Category Archives: Arts and Culture

“Life is the constant ebb and flow of holding on and letting go.”

-Esther Estey

Ebb and flow is the natural rhythm of life. It is constant flux, a movement of tensions, of complements. EBB and FLOW is the title of the three women art exhibit of Tessa Mendoza, Tina Gonzales, and Tessa Alindogan. Each artist displays a singular ability, a distinct style on her own. But when combined, the works become an even more powerful canvas of colors, movements, and contours. For the first time, these three talented and up-and-coming artists teamed-up in a one night only event.

Coming from her first and highly successful solo exhibit, Gracia, held last November 2014, Tessa Mendoza showcased a collection of her earlier works. These range from sketches to paintings that when viewed collectively presents a visual narrative of the artist she is today. It is in looking back that she is able to continuously evolve as an artist to move forward.

Ebb and Flow was the first exhibit for Tina Gonzales. As a long time collector and art dealer, Tina has always taken an interest in painting. Two years ago, a couple of life-changing events led to a period of prolific creativity that birthed the artist that was always veiled within. Her works are mostly colorful, contemporary, figurative paintings that depict scenes from everyday life that have impressed themselves upon the artist.

Tessa Alindogan, distinguished as an interior designer, began painting in 2004. What was borne out of necessity (she needed a big painting for her condo) eventually became a calling as demand for her work grew.

She held her first solo exhibit in 2011. Her works are abstracts that are both elegant and dramatic. As an interior designer, Tessa believes that she has a natural instinct for what paintings would go well in people’s homes or offices.

Early Beginnings

Tessa Mendoza

Tessa discovered her love for art at a young age. She describes herself as a self-taught artist who began by creating doodles and caricatures on her notebooks in school. As a result, her teachers recommended art classes to her mother.

In 1986 Tessa began to paint earnestly. She subsequently participated in a joint exhibit entitled Nuances. A year after her foray into the art scene in the Philippines, Tessa got married and her career as a budding artist took a backseat to her role as wife, and soon enough, mother to four children

Over twenty years later, Tessa’s passion for her craft was reignited. This journey of rediscovering the artist within reached its full expression in her first solo exhibit, Gracia, where Tessa debuted as a full fledged artist in a sold out show in 2014.  Tessa’s work is informed by a faith that transcends the everyday: “Mine is but the hand that wields brush to canvas; it is Christ’s abounding grace that inspires, conjures, creates and blesses.” Her works are an invitation to the viewers to experience a non-verbal, personal conversation through tactile abstractions that speak to the soul.

Tina Gonzales

For as long as she can remember, Tina always had a passion for drawing. In school, she would not take notes, but would continuously doodle on her notebooks. While she wanted to pursue her interest in art through formal study, her parents thought it best that she undertake more practical subjects in school. Hence, she majored in Engineering.

Once, Tina took up a painting course in Ayala Museum given by Stella Roxas. She completed her first painting in 30 minutes. Her teacher was surprised at her output, especially since she did not take up any formal art classes. However, Tina did not pursue painting as she was caught up in day-to-day living. She began collecting art instead. As her collection grew, she also began to deal in art.  Two years ago, life-changing events led Tina to take up painting once again. She rediscovered her first love, that is, drawing. She also found an outlet for the outpouring of her ever changing moods, passions, and emotions.

Her paintings are ultimately a deep expression of hope. The bright colors exude life in all its fullness. Even in the depths of crisis, life remains a tapestry of hope, faith, and love.

Tessa Alindogan

Tessa A. was always artistically inclined. After graduating from college, she took up Architectural Interior Design from the Inchbald School of Design in London, where she graduated with honors.

She has been a practicing interior designer since 1988, with a steady stream of distinguished clientele and projects.

She began painting out of necessity. In 2004, she had just moved into a new condo and found a big empty wall in her living room. She created a painting to fit that wall and subsequently painted two more for the bedroom. While many of her guests would admire these paintings, Tessa did not really think of painting seriously until a friend, Anton Baretto, asked her to consign a painting in his store, Nest. She consigned the painting from her living room and it was sold the next day. The buyer was Rajo Laurel.
Since then Tessa A. began to paint more pieces that would always sell out. Finally, she held a small exhibit in Nest in 2011 where all the pieces displayed was sold.

Tessa A. believes, as John Keats did, that beauty is truth. Her paintings exhibit a straightforward beauty; elegant yet dramatic. Her aesthetic sensibility is consistently seen in her interiors, her art, and her life.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Assumption High School Batch 1981 for the benefit of the Assumption Alumnae Association (AAA). The AAA is engaged in various charitable initiatives throughout the country.

The exhibit is sponsored by Discovery Primea, Volvo and Ralph’s Wines and Spirits.