Katrina Gaisano Lee, also known as “Tanya” to her friends and family, is a self-taught artist based in Davao. Her artistic journey began in 2014 with a simple black pen, where she drew basic black and white patterns. As time passed, Tanya diversified her art by incorporating vivid colors and textures using acrylics and ink. These elements have now become integral to her artistic expression.

Tanya’s style is deeply influenced by her personal experiences and exposure to foreign arts and cultures during her frequent travels. Over the years, she has developed her own signature style that can be described as avant-garde, breaking away from conventional painting styles. Her distinctive selection of modern abstract elements, coupled with vibrant and subdued colors and intricate patterns, culminates in unique creations that blend in with contemporary design or provide a touch of modern accents in traditional settings.

The Dualism Series by Tanya

This series of artworks by Tanya delves into the idea of dualism, which can be interpreted as the existence of contradictions, contrasts, or differences within a shared medium. These opposing forces are prevalent in both art and life, as seen in the natural world with its interplay of light and darkness, solids and liquids, hot and cold, wet and dry, and more. It is through the combination of these dualities that our world is formed, with all of its beauty and imperfections.

To add depth and texture to the pieces, the artist incorporates local weaves, grounding them in their Mindanaoan culture. T’nalak and Inabel are used to represent the people and their traditions.

The artworks showcase a range of natural phenomena, from the golden sunrise to the stormy clouds, flat grasslands, blue pristine waters, rich red mineral-filled mountains, and lush green forests. In contrast, they also depict the urban landscape, with its dense population and concrete jungle, as well as the jewel tones of the night reflecting the silver moonlight and rolling thunder clouds.

The artist intends to raise awareness and foster appreciation for the duality present in the natural world and its relevance to our own lives. Through the artwork, may we seek to highlight the opposing forces we encounter as we navigate through life, from the calm waters to the raging seas, while traversing an infinite universe on a tiny, pale blue dot. It is her hope that by exploring and contemplating these dualities, we may come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world around us and our place within it.

Check out Tanya’s exhibit until May 14 at The Crucible Gallery, Level 4 Building A, SM Megamall.