Iya Regalario’s Naivete
Iwas once in a gallery and saw an interesting wood piece of monkeys. These monkeys did not look painted so I inquired about the artwork. I learned that the piece was by a young artist named Iya Regalario, who used fire to create some of her artworks.
Iya was born in Bulacan and was raised in Quezon City. She is an interdisciplinary visual artist working on various art processes such as pyrography (wood burning), sculpture, illustration, installation and public murals. The artist says her art “pays tribute to the function of images as exposed identities, visual narratives, philosophical case studies, and agents for social change.”
She adds, “My art introduces my personal visual deconstruction of socio-political and cultural realities to purposely enforce questioning, contemplation, and to move the spectator. My work is influenced by a coming to terms with the diversity of environments I am exposed to every day as an artist. Public art and community is vital. It keeps art fluid, fiery, boundless and grounded.”
Recently, Iya staged her first solo exhibit titled Naivete at The Metro Gallery in San Juan City. The exhibit was composed of a series of pyrography works on wood tinted with ink, dye and stain. Round works were more dominant in this collection. Different types of wood were used as her canvas and most of the rectangular works would remind one of tarot cards.
Congratulations on your first solo exhibit, Iya! I am sure the art world will clamor for more of your beautiful and unique works.