ARIS CARANDANG

In 2020, the world was put on hold due to Covid-19. The lockdown was undoubtedly hard for everyone, especially artists who demand an audience for their work. Slowly pressed to find other means to showcase talent, Aris held faith in place of hopelessness, despite the despair that surrounded him.

Aristotle ‘Aris’ Carandang, took the grief that overcame the world and turned it into drive. He used the constraints of lockdowns to free his creative spirit. A self-taught Filipino artist based in Plaridel, Bulacan, Aris was constantly face to face with the ravages of this pandemic. Constantly exposed to the dark, underbelly of the Philippine urbanization, old churches’ facades and post-colonial house windows certainly captured his fancy. Thus, masterfully bottled the stories of these structures and made art pieces, and the essence of yesteryears live on in vivid colors, précised placements and fine technique. He believed that the only way to do these story justice was through a mixture of media such as wood and cement. As each of these historic formations have their own personalities. He shows them off using glass, capiz shells, and other raw materials that could perfectly convey the character of each ‘obra’. To Aris, cement means permanence and stability, just how God hold us all together, while wood represents a foundation on solid roots such as our home and tradition. The special materials he uses to give each piece its own special touch are illuminating hope, beauty and opportunity that festers despite the adversity and challenges. The one thing that these materials have in common, is that they represent the identity of Filipinos and comes from a rich culture has been all but eradicated.

Aris continues to spread his exceptional outlook on art by participating in various events and exhibition since 2020, and has been recognized by several publications and patrons. His distinct works has been coined ‘Obra ni Carandang’. Fans of his structural pieces believed he truly exemplifies the phrase, ‘There’s beauty in the old.’ As his audience grows, he felt the need to merge his ideologies to artists that share a similar worldview. Most recently, he collaborated with a fashion designer, that incorporated the Carandang signature structure to the intricately designed dresses and clothes. This partnership was showcased at Acacia Hotel last February 5, 2022.

A proud Bulakeño, he remains grounded despite the affirmations he receives from art community. He displays his love for the place that cultivated and inspired his art by donating to the less privileged and those on the outskirts of society. In this, the culture of kindheartedness lives on. Aris earned Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and completed his master’s degree of Pastoral Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary respectively.