An exclusive interview with the founder and artists of THE ANNEXT, an alternative platform for emerging and young artists.

Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos courtesy of THE ANNEXT
November 8, 2024

The name THE ANNEXT was conceived in a moment of inspiration while founder Prim Paypon was waiting for a flight, book in hand. This innovative portmanteau stands for “The Alternative Nest for the Next Artists,” and has since evolved into a vital art platform, curatorial entity, and incubator program that elevates Filipino narratives from the provinces to the vibrant pulse of the metropolitan.

Prim is a lifelong advocate for projects that promote sustainable impact. With THE ANNEXT, he aims to discover, mentor, and support artists from regions that are often underrepresented or completely overlooked.

An Alternative Platform

THE ANNEXT seeks to push boundaries and create a more innovative, sustainable, and immersive experience for artists. For nearly fifteen years, Prim has been dedicated to discovering and mentoring artists, collaborating with galleries and cultural institutions.

With THE ANNEXT, he is replicating his previous efforts in a more structured and output-driven manner, focusing on creating an incubator program for artists from the provinces who lack access to formal education or who are still pursuing their studies.

“It always breaks my heart when an artist invests so much time and resources into their work but struggles to sell it,” Prim shared.

In an exclusive interview with Prim, Art+ also spoke with several artists nurtured by THE ANNEXT:

Jul Yett

Hailing from Zamboanga City, 25-year-old Jul Yett is a senior high school graduate who transitioned from being a rubber tapper and babysitter to an artist with THE ANNEXT. Her first solo exhibition, “Women Birthing Men,” was showcased at the Luzon Art Fair 2024. Employing social realism and surrealism, Jul challenges contemporary perceptions of women, particularly those from provincial and financially disadvantaged backgrounds, through her process-based art.

“The endless possibilities of visual storytelling motivate me to explore new themes and techniques, pushing the boundaries of my creativity,” she said.

Her message to the youth and emerging artists is: “Stay true to your vision and keep creating, even when faced with challenges. Your unique perspective is valuable and has the power to inspire and transform.”

John Darrel Evasco

John Darrel Evasco, 36, a former construction worker from Sorsogon, is now a full-time visual artist with THE ANNEXT. His second solo exhibition, “The Fables of the Almost Forgotten,” was featured during the Luzon Art Fair 2024. Utilizing techniques like alla prima and glazing, John aims to revisit memories from his childhood and bring forgotten traditions to life.

“My passion has always been visual arts and storytelling. My dream is to be recognized as a professional artist and inspire fellow provincial artists,” he shared.

John attributes his motivation to his family, especially his young son.

Thirdy Montero

At 23, Thirdy Montero from Muntinlupa City previously worked as a social media associate and graphic designer before joining THE ANNEXT. He employs oil paints and combines realism and impressionism to create art that resonates deeply with his audience. As a participant in the three-artist exhibition “Meet Me Where the Sky Touches the Sea” at the Luzon Art Fair 2024, he expresses raw emotions through his work.

“My love for art keeps me going. It’s therapeutic, albeit chaotic during the process, but the payoff is immensely rewarding,” Thirdy said.

His advice to the art community: “Keep your hands productive and dedicate time to your concepts or studies. Love art, and it will love you back.”

Bruno

Bruno, a 20-year-old student from Baguio City, focuses on contemporary art with a distinctive impasto technique. His works feature a muse without a face, inviting viewers to analyze mood and texture, fostering a deeper emotional connection.

“This deeper connection with life’s essence inspires you to express those intricate emotions and stories that often go unsaid,” Bruno said.

His message to the art community is: “Art is about growth, discovery, and connection. Don’t be afraid to take risks and share your unique voice with the world.”

Divine Providence

When asked how he discovered these artists, Prim believes it is all about divine providence. Each artist has juggled studies, work, and personal challenges while pursuing their passion for art, waiting for the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Prim arrived as an instrument of change, driven by his passion and hope to transform these artists’ lives. “It is an answered prayer, as it allows me to share a dream with those who lack the right opportunities and timing to serve the Philippine art scene, their community, and their families,” he said.

Through a rigorous six-month mentorship program involving conceptualization, drawing, prototyping, and painting, artists are encouraged to share their stories and truths, regardless of how challenging they may be. This approach allows the art from THE ANNEXT to resonate emotionally with its audience.

THE ANNEXT offers sincerity in their art, reflecting the genuineness of its artists. As Prim noted, art is akin to love and faith; it is a service platform where you cannot give what you do not have.