Marclen Ricafor, Hard in the Paint Exhibit

Celebrities, personalities from the basketball community, and art lovers flooded to Cloudscape in Poblacion, Makati last Saturday, February 3 for the opening night of Hard in the Paint, an urban street art exhibit dedicated to all things basketball.

The artist, Marclen Ricafort-Chulani on her collection:

“Hard in the Paint is a basketball terminology wherein one drives in or goes hard to the basket. I thought this is perfect because any baller would get it, at the same time, its double meaning–I go hard in the paint when I’m creating my pieces.”

It is the first solo exhibit of Marclen Ricafort-Chulani. She is a fun-loving and creative preschool teacher and a yoga instructor, and has loved and played basketball all her life. ”I’ve always been a fan of street art. Whenever I travel, I make time to explore all the hidden gems and murals of each town. Even as a preschool teacher, I’ve always enjoyed having my students explore different materials. Messy play is always fun, and it definitely sparks their creativity,” Marclen explains. “My love for street art and sports has inspired me to create pieces that showcase my favorite teams and athletes.”

Indeed every piece of canvas in the 20-piece collection is special and one-of-a-kind. Marclen uses her unique vision and played with mixed media, acrylic, and upcycled sports equipment to come up standout pieces that draw and captivate any onlooker. Opening night was a hit among attendees with the collection almost sold out! Talks of a next collection featuring more athletes and teams are already underway.

Marclen and her husband, Dinesh (R) with their Ricafort family

(L-R) Rj Ricafort, Dinesh Chulani, Marclen Ricafort-Chulani and Francis Ricafort

(L-R) Lacsama Cousins, Francis, Wynwyn, Marclen and Rj

 

“Hard in the Paint is my chance to express my love for basketball and art. It’s an opportunity to show how basketball doesn’t stop on the court.” Marclen shares.

‘Hard in the Paint’ will run until February 17 in Cloudscape, 5382 Matheus Bldg, Stall 01, General Luna St, Poblacion, Makati until February 14. For more updates, you can follow @makeyourmarc.art on Instagram

MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST

When she is not busy creating art, Marclen loves playing and discussing basketball with friends and family, including her brother-in-law, former Gilas Pilipinas team captain and now development coach for the Sacramento Kings, Jimmy Alapag; exploring the outdoors with her husband, Dinesh and playing with their chonky corgi son, Price.