About Me

Grettalou Acmor Apolinar

Visual Artist

 

Grettalou Apolinar is a self-taught artist who always found herself in all kinds of creative pursuits. Having no artist in her family or around her to mentor her, she learned to draw the human figure using her grandfather’s souvenir books from European art museums. She learned to appreciate the arts and incessantly expressed herself with stories that she illustrated herself. Her love for all kinds of books, even comic books, started her love affair with the illustration art style.

Apolinar’s serious foray into the art world began much later in life, being obliged by her parents to aim for more professional careers in law, medicine or the academe. However, she craved for a more creative life and in time, came to terms with her soul’s calling.

She joined the Tam-awan Village Artist Group in late 2014 after being invited to exhibit with the group. She has since participated in several art exhibits in and out of her hometown, Baguio. She continues to find her own voice while experimenting with different styles and media because to her, mastering your art and your truth is a lifelong process. Her aim is to realize her own potential and be a better person than she was yesterday.

Today, Apolinar’s works are characterized by clean lines, bright and vibrant colors, imaginative and sometimes amusing subjects or concepts, and a popular culture vibe.

Apolinar finds art to be very therapeutic and meditative. Her daughter even described watching her draw and paint as “very satisfying.” Working with her hands is also such a treat that she honed her crafting skills. Combining that with her artistry and creativity, she built a small business with her artisanal jewelry. She has recently exhibited her designs at the Belt and Road National Art and Culture Expo in Hong Kong.

Apolinar’s passion does not simply delve in creating works that serve as expressions of personal ideals, social commentaries and/or modern cultural expressions. She actively advocates for art appreciation by teaching humanities courses at the university and facilitating a variety of arts and crafts workshops sponsored by Tam-awan Village Artist Group and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts.
A natural educator, Apolinar eagerly shares all of her knowledge with the youth and whoever cares to listen. She believes that by opening up the creative world to people, they will appreciate the beauty of life’s ups and downs and celebrate the triumph of the human soul.

Apolinar firmly believes that artists are vassals of culture and that they have the responsibility of reminding all members of society of their purpose and humanity.

Shows & Awards

EXHIBITS
Into The Garden Main Gallery, Tam-awan Village
Baguio City
July 9, 2022
Pagbahagi Main Gallery, Tam-awan Village
Baguio City
April 9, 2022
Aus Liebe Zum Automobil:
For the Love of Cars
Camp Folskwagen Café Gallery, Baguio City
2021
“Groovin’ with Volkswagen”
(a Volkswagen-inspired poster SOLO art exhibit)
Camp Folkswagen, Longlong Rd., Baguio City
May 8-June 17, 2021
Marahuyo Tam-awan Village Main Gallery
2021
The Art of Healing Medical City, Manila
2021
Year of the Metal Ox Ugnayan Gallery, Tam-awan Village, Baguio City
2021
Be-ei: Being Her VOCAS, 5th Flr. La Azotea Bldg., Session Rd., Baguio City
March 8, 2020
Harinuman: Exhibit for a Cause Ugnayan Gallery, Tam-awan Village, Baguio City
2020
Panag-imbag Ugnayan Gallery, Tam-awan Village, Baguio City
2020
Ibagiw Old Diplomat Hotel, Baguio City
2019
Bin-nadang Di Cordillera Artist Space, Ayala Museum, Makati City, MM
March 22, 2019
Fera Rosa Tam-awan Village Gallery, Baguio City
March 9, 2019
Year of the Pig Tam-awan Village Gallery, Baguio City
January 12, 2019
Pagwanawanan Daluyon Cafe Gallery, San Juan, La Union
September 8, 2018
Tam-awan @ 20 The Bellevue Manila, Alabang
July 6, 2018
Bagong Sibol Tam-awan Village Gallery, Baguio City
June 8, 2018
Tam-awan @ 20 SM City Baguio
May 3, 2018
Artist in Bloom Grand Sierra Pines, Baguio City
2018
Connection and Intersections:
Art and Community Unite
The Museum, De La Salle University, Malate, Metro Manila
October 2017
The Eves Old Baguio Boys, Nevada Sqr., Baguio City
October 6, 2017
TVA Group Show Kapangan Benguet Museum
2017
TVA Goes to Ki’kan Ki’kan Resto Bar, Baguio City
2017
PAEA @ 50 GSIS Museo ng Sining, Pasay City
December 1, 2018
Babaira Tam-awan Village Main Gallery, Baguio City
March 3, 2018
Sirib ArtistSpace, Ayala Museum, Makati City
2017
Miss Universe Exhibit Baguio Country Club
2017
Year of the Fire Monkey Tam-awan Village Gallery, Baguio City
2017
7th Tam-awan International Art Festival Tam-awan Village Gallery, Baguio City
December 2016
Strawberry Festival Art Exhibit La Trinidad, Benguet
2016
Tavid NCCA Gallery
December 10, 2016
Aramid II ArtistSpace, Ayala Museum, Makati City
April 25, 2016
Bathaluman VOCAS 5th Flr., La Azotea Bldg., Session Rd., Baguio City
March 5, 2016
Musing Muses Tam-awan Village Main Gallery, Baguio City
November 7, 2015
Pamana II Porta Vaga Mall, Baguio City
2015
Rubber Cuts NCCA Gallery, Intramuros Manila
August 4, 2015