Echoes of Freedom: Unpacking the Spirit of Kalayaan Komuna

By Evita Miraflor

Last Independence Day, we celebrated freedom and creative expression at Kalayaan Komuna, a dynamic grassroots DIY fair hosted by Thumbnail Gallery in Antipolo, Rizal. This event showcased a diverse array of local artists, artisans, and brands, truly immersing us in Filipino talent.

In a recent conversation with Miles Villanueva and Gab Baez, the visionary duo behind Thumbnail Gallery, we discussed the core vision that birthed Kalayaan Komuna and how it has positively impacted their community. 

Drawing from the clever wordplay of "Kalayaan" (freedom), "Ko" (my), and "Muna" (first), the event aims to embrace individual creative freedom through art, music, and culture, while also fostering the liberty to unite as a community. This vision quickly expanded: what was initially a simple invitation for their friends to booth at the event rapidly spread through their network, attracting other connections and organically building new relationships.

The selection of merchants for Kalayaan Komuna was primarily guided by Villanueva and Baez's lifestyle and curatorial vision. “Alamin muna namin kung sino kami as a duo, as individuals, and then tsaka kami mamimili.” said Villanueva, highlighting their thoughtful approach. As it was the first edition of Kalayaan Komuna, they also highly valued merchants' flexibility to adapt to any potential changes during the event. Ultimately, they emphasized collaboration's crucial role in building a supportive community of like-minded people and enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved.

The event's success left the participants with a lingering sense of exhilaration, prompting Villanueva and Baez to envision its multifaceted future. They realized the potential to transform it into an annual fair, establish intimate pocket events, or curate specialized mini-events. When asked about expanding the event's reach, Villanueva and Baez affirmed the possibility, driven by their eagerness to share the Kalayaan Komuna experience while also learning from diverse communities.

Beyond Kalayaan Komuna, Thumbnail Gallery maintains a vibrant schedule of exhibitions and engaging workshops. This coming July 13, Sunday, they will host a group show featuring contemporary artists, including Mark Dawn Arcamo, Harvy Armada, Mark Bardinas, Rene Bituin, Jobert Cruz, Jacob Lindo, and Mark Nativo.

Stay connected with Thumbnail Gallery! Follow @thumbnailgalleryph on social media for all their exhibition and workshop updates.

Plus, keep an eye on @hayo.footwear on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok so you don't miss any of our upcoming drops!