Supported by Art House, Cabrera joins several Filipino artists at the prestigious international art exhibition with Kaluwalhatian: The Sky Realm Series, an abstract exploration of celestial realms.
Several Filipino artists recently represented the country at the prestigious XV Florence Biennale. With works that embodied faith, heritage, and strength, artists Angelie Banaag, Joe Datuin, Noli Principe, Lorina Capitulo, Marjowyn Vito, Veronica Ibaretta, and Marco Polo “MarPolo” Cabrera, brought the very best characteristics of the Philippine creative community to the global stage.
With the support of the multi-channel platform Art House, Cabrera’s collection Kaluwalhatian: The Sky Realm Series wove together concepts of Philippine mythology and kaluwalhatian (the heavenly realm of Bathala, the pre-colonial Supreme Deity and Creator) that formed a rich tapestry of the archipelago’s unique belief systems, rendered through the dynamic, abstract forms that define his style.
“The collection is a celebration of that celestial world, of faith, culture, and the eternal dance between the skies and the soul,” MarPolo shares in a statement.
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The Process Behind Marpolo Cabrera’s Kaluwalhatian
One of MarPolo’s preoccupations as an abstract and mixed media artist is the exploration of new materials and surfaces, especially when it comes to merging sustainability with artistic practices. He continues this conversation through the Kaluwalhatian: The Sky Realm Series, incorporating semi-spherical forms of cement and coconut peat onto the canvas.
It’s an exacting, experimental process that yields nuanced and textured results. “This is a blend that I made to make the half spheres lighter, more organic, and sustainable,” the artist explains. “I believe that art and sustainability can co-exist, creating masterpieces that not only speak to the soul, but also care for the earth. Every piece is a reminder that creativity thrives when we respect both nature and imagination.”
Cabrera first collaborated with Art House in December 2024 for ELEMENTO: a future-forward immersive art experience geared at inspiring change, fostering community connections, and amplifying conversations around sustainability.
“Sustainable art and materiality has always been the common ground that binds Art House with its roster of artists,” explains Carlo Pineda, founder of the platform. “We are always looking for ways to amplify the conversation around this, and support our artists in any way possible whether it be through shows or by sponsoring important projects.”
Cabrera’s participation in the XV Florence Biennale marks both a personal milestone and a collective triumph for Filipino artistry. By bringing local narratives and sustainable practices to the world stage, he and his peers reaffirm the Philippines’ place in the global creative landscape, where tradition, innovation, and purpose converge.
Photos courtesy of Before Deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
MarPolo Cabrera is a Filipino abstract and mixed-media artist known for merging sustainable materials with pre-colonial Philippine mythology. His participation in the XV Florence Biennale marks a significant moment in his career and reflects the growing international visibility of Filipino contemporary art.
Kaluwalhatian: The Sky Realm Series is a body of abstract works by MarPolo Cabrera that draws on Philippine pre-colonial belief systems, centering on kaluwalhatian — the heavenly realm of Bathala, the supreme deity. The series uses semi-spherical forms of cement and coconut peat to render celestial themes through tactile, sustainable abstraction.
The Florence Biennale is one of the world’s longest-running international art exhibitions, held in Florence, Italy. Filipino participation in its fifteenth edition, including Cabrera and six other artists, signals the Philippines’ growing presence in the global contemporary art landscape.
Cabrera integrates sustainability by experimenting with unconventional materials — most notably a blend of cement and coconut peat — to create semi-spherical textured forms on canvas. This approach reflects his belief that artistic creativity and environmental responsibility can coexist without compromising artistic depth or integrity.
Art House is a multi-channel Philippine art platform founded by Carlo Pineda that champions sustainable art and materiality. It supported Cabrera’s participation in the XV Florence Biennale, continuing a collaboration that began with the December 2024 immersive exhibition ELEMENTO.
