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 |
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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 |