by Jing Ramos |

Oj Hofer, our fashion contributing editor, is a Fine Arts graduate from the University of the Philippines. Though he began painting at the age of eight, his artistic journey took a transformative turn in 2013. While volunteering as a costume designer for Siddhartha: The Musical, he encountered Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s One-Stroke Calligraphy, sparking a deep devotion to Japanese sumi-e painting and kanji calligraphy. Over the years, he refined his craft, using his art to share the Dharma through exhibitions while supporting the Hsing Yun Educational Foundation. In 2022, his spiritual path deepened at Nan Tien University, where he embraced Zen and Humanistic Buddhism, shaping his artistic philosophy.

“Plum Blossoms in Moonlight.” Serigraphy on abaca.

In his recent works, Hofer merges traditional calligraphy with serigraphy, drawing inspiration from his friend Charles Lahti—an internationally recognized New York-based painter and printmaker. Lahti, known for his collaborations with post-war American artists like Robert Rauschenberg, Donald Judd, Andy Warhol, and LeRoy Neiman, introduced Hofer to silkscreen techniques. Through a workshop Lahti conducted in Cebu—arranged by their mutual friend Greg Urra—Hofer integrated silkscreen into his Zen artworks, particularly those on abaca.

“The Circle of Harmony” Serigraphy and Calligraphy on abaca.

Hofer’s cross-disciplinary approach challenges conventional Zen aesthetics. His layered paintings on abaca may seem far from tranquil at first glance, but closer contemplation reveals a meditative core. His serigraph of an Enso circle, for example, initially appears chaotic, filled with Tang Dynasty poetry and overlapping, repetitive forms. Yet, by focusing on a single calligraphic element, the viewer experiences a moment of clarity—a glimpse of awakening within the visual complexity.

“Monkey Mind” Serigraphy and Calligraphy on abaca.

Even more engaging is his diptych Monkey Mind. At odds with the traditional Zen emphasis on negative space, this piece is deliberately busy, reflecting the restless nature of the mind. A distracted viewer may struggle to find a focal point, but one attuned to emptiness and presence will perceive clarity amidst the seeming disarray.

Ink and intention—creating calligraphy in support of one of my advocacies.

By fusing Zen philosophy with the discipline of serigraphy, Hofer invites his audience to look beyond surface impressions and discover stillness within movement, balance within complexity. His art does not merely depict Zen—it embodies the paradoxes at its core, offering a path to mindfulness through the act of seeing and the experience of doing.

by Jing Ramos

Danny Rayos del Sol’s extensive background in the country’s artistic milieu has played a crucial role in fostering a highly spirited community that thrives on collaboration and creativity. He is quite known as the former head of the National Committee for Art Galleries under the National Commission for Culture and Arts. He also curates for ManilArt, the National Art Fair, and the Annual Sculpture Review. As a cultural worker, he has been a mentor for various artists as well as spearheading the establishment of the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao Art Fairs.

“Mag-Ina” | Medium: Ostrich Egg Shell | Size: 6.5″

Consequently, Danny Rayos del Sol found himself immersed in the actual creative process of his own artwork. His medium is perhaps one of the most unusual in the current sculpture art style. Ostrich eggshells are known for their thickness and strength, making it possible for the artist to work on the material with detailed geometric patterns in the utmost delicacy. The size of the ostrich egg, which can be up to 15 centimeters in diameter, allows the artist to create texture incisions in various depths with some designs cut directly on the eggshell.

This year, Visayas Art Fair 5 honors the artist’s achievement by showcasing his current works that define the nation’s cultural landscape. The artist’s body of work portrays images and patterns suggesting norms and derivatives concurrent to folk and contemporary iconography. His narratives on peace, freedom and spirituality has shaped his aesthetics that is uniquely Filipino and elevated it into fine art.

by Jing Ramos

What sets Gil Maningo apart from his peers is his impeccable use of the challenging gold leaf medium, reminiscent of the Austrian artist Gustav Klimt of the Vienna Secession art movement mainly for its prominent use of gold and lavish scenery. This technique known for its intricate layering adds dimension to the artist’s imagery ,captivating viewers and inviting them into a world of elegance and depth.

The artist’s studio cluttered with art works in progress.

The artist’s spiritual expression is nearly palpable in his inspired works. His paintings appeal to viewers in a more personal and emotional way with repeated themes in which images are portrayed as part of a cosmic or divine nature.

It was inevitable that Gil Maningo was the choice as the featured artist for the Visayas Art Fair 5,2025. Gil served as a mentor and a source of inspiration for emerging visual artists in the Visayas. This reinforced the importance of bringing the community together as well as support of the artistic landscape.

Monastery of the Holy Eucharist by Gil Maningo

To quote Laurie Boquiren, Chairman of the Visayas Art Fair year 5,2025 “Gil Maningo’s choice as artist of the year is a celebration of his extraordinary contributions to the art world and his embodiment of the Visayan spirit. His mastery of the gold leaf medium,cultural representation, spiritual depth and multi -disciplinary approach make him a true luminary in the artistic community. Visayas Art Fair is privileged to showcase his beautiful works and inspire others through his remarkable journey.”