Two faculty members from the University of Northern Philippines brought Philippine artistry to the international stage as they participated in the 6th Greater Mekong Subregion Art Exhibition held from February 26 to 28, 2026, at Udon Thani Rajabhat University in Udon Thani, Thailand, showcasing the country’s vibrant artistic and creative practice alongside artists from across the region.
Dr. Ashley Paulino Martinez, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design, together with Mr. Delmar Torrano, represented the University of Northern Philippines as guest speakers and exhibiting artists in the international gathering. Centered on the theme “Identity, culture and world heritage,” the event convened artists, scholars, and cultural practitioners from across the Greater Mekong Subregion, fostering dialogue and collaboration on the preservation and expression of cultural identity through the arts.
Organized by the Office of Art and Culture in partnership with the Visual Arts and Design Programme and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Udon Thani Rajabhat University, the exhibition aimed to promote the cultural identity and heritage of Udon Thani at both national and international levels. The program gathered 18 institutional partners and artists from participating countries including Thailand, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Viet Nam, China, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
A central focus of the program was the cultural and historical significance of Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, a heritage site in Udon Thani known for its unique rock formations and archaeological value. Activities included site exploration, collaborative art workshops, and an international symposium that encouraged dialogue on art, heritage, and identity.
During the symposium, Martinez presented a paper titled “Chromatic Memory: Reimagining the Ancestral House as Cultural Dreamscape,” which examined the ancestral houses of Vigan City as enduring symbols of memory, identity, and spirituality. Drawing from the rich architectural heritage of the historic city, he demonstrated how expressive color, layered imagery, and atmospheric interpretation can transform vernacular structures into evocative visual narratives. Through his paintings, Martinez reimagines these heritage homes as contemplative dreamscapes that embody continuity, resilience, nostalgia, and transcendence, offering a deeper reflection on the cultural legacy preserved within Vigan’s iconic ancestral houses.
Meanwhile, Torrano took an active role in the event’s creative workshop sessions, collaborating with artists and students from various countries. During the workshops, he demonstrated contemporary painting techniques and mentored emerging practitioners as they developed new works alongside fellow participants. The sessions culminated in the creation of a diverse body of artworks—including paintings, ceramics, and lacquer pieces—which were later showcased in a concluding exhibition themed “Art for Moral Heritage.”
Beyond the exhibition activities, Martinez also met with university officials from Udon Thani Rajabhat University to discuss potential areas of academic and artistic collaboration with UNP. Both institutions expressed interest in establishing a memorandum of agreement to strengthen future exchanges in instruction, research, exhibitions, and cultural initiatives.
The participation of UNP faculty in the international exhibition highlights the university’s ongoing efforts toward global engagement and cultural diplomacy, while further elevating the presence of Philippine art within the Greater Mekong Subregion.
