On Monday, 31 March 2025, 18 Grade 4 to 6 students from Gateway Integrated Christian Academy, Inc. visited the Open Studio at Galeria Sinag to learn about the work of Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Artist-in-Residence, Carlo Dimaano. A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) candidate at UP Diliman, Mr. Dimaano has been in residence at the University of the Philippines Open University since February to work on his thesis.
Upon arrival at Galeria Sinag, the teachers and young learners were given a brief overview of the UP Open University and the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) Artist-in-Residence program. To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the university’s mission and operations, the UPOU institutional video was also presented.
Subsequently, Mr. Carlo Dimaano presented a short documentary about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, tying it into the central themes of his work. In a brief message, he shared his motivation as both a multimedia artist and environmental advocate: to raise awareness about the growing issue of global waste and humanity’s role in its escalation.
Prompted by the presentation, the students enthusiastically shared their ideas on how to reduce waste—suggesting actions like recycling, minimizing plastic use, and repurposing materials at home.
Mr. Dimaano then discussed his art production, highlighting how discarded materials and creative lighting are being manipulated to craft visually compelling artworks. The students and their teachers enjoyed the engaging and educational experience.
The Open Studio offers a behind-the-scenes look at Carlo Dimaano’s art production for his upcoming exhibition showcase at UP Diliman, Aglomerasyon: Mga Tunog at Imahe ng Ilusyon at Alyenasyon, which explores themes of waste management, illusion, and alienation while underscoring the importance of environmental conservation.
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