Brave New World has contributions from the likes of Ricky Francisco, Prim Paypon, and Jose F. Lacaba.
With all the time spent at home during lockdown, artists have injected their personal experiences on how this global pandemic has given them an altered viewpoint. This extends from their craft to their subjects, or from their daily endeavors to their vast ideals.
READ ALSO: Pop Art: Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe Portrait Is Expected To Set A Record At An Upcoming Auction
South East Asian Heritage Publications’ Brave New World: Art and the Pandemic was meant to capture this. With the support of local artists, the book touches on how we have lived life in the past couple of years, when everyone has either been forced to stay at home, or brave the fight to what was then an unknown enemy.
Contributors to the book include Ricky Francisco of Fundacion Sanso, art enthusiast Prim Paypon, poet Jose F. Lacaba, UP Diliman Art History Lecturer, Petty Benitez-Johannot, celebrated artist Jose Tence Ruiz, lifestyle columnist Pepper Teehankee, and Galerie Joaquin’s managing director Jack Teotico.
As you pore over the pages, you’ll witness collective story-telling through engaging artwork and photography that honors the everyday heroes that helped us live safely:
“Butas (No Work, No Pay),” by Renato Barja, Jr. 
“5 A.M.,” by Charmaigne Mendoza
Paypon talks about the natural inclinations of Filipinos to work together and how various individuals in the private sector spared no time in trying to get the community helping out.
Benitez-Johannot, on the other hand, discusses how art thrives in times of crisis. While the situation seemed serious, bleak and depressing for what felt like too long a time, the rise of thoughtful creations manifested through the eyes of the artist also began to emerge.
On the other hand, Ruiz reminds us that while we may have a new way of living, our old ways should find themselves joining in the mix.
“New Normal,” by Michael Cacnio 
“Artsolation,” by Roel Obemio
In every crisis, there’s always someone who envisions the after-life of it all, and Galerie Joaquin’s Teotico is one who touches on the significance of “Art in the Post-Covid World.”
Pepper Teehankee looks at how the pandemic is depicted through various artworks and how it has redefined our lives. Through his words, he paints us a picture of how our local artists have translated “the new normal” into their work, and how these have shaped our current culture.
Now that we are slowly easing out of the clutches of the pandemic and moving forward feels more real than ever. Brave New World allows us to take a glimpse and remember how far we’ve come—whether it’s art, life, or what lies in between.
“Brave New World” may be ordered online at artplus.shop. The art exhibition will be ondisplay until March 26, 2022 at Art Lounge Manila at The Podium.
Banner: “I Surrender,” by Anton del Castillo
