Because we normally calculate prices per square foot of canvas, we’ve been programmed to equate bigger with better when it comes to paintings.  Bragging rights go to those who snag an exhibit’s largest piece.  While massive paintings certainly impress, and do show off an artist’s skill to great advantage, something must be said for works more intimately sized.  How refreshing for Tin-aw to mount a show that celebrates diminutive pieces, pint-sized in all but the talent they showcase.

Small World marks the gallery’s fourth anniversary.  Every year, Tin-Aw’s Dawn Atienza and Marya Salang put up a show to commemorate the occasion. For this one, thirty artists had to work with a specified size of nothing bigger than a six-inch cube.  All the pieces were installed sans identifying labels.  Boxes of chalk were available for opening night guests to use, to scribble and doodle and note impressions on the gallery’s newly painted gray walls.

I’ve made it a point to catch each of Tin-Aw’s anniversary shows, and I think I enjoyed this one the most (it gets better every year!). The interactive element definitely contributed to the fun.  Small works invite close inspection.  They allow for a deeper appreciation of details.

Small World runs from 29 February to 24 March 2012 at Tin-Aw Art Gallery, Upper Ground Floor, Somerset Olympia, Makati Avenue cor. Sto Tomas St., Makati City.  Phone (632) 892-7522 or visit www.tin-aw.com

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Something different from Alfredo Esquillo Jr.

Presidential seal and Philip II on crab shells from Alwin Reamillo

Ambie Abano's woodblocks

Little cards instead of a big brochure

Two faces of Christ, the one on the right by Alfredo Esquillo Jr.

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From new graduate Abril Valdemoro

Bikes on a sphere from Ferdie Montemayor

One of Francis Commeyne's framed pipes

Iannis Sicuya's miniature bulul bones

Joy Mallari's books

Kirby Roxas

Ling Quisumbing Ramilo

A Mark Justiniani bottom at bottom left

Hammer in a box from Mark Justiniani and a bird's eye view from Anthony Palomo

Mike Adrao

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View from outside

Tin-Aw's Dawn Atienza and Marya Salang