Arvi Fetalvero

Art by Instinct

Arvi Fetalvero has nothing to show but authenticity and raw talent

Published January 22, 2018

Text by Hannah Jo Uy

“I do not have an academic approach to art making,” admits Arvi Fetalvero. “I do not have a traditional fine arts education, so I’m not well articulated in art theories.” In many ways, her approach to art is the embodiment of tabula rasa or “a clean slate.” In the absence of formal artistic education, Fetalvero became a student of spontaneity, embracing intuition as her instructor and life, in all its beautiful chaos, as a learning experience. “When I make creative decisions,” she says, “I would often follow what felt right.”

Further elaborating on her approach, Fetalvero says that once she has drawn out her general intent, she meticulously constructs the image and ambiance she wants to project upon the piece. “Sometimes it would not be clear at first how it is connected or how it would work,” she narrates, “But I trust my instincts.”

Authenticity is pivotal to the process, as she gives in to the process of self-discovery, inviting audiences to join in. She gradually untangles the meaning underneath the visual narratives, diving into a deeper understanding of her own psyche. Indeed, each visual composition, which unveils her innermost reflections, is as much of a revelation to her as it is to her viewers.

The fulltime artist’s unmistakable hunger to create made the corporate world unbearable, describing her previous work as unfulfilling. “I want to have the freedom to execute my ideas and get my hands dirty,” she remarks.

While the decision to create was unmistakable, Fetalvero was not shackled to one particular art genre or another. A steady stream of influences attracted her and she says she would constantly find new sources of inspiration to learn from and apply throughout her own practice.

The lack of theoretical background gave Fetalvero an opportunity to grow in every direction her whimsy takes her, as she is unshackled by any previous notions of what is or is not considered art. “My works are very personal, so they would often be inspired by my immediate environment, and current phase or experiences,” she says. “Sometimes I would find ideas spontaneously or accidentally based on what I see in front of me.”

This is revealed in the minimalist silhouettes in her pieces. In a world constantly assaulted by sensory images, Fetalvero’s use and manipulation of blank space as an integral element of composition honors objects that are often overlooked. The attention to detail and emphasis on particular objects has a calming effect, almost urging viewers to immerse themselves in the moment to experience every object they encounter, no matter how mundane and ordinary.

This is clearly showcased in “Off-Center, of Center,” a debut solo exhibition that is unabashedly personal. The show is an intimate look at Fetalvero’s internal struggles as she entered the artistic life, in relation to her personal circumstances in finding her creative voice.

Drawing from the prejudice she personally experienced as she embarked on her journey, Fetalvero puts together unexpected elements in unexpected ways as a rebuttal to early doubters: “I was once told I wasn’t fit as an artist by people I considered my mentors then,” she says. “Even now that I am relatively not inexperienced anymore, there would still be questions of whether I did the work on my pieces.”

Fetalvero shares her experience dealing with assumptions drawn from her lack of background in art, that she was taught by others and that she had only done a “minimal portion of the needed work,” especially in relation to her objects and installations. “Often, my work is heavily attributed to the influence of my husband,” she says, “who is also an artist with a traditional educational art background, despite us having comparatively different styles.”

Through this exhibit, Fetalvero wanted to present a fresh perspective. “Although I have a different way of doing things, it doesn’t mean that it is not valid or that it is not effective,” she emphasizes.

Hers is an earnest voice and a stirring reminder that at the very core artists are meant to create art—earnestly, bravely, and as an expression of their being.

‘Off-Center, of Center’ will be on display at Eskinita Art Gallery until Feb. 2.