(L-R) Center for Possibilities founder Ms. Dolores Cheng, Filipina-Swiss artist Samantha Kaspar, her father Martin Kaspar, Ambassador of Switzerland to the Philippines H.E. Dr. Nicolas Brühl, ACB Executive Director Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, A Child’s DREAM Foundation Founder and Medical Director Dr. Francis Xavier Dimalanta, and the artist’s mother Michelle Kaspar.
TAGUIG CITY, PHILIPPINES – As part of its efforts to promote appreciation for biodiversity, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity partnered with Enderun Colleges, the Center for Possibilities Foundation, Inc., and A Child’s Dream Foundation in organising “Biodiversity in Full Colour’’ Art Exhibition on 24 September 2024.
The artworks made by a Swiss-Filipino artist, Samantha Kaspar, featured vibrant colours of different birds and fish species, corals, plants with intricate details, as well as landscapes. Samantha, diagnosed with autism at a very young age, takes inspiration from nature to express herself by painting lush landscapes and various flora and fauna in great detail.
A portion of the proceeds from the sales of the paintings will go to the Centre for Possibilities Foundation, Inc. and A Child’s Dream Foundation.
According to her mother Mitzi, Samantha discovered painting when she was a child as a helpful way to process her emotions and experiences. Her style evolved from playful Disney characters to creating colourful portrayals of the natural environment around her. She likes to use watercolour on paper and acrylic on canvas as her favourite mediums.
During her opening message at the event, ACB Executive Director Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim said that, “This evening is a recognition of the deep connection between art and nature. It is a testament to a fruitful collaboration, demonstrating how nature inspires art and how art can promote conservation of nature and encourage humanity to become better stewards of our environment.”
The ACB’s support to this art exhibition, according to Dr. Lim, is part of the Centre’s 19th anniversary. She explained that while at first we do not realise the relationship between nature and these other fields, they have a valuable connection that is key to sustaining the benefits that people enjoy. Benefits such as clean air, clean water, natural defence against extreme climatic events, and inspiration for creativity and invention, are all essential in ensuring our meaningful existence on this planet, the ACB director said.
Since 2005, the ACB has been working with various partners and like-minded organisations to mainstream biodiversity across sectors and disciplines such as tourism, agriculture, arts and education, business, and health, among others.
The exhibit gathered not only art enthusiasts but also diplomats, government officials, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and mental health advocates. Some of the VIPs included Ambassador of Switzerland to the Philippines H.E. Dr. Nicolas Brühl, H.E. Ambassador of Lao People’s Democratic Republic Sonexay Vannaxay, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates Mohamed Obaid Alzaabi, former Senator Atty. Leila De Lima, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Sec. Carlito Galvez, Jr., President and CEO of Magsaysay Group of Companies Ms. Doris Magsaysay-Ho, honourable officials and representatives from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar, and representatives from the ACB’s sectoral dialogue partners from Brazil and Morocco.
“As we continue to raise awareness on the value and beauty of biodiversity, we invite everyone – nature lovers, art enthusiasts, or both – biodiversity and neurodiversity advocates, to join our efforts in safeguarding our region’s unique natural wealth, reflected here in all of Samantha’s incredible work”, added Dr. Lim.
About the ACB
The ACB is designated as one of the 18 regional and subregional technical and scientific cooperation support centres chosen for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Plan of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Established in 2005, it is ASEAN’s response to the challenge of biodiversity loss. The Centre facilitates cooperation and coordination among the ASEAN Member States and different regional and global dialogue and development partners to intensify regional actions on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of such natural treasures.– end
