has been lost. Drawing the Line is not merely an act of creation; it is an act of defiance.

The Artists:

Kendall Colindon

An artist from Las Piñas, deeply influenced by Romanticism ideals, Colindon reflects on the impact of urbanization on natural spaces. Using sustainable materials like charcoal and wood, he raises awareness about the changing environment, urging viewers to consider the consequences of unchecked growth in our areas.

Jonathan Madeja

As an artist and fisherman, Madeja's work tackles fishing culture and environmental issues, particularly those affecting the sea. His precise use of a sign pen on canvas brings attention to the ongoing degradation of marine ecosystems and our essential connection to the ocean.

Honey Maglalang

For Maglalang, drawing is an immediate, honest medium that reveals the artist’s emotional truths. His reverse drawings explore personal narratives, using the medium as a direct, unfiltered means of communicating stages of grief. Drawing from his background in photography, Maglalang’s work emphasizes light and its emotional connotations, shaping the composition and mood of his pieces.

Fernando Montejo

Using grounds like manila paper and newsprint, Montejo creates commentary by blending imagery drawn from alchemy, history, and mythology. His work resists finding new forms for the sake of change and embraces the classical artistic traditions.

Yana Ofrasio

Ofrasio explores the intersection of mark-making and creative placemaking, pushing the boundaries of drawing beyond traditional figuration. For her, drawing is a dynamic medium that fuses lines, patterns, and collage compositions. She also taps into the conceptual nature of drawing and its performative aspect, using it as a vehicle for ideas rather than focusing solely on the artwork itself

Ritche Avila Rodulfo

Rodulfo explores the intersection of drawing and sculpture, grounded in his background in sculptural practice. His frustrations with, and fascination for, fields such as taxonomy and the design of nature are carried over into his artistic work. He is drawn to the tactile qualities of materials, using them as both medium and subject. By drawing directly on granite slabs, he creates a dialogue between the marks and the natural stone, allowing the inherent qualities of the material to shape the process. The granite, traditionally associated with monumentality, contrasts with the intimacy of drawing.

Kevin Roque

Roque's photorealistic graphite drawings demystify the romanticized image of rural life, particularly the idealized farming scenes made famous by Amorsolo. His work critiques the militarization of rural areas, particularly in Bulacan, shining a light on the hidden conflicts and struggles of the region.

Joen Sudlon

Coming from a painting practice, Sudlon brings the process of grisaille to the forefront and presents it as a finished work. He explores the lived experiences and values of provincial and island life. His work is stylized, offering a narrative that departs from classical standards and embraces personal interpretation.

Kirk Tabanera

Using crayons and intuitive cartoon drawings, Tabanera engages with deeper philosophical questions while addressing the cluttered, consumer-driven culture of today's society. His work confronts the horror vacui (fear of empty space) and critiques the commercialization of culture through the lens of everyday life.

Freddie Vicente

Vicente’s approach to drawing is rooted in the physicality of the process. The way the hand moves in every line stroke, the multiple layers of alternating marking and erasure, and the emotional intensity of the artist’s engagement with the medium are all central to his work. Through this bodily engagement, he creates raw, expressive pieces that reflect the struggles and triumphs of the human experience.