For Bulacan’s Christopher Santiago, old jeans belong on the canvas

The Bulacan-born artist, now 49, has been drawn to art since childhood. In a 2025 guest appearance on state-run PTV’s Rise and Shine Pilipinas, he shared that his interest began in Grade 3, when he started with drawing.

He later explored acrylic painting and tattoo artistry, earning recognition as a two-time finalist in the GSIS Art Competition in 2011 and 2013. In 2024, he won the Investors’ Choice Award at the Philippine Art Festival National Painting Competition.

Like many Filipinos, Santiago spent years working as an OFW to make a living.

But in the aftermath of the pandemic, he found his way back to art, embracing new forms of creative expression. In 2023, he began experimenting with denim as a medium, discovering the artistic possibilities of old garments and recycled textiles.

In his PTV interview, Santiago described how he works with the material. He first examines each piece of fabric before deciding how to cut and attach it to the canvas. The process takes patience and precision, with a single artwork requiring around two weeks to complete.

His ideas, however, don’t always follow a set plan.

“Bigla na lang papasok sa isip. Minsan, uupo muna ako sa harap ng canvas,” he said when asked where he finds inspiration.

That instinctive approach takes shape in “Denimscapes,” his digital exhibition on Art Circle Gallery, which ran from July 10 to Aug. 10. The collection features landscapes pieced together from old denim, excess fabric, and worn garments, turning everyday materials into textured works of art.

In his PTV guest appearance, Santiago also encouraged fellow artists to pursue what they are passionate about.

“Tapos samahan po natin ng sipag,” he added. “Para sa atin din naman ‘yan.”