Painting Memories, One Snack at a Time
By Santi Buenviaje
March 10, 2025
At the heart of Art Fair 2025, amid the vibrant and dynamic showcase of contemporary Filipino art, stands an exhibit that resonates with nostalgia, personal history, and an insightful commentary on Filipino life. Marking his 10th solo exhibition, Sari-Sari Sabi-Sabi by designer and artist Carlo Tanseco is a visual tapestry of everyday moments, seamlessly blending past and present through art. Deeply personal yet universally evocative, it captures the essence of shared experiences, inviting viewers to rediscover the beauty in the familiar.
A Taste of Nostalgia
"Sari-Sari Sabi-Sabi" is more than just an art exhibition—it’s a nostalgic journey through Filipino life, especially for those who grew up with the humble sari-sari store. This collection serves as a playful yet deeply sentimental continuation of Tanseco’s previous exhibit, Canned Thoughts, which infused iconic canned goods with quirky and inspirational messages. Now, he shifts his focus to beloved Filipino snacks and treats—staples of his childhood and beyond.
“These were the snacks that kept me going through long thesis nights as a student,” he shares. More than just representations of food, the artworks evoke a shared sense of comfort, nostalgia, and cultural identity. Interestingly, even younger viewers find a connection to the collection, underscoring the timeless appeal of these cherished Filipino treats.
Echoes of the Past: Key Artworks That Bring Memories to Life
Like any artist, some pieces in Carlo Tanseco’s collection carry a deeper personal significance.
One such piece features the iconic White Rabbit candy—a childhood favorite, beloved by his father and given by his mother as a sweet reward for good grades. Another piece depicting the familiar image of Pancit Canton, evokes memories of late nights as a student, tirelessly working on architectural plates and thesis projects.
Perhaps the most poignant piece in the collection is Tanseco’s reimagining of Piattos—now renamed Pilipinas—a subtle yet powerful reflection on perseverance and hope for the country. By altering the branding to Pilipinas and replacing cheese with chews, he highlights the resilience needed to overcome struggles, both personal and national.
At the heart of Tanseco’s work lies a deep desire to communicate something meaningful. “Before you can relay a message, you have to grab people’s attention. You have to make them stop and look,” he explains. His use of familiar snack brands and playful yet thought-provoking messages serves this very purpose—drawing viewers in, sparking recognition, and inviting them to pause. The accessibility of his work bridges the gap between artist and audience, allowing each person to interpret the message in their own way.
Beyond the Canvas: Tanseco’s Innovative Approach to Art
Tanseco’s choice of materials—acrylic on canvas—plays a vital role in bringing his memories to life. However, his creative process is anything but traditional. Instead of painting on a flat canvas, he constructs a three-dimensional frame using plywood, stretching the canvas over it to create depth and structure. This innovative technique adds a distinct texture to his work, allowing viewers to not just see but almost feel the layers of history and memory embedded within.
"I love the brushstrokes," Tanseco shares, "and I’m familiar with how paint behaves on canvas." The tactile nature of his approach deepens the intimacy of each piece, transforming it into both a window into his past and a mirror for the audience’s own experiences.
Overall, his artistic journey is as distinctive as his exhibit. Trained as an architect, he initially carved a path in product and furniture design, working with exporters and serving as a consultant for CITEM. These experiences deepened his connection to the design world, but it was the pandemic that truly ignited his transformation into a visual artist.
Through Sari-Sari Sabi-Sabi, Tanseco doesn’t just share his own story—he invites the audience to reflect on theirs. The exhibit serves as a tribute to the simple joys and struggles of everyday life—the comfort of a familiar snack, the deep ties to shared cultural history, and the resilience that propels us forward.
As Tanseco continues to dream, create, and paint, one thing remains certain: his art will always carry a message—one that inspires, provokes thought, and encourages change. By seamlessly blending nostalgia with contemporary artistry, he transforms the ordinary into something meaningful, reminding us all to pause, take a closer look, and reflect.
