Epistola Studio (now ART Pilipinas) was established on March 2002 by Abstract Expressionist and international artist Frederick Epistola to be an engaging alternative to museums and commercial galleries, with its innovative efforts mainly focused on integrating art in communities.

Known to be a social artist, Epistola's past involvements include, among others, the global art project for children, Children NOW! in 2002 (Krakow, Poland) and 2003 (Manila, Philippines); the 1st Filipino Youth Cultural Expo, which featured twenty-five artworks of young artists and which was sponsored by the Office of the President; Art and Environment: Revolutionizing Environmental Advocacy, which was sponsored by the Office of the Mayor of Paranaque City; Asian Youth Council Exhibit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia featuring his artworks on the theme Cultural Diversity and Dialogue Among Civilizations and Coffee Cuts exhibit with Rustan's Coffee Corporation for their Starbucks Sparkhope Program.

This year, Epistola aims to involve civil society in yet another community activity through this fund-raising art exhibition - GLOBAL COMPACT: Helping Improve Lives through a Fusion of Art and Innovation. The exhibit will showcase twenty (20) original collages by Epistola on the given theme. Proceeds from the sale of the exhibit will benefit the Puppet for Peace program of UNESCO Club of Metro Manila and the chosen charity project of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

This campaign is parallel to the aim of the project which is to emphasise the social use of art particularly in conveying to the public the relevance of responsible action in order to make the world a better place to live in.

ARTIST STATEMENT

"My works are products of visions, emotions, thoughts and juxtapositions of objects, colours and textures. By integrating spontaneous imagery with philosophies and confining them into small frames and spaces, I lead viewers to look closely and become sensually involved in my artwork's textures and colors, thus presenting a challenge for both the eyes and the mind. Significantly, my works dwell on the remarkable consistent themes of existence and universality; on two persistent subjectlife and emotions; and on certain moods concealing and revealing. In all, I want an art fully related to life as lived."

www.frederickepistola.com