The name Mario “Ram” Mallari Jr. should ring a bell among art enthusiasts as one of the most prolific and fast-rising sculptors in the country today. True and avid admirers of his work, however, will regard him as some sort of genius for his ability to turn recycled materials into retro-futuristic works of art.
Indeed, what started as a hobby for Mallari — experimenting with iron, metal and reclaimed metals back in 2011— bode well for him, for in three short years, it earned him wide repute in the art scene as a great innovator in the field of “reclaimed sculpture.” In no time too, it led his career to international acclaim.
“I never even thought I could make it in the Philippine art scene. But luckily, I did, because of the support of some early collectors who love art from recycled materials,” Mallari confided to The Sunday Times Magazine in a one-on-one interview.
Asked how or where he got the idea to work with things which have been previously thrown away, the noted artist cheerfully replied, “Choosing this medium is easy because the materials are readily available everywhere.”
Metal in mind
Born from humble beginnings, Mallari apparently grew up in a family of blacksmiths. In other words, he knew from a very early age he could bend metals as he willed, though not for the same purpose as his relatives did.
Gifted with an eye for design, his hard working parents made his dream to become an architect a reality, and as a young professional Mallari made sure their efforts were worth it when he took a draftsman’s job all the way in the Middle East.
While there, fate led him to discover Steampunk, which is a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs as inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. Clearly his eureka moment, it took Mallari no time to decide that he wanted to sculpt metals into art.
“I never really knew any artists during the time I started making art. I just happened to learn about the Steampunk genre through the internet and fell in love with it,” he chuckled.
Making it official
In 2013, he finally decided to embrace the art exclusively and felt right to consider himself a Steampunk artist.
Unleashing his creativity, Mallari emerged prolific with his resulting metal sculptures comprising the extensive range of watchtowers, chess pieces, clocks, steam and motor vehicles, zeppelins, ships, and even reimagined animals and pop icons.
His biggest artwork to date now stands as a permanent public installation in Nuvali, Laguna. Titled “The Last Tree,” it measures 10 feet high as commissioned by Ayala Museum.
“Art inspirations are just everywhere, especially when you’re doing Steampunk art. From small pieces to larger than life pieces, I can make Steampunk out of many things. I can turn art pieces like furniture and functional art like chess sets, clocks and other housewares [into my own]. I can even do Steampunk versions of animals and superheroes,” he enthused.
Ever humble, Mallari mused, “I’m not really sure how unique my artworks are, because honestly a lot of artists nowadays here and abroad are into this kind of art and it’s growing. For me, all I know is that loving what you do and being passionate about is what makes an artist different from others.”
And as if he can’t say it enough, the happy Steampunk disciple declared again, “I just really love doing this kind of art, and it feels amazing every time I finish one.”
Far and wide
Truly fortunate to find his passion and thrive in it, Mallari has already reaped international acclaim for his art less than a decade into his career.
Quite notably, he was invited as guest artist and lecturer for an art workshop at the Singapore Science Museum; as well as landing features in numerous publications and broadcasts, among them with Thompson Reuters, The Washington Post, NBC News TV, BBC News and Yahoo News.
Most impressively, he made it the cover of World Sculpture News in 2016 when his work was singled out across the Asean Region.
Asked what such foreign exposure has done for him, Mallari candidly replied, “The local art scene here in the Philippines is not so big. You make one big accomplishment and you will be noticed immediately. It will make an impact and art collectors will be after your work. In my case, international media exposure really gave me an edge. I was invited to do exhibits and some auctions overseas.”
Thankfully, Mallari had the support of the well-established Galerie Joaquin in both his local and international achievements.
“To be handled by reputable and established galleries here is a must for an artist. Galerie Joaquin played a big role in helping me realize my goals. Galleries after all are still the beating heart of the artworld.”
Pandemic struggles
Like every other working folk, artists like Mallari have been direly affected by the pandemic. With galleries closed, they had no means to exhibit and sell their work. To make the most of the lockdown, Mallari took the glass-half-full attitude and used the time to think of ways on how to improve his pieces.
“The pandemic gave us chance to reflect on ourselves. As an artist, during distress times and isolation, the role of art becomes more central to our lives. Whether we realize it or not, our consumption habits, including arts, form who we are. Our values, our inclinations – they are the patchwork of beliefs that are tested in these difficult times. But I guess we can survive, just like any other people.”
Keeping positive, Mallari is looking forward to doing series of shows once more normalcy sets in.
“I plan to have a show in collaboration with other artists. It’s my dream exhibit and I hope do it soon,” he said without revealing too much detail.
To wrap up, The Sunday Times Magazine asked Mallari if he had any advice for up and coming artists who may have been discouraged by the pandemic.
“I can only tell them what experience has taught me,” he qualified. “My goals are still the same since I started doing art, and that is to continue to do more beautiful art and put smiles on the face of the people who look at them. As long as my body is able, I will make more art. So I guess what I’m trying to say is just do what you do best. Do it with conviction and passion. Just believe in yourself and the rest will follow.” he ended.