Komunidad, 2026*
Perhaps no other artist in Capiz has dedicated as much of his craft to the local coastal community as has Jonard Villarde. As a preschooler, he was curious about paints which developed into dabbling with wall drawings, notebook scketches and poster making for school competitions. This interest in art continued through high school where he explored other mediums and handicrafts as part of school projects in technology and livelihood economics. When he entered Capiz State University, he decided to pursue a degree in Secondary Education with a major in Architectural Drafting. Today, he teaches art and industrial education as a public school teacher. Villarde is not only an educator. He is also a multidisciplinary artist and nature enthusiast. His works cover a range of mediums including murals, sculpture, drawings and paintings on various surfaces such as canvas, wood and paper. Villarde has previously exhibited his works at Viva ExCon 2018, Panagbo: Encounter with Traditions at Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art in 2022, the Bottles and Vases art exhibition at SM Iloilo in 202—-. His first solo show, Hamungaya, was held at Teddy’s Art Space in Roxas City in March 2023 followed by a second solo show in June 2024 at SM City Roxas. Villarde hails from Ivisan, Capiz. You can read and view the paintings from his first art show here: https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2023/03/hamungaya-with-jonard-villarde.html
Komunidad is a community mural that depicts the shared struggles of the community to earn a living, sharing the same hopes and visions for a brighter, sustainable future.
The bounty of the sea and its sustainability depends on how the community takes good care of its natural resources, passing them down from one generation to the next. The interconnectedness between man’s existence and nature is a communal relationship that must be continued and nurtured. Jonard Villarde
Art Imitates Life*
Villarde draws inspiration for his works from the coastal community which he meticulously observes. He grew up in this environment and it played a major part in his formative years. He understands the sea and the interaction between man and nature.
Feminine Energy, 2026*
This is a new painting by Villarde. It is unique in that the artist rarely paints women. In this scene, we are drawn by the vitality of these women who with their paddles, rakes, baskets of fish and scale represent the full range of activities fisherfolk engage in. On top of these tasks, the women are expected to take care of their children. Villarde plans on including women in his future compositions as they play an important role in aquaculture and fishing methods within the community.
Fishing net, a tool of the trade, 2023
Villarde defines his style as contemporary figurative cubism with a twist. He has infused the Capiz narrative in his works as he portrays the daily life struggles, movements in the streets and markets and the resilience of his people. These visual images are culled from happy childhood memories and experiences which he has woven into his unique artistic voice. The rich silver hue of the fishes symbolize the core being of a Capiznon who depends on fishing and farming as their sources of living.
Baybayanihan, Acrylic on paper, 14x21 inches, 2026*
I asked Villarde why his subjects lean their heads. He told me that the distortion of figures is the starting point of cubism and that he calls this affectation as the ‘gaze’. “The gaze is a homage to God, the divine creator. It is an acknowledgement of his supremacy and an expression of gratitude for providing everything under the sun. The large open eye looks at the bright side of life while the other is closed, representing man’s longing for hope amidst the uncertainties of life. It mirrors the hardworking and God fearing individuals. It gives my paintings a little humor, humility and faith.”
“Baybayanihan” captures the spirit of the Baybay community and their collective resilience. It highlights the Filipino concept of bayanihan, a culture where neighbors and strangers work together for a common goal without expecting a reward.
Kargador (Porter), Acrylic on paper, 2023*
The Kargador (porter) takes the haul in woven boxes and baskets to the courier for delivery. Note how the artist painstakingly portrays these boxes and baskets which he has observed since his childhood.
Manugkagaycay, 2025
Manugkagaykay is Villarde's evocative sculpture of a clam digger who is an integral part of the unique coastal culture of Capiz. The beach is the perfect backdrop for this stunning piece of art. The beach is also the source of his kagaykay.
The “Gaze”
There is a basket of clams in the background.
Table
As a student of art, Villarde was influenced by the works of Ang Kiukok and Vicente Manansala, both recipients of the Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts award. He was drawn to the paintings of Ang Kiukok especially those that depicted human conditions and the plight of the fishermen. Villarde was also fascinated by the geometric facets and overlapping shapes that defined the works of Manansala who frequently painted family and community gatherings as well as local traditions. For more on Manansala, check these links:
Philippine Village Life
Manansala at the National Museum https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2024/07/vicente-manansala-at-national-museum.html
Masaganang Ani
Balancing a full time job as a teacher and overlapping artistic events as well as finding the time and materials to create his works of art are just a few of the challenges Villarde faces. But wearing several hats at once is something he is grateful for. Looking forward, Villarde hopes to inspire other art educators by sharing his techniques and works through art dialogs, workshops, and mobile exhibitions at various schools in municipalities throughout Capiz. As for his own personal growth, Villarde wants to explore new mediums and possibilities for expressing his own artistic narrative. The future is bright for such a talented
artist whose personal perspective is deeply rooted in his community. We wish him all the best in all his projects and pursuits!
A few of Jonard Villarde’s works are currently on display at Tabai Test Kitchen on Baybay Beach, Roxas City.
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Images by TravelswithCharie and *Jonard Villarde