- Merly Labas

Merly Labas, a surrealist artist hailing from Butuan City, offers a distinct and profound perspective to the art world. Her artistic journey began during the tumultuous year of 2020, amidst a global pandemic that sparked within her a deep fascination with art. During this period of uncertainty and existential questioning, art became not just a distraction, but a soothing balm for her soul.

Despite lacking a formal background in art, Merly embarked on her painting odyssey in 2021 through online platforms such as YouTube. In 2022, she found a nurturing artistic community in Likha Karaga, an esteemed art organization in the Caraga Region. This pivotal moment exposed her to art exhibitions and provided a gateway for personal growth and industry connections. While diligently tending to the demands of the accounting field— meticulously maintaining financial records, filing taxes, and upholding accounting principles—Merly‘s transition from the structured world of numbers to the boundless realm of creativity has been a gradual and transformative process. Each evening after leaving the office, she immerses herself in a world where compliance gives way to freedom, objectivity yields to subjectivity, and imagination reigns supreme.