Neil Vargas | Arts 1 [Critical Perspective in Arts] THR-5 Class
Posted on February 11, 2025
I consider myself a non-artistic person. Whenever there’s an activity related to creating any artwork—be it a simple drawing or a complicated painting—I tend to feel intimidated by the idea of creating something out of my pure imagination. However, in my Arts 1 class, there was an activity of producing a zine (a small self-published work with texts and/or images), which required me to utilize every bit of creativity and artistry in my mind. Despite feeling hesitant at first, I still started to produce my own zine. While creating the work, I was surprisingly enjoying the process and how freeing it is to produce something out of my own interests and thoughts. Due to the production of zines that piqued my curiosity, it led me to be interested in Better Living Through Xeroxography (BLTX), which was introduced by my professor.
Better Living Through Xeroxography, commonly known as BLTX, is an annual event organized by The Youth & Beauty Brigade in 2010 where zines, small press publications, and other forms of artistic expression are showcased and celebrated by the art community. It is a place for artists of all kinds to promote their work, expose their creations to the public, and share their varied stories.
On the sunny afternoon of December 7, 2024, I attended the BLTX Christmas edition at Sikat Studio, Morato, Quezon City. The welcoming and vibrant atmosphere enveloped the place as soon as I entered the gate. My initial hesitation about whether I would fit in was instantly replaced by a sense of excitement in thinking about what different kinds of art I would see. It was such a nice feeling to be greeted with warm smiles by everybody, as if everyone, regardless of their prowess in the arts, were valued and appreciated.
While exploring the two floors of the expo, I was continuously amazed by the variety of art that was displayed. In each work that was shown, I could see the amount of effort and dedication the artists exerted in order to produce those works. There were zines about mental health and social issues, mini booklets of different places photographed, poems about different personal journeys, books regarding varied themes, and other forms of art that were all equally incredible.
If there were particular pieces that resonated with me, it would be the pins with different texts and designs that I couldn’t resist buying. One of the pins that I bought was from Yakal St. Moving Co., featuring an illustrated cat with comedic text. The reason why I bought it wasn’t grand in all sorts of ways; it was simply cute and quirky and would definitely look good in my I.D. lace. If there was one thing I realized while exploring the expo, it was that all art is art, regardless of how simple or complicated it may be. All types and forms of art must be celebrated in their own unique ways and do not need to conform to the “right” kind of art other people may have. More than as an accessory, I also purchased it as a way for me to imprint that joyous experience, in which I saw a new world where creativity and imagination take the lead.
Upon reflection, what struck me the most about BLTX was how inclusive and welcoming the place was for all forms and mediums of art as well as for all kinds of artists. I couldn’t sense any hint of discrimination from everyone, as every artist and viewer (like me) was only focused on one thing: to engage and be connected with art. Age, gender, and artistic background were not important. Once we entered the gate of the event’s place, all of us became a community united through appreciation and celebration of art. From pieces with lighthearted themes to works addressing contemporary issues in our society, all of them are celebrated and appreciated, with openness and warmth in everyone’s mind. In fact, as I observed everyone, it was as if we were there neither to sell nor purchase but to simply connect with one another and share our own stories about the art we see.
Beyond that, BLTX also serves as a platform for flourishing artists and independent publishers to promote their work and be known by the art community. In a society often dominated by commercialization and corporate-driven agendas, events like these promote local, small-scale initiatives to be seen and alternative narratives to be heard. Attending BLTX made me realize how we need more spaces like it—spaces where creativity is celebrated through uplifting individuals and communities to share their narratives and ideas. Through grassroots efforts like BLTX, art that comes in various shapes and sizes is celebrated by valuing inclusivity and diversity in the art community.
For someone like me, who at first saw art as a world I would never belong to, attending BLTX opened me to the idea that art isn’t exclusive—it is a space for everyone, regardless of skills and personal differences, to share their stories, empower communities, and eventually, create change in our society.
Neil Anro Vargas is a first-year Bachelor of Elementary Education student who is passionate about writing stories and essays that may inspire others. Through pen and paper, he aims to share his experiences and reflections with the hope of expressing himself, connecting with others, and discussing current themes in Philippine society.