BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – In the Philippines’ summer capital, 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.
The artists behind the mosaics
• Kabunyan de Guia: 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.
• Guiller Lagac: 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.
• Oliver Olivete: 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.
A celebration of Cordilleran culture
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.
Beyond the exhibit
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 ‘sariling duwende.’”
“There’s a little duwende inside 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.”
For those seeking a deeper connection to Cordilleran culture through contemporary art, The Mighty Bhutens’ exhibit offers a vibrant and thought-provoking experience.
Exhibit runs until February 15, 2025 at the SM City Baguio Atrium in Baguio City.
– Rappler.com