Art and Manila: An Interview with Tyang and Quatro

Bizarre but familiar, messy but colourful – these are just some of the first impressions upon seeing Tyang and Quatro’s art. Both distinctive in their own way, Tyang and Quatro’s illustrations are like puzzles of imaginations created to make a statement and at the same time please the eyes.

Young and vibrant, TeamManila is glad to work with these artists in this latest collaboration we have prepared. Featuring a line of t-shirts exclusively designed by the two, the TeamManila x Tyang and Quatro collection is a burst of colour and creativity seen on apparel.

And before we launch this limited collection, come on and get to know more of Tyang and Quatro below.

Hi Tyang and Quatro! Please tell us something about yourselves … When did you start making art and why did you decide to pursue it? What are your other interests?

Tyang: Hi, I’m your everyday tita. I’m a member of Cavity Collective and I make things that I want to see. I am a self-taught artist and I started making art way back in 2009. I’m interested in bizarre things found on the internet and surplus shops.

Quatro: Noong bata palang ako gustong gusto ko na lagi magdrawing. Salamat sa family ko kasi sinuportahan nila ako kahit na alam ko lagi silang nagagalit sa mga kalat (lalo na ‘yung mga libag ng pambura.) Hahaha. Pero kasi nung college talaga ako, na-inspire ako sa mga kilala ko na ipagpatuloy ang paglikha. I pursue to do art kasi dito ko nae-express ang sarili ko. Nakakapag-communicate din ‘to at masaya lang talaga ako kapag gumagawa.

Minsan drummer rin ako. Mahilig din ako sa sapatos at mahilig din kumain.

Who or what are your influences when it comes to illustrating/making something creative?

T: My influences are Kitsh, pop culture, comics, cult films, and pop art. I am inspired a lot mostly by the people around me and the movies that I watch.

Q: Influence ko siguro ay pop culture, vintage horror, struggle, black light posters, sci-fi aliens, donuts, food, vintage signs, ‘yung signboard ng mga bus na mala-black light poster, jeepney tunes, bad and good experiences, family and friends.

The both of you are part of Cavity Collective … Can you please tell us something more about this; what is the group about and how did you become part of it?

T: Well, Cavity Collective has a big part in my life as an artist because this is all where it started. I am very grateful to be a part of this family. Cavity Collective is a group of street artists where most [members] live in the south. We share our art for everyone to see our works and be inspired.

Q: Cavity Collective is a group of street artists from the south with members mostly from Cavite. Main purpose ng CVTY is to share art to the people na hindi naman nakakapunta ng mga galleries. I became part of CVTY in early 2012 since part ako ng Muralla Street Team (isang grupo ng mga graffiti/street artists na galing sa loob ng Intramuros.) Tapos nakilala ko sa MST si Sir Rai Cruz na nagsali sa akin sa CVTY. Simula sa isang paint session ng CVTY, sumasama na ako lagi. Iba kasi kapag nagpipinta ako kasama sila. Iba ‘yung feeling e, parang pamilya kasi ang CVTY.

What were your main inspirations on the TeamManila x Tyang and Quatro collaboration?

T: My main inspirations on the collaboration are street food, jeepney and everything about Pinoy culture. I love the topic because I have the opporunity to show my love for the culture and for our country.

Q: Araw-araw na eksena sa kalsada ng Manila. Mga Pinoy kasi laging masaya. Kahit na magulo, masaya pa rin at buhay na buhay. Mga street food din kasi mahilig ako kumain. Haha. Iba ‘yung feeling ng tumutusok ka ng kikiam at kumakain sa labas ng fishball – parang may something kumpara kapag nilagay mo sa plato tapos kinain mo sa bahay. Wala ng dating at mas masaya yung experience ng tusok tusok habang nauusukan ka at hinihintay mo maluto ‘yung betamax o tenga.

If there is one part of Manila you’d like to change in terms of design, what part is it and why?

T: Manila has evolved a lot and every time I go there, I always get inspired by the architectural structures. If there’s anything that I want to change in terms of design, maybe I’d just maintain what is there now. I think Manila is already perfect for me. :)

Q: Wala siguro kasi kung may babaguhin man ako, hindi na Manila ‘yun. Pero siguro ‘yung atuto lang ang mga tao na huwag magtapon ng basura kung saan saan. Ayun!

Don’t you miss the TeamManila x Tyang and Quatro art exhibit and shirt launch tonight at the Suez and Zapote Gallery in Makati. Party is for free and starts at 7pm so we better see you there!

Categories Art + Design, Events