Ross Capili’s tribute to Mother Earth at ArtExpo New York

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By Hannah Jo Uy 

HAPPY CAKE FOR MOTHER EARTH #1, acrylic on round canvas, resin, stainless sphere, found objects and plexiglass with engraving, 2025

For Ross Capili, an artistic life is one defined by constant change. It’s about expanding horizons, in both process and output, while paying homage to the lessons learned from the past. “The art world is always evolving,” Capili asserts. “ArtExpo New York is the perfect platform to showcase that evolution as new artists from around the globe are bringing fresh perspectives and innovative styles while established artists continue to push the boundaries of their craft.”

Completing its 48th edition, ArtExpo New York continues to cement its reputation as a premier destination for art lovers, having hosted legends like Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. At the 2025 edition, while Capili exhibited alongside Filipino-American artists, he stood as the sole representative from the motherland, bringing to the global stage a uniquely Filipino voice that celebrates nature’s quiet beauty amid the chaos of the urban jungle.
Filipinos have always been people of nature. Our deep connection to it is etched into our very being. Even the most devoted city dwellers carry nostalgic memories, from coastal towns to sleepy forests in the provinces, that remind us of a simpler, quieter bond with the Earth.

Ross Capili

Fittingly, ArtExpo New York provided the perfect stage for Capili to reinforce this by showcasing nine 13x13-inch mixed-media creations in his show, “Happy Cake for Mother Earth,” at his Na2ra Booth S21, held from April 3 to 6, 2025. 
The series features circular compositions embodying cakes of celebration, ranging from elegant gold and silver hues to nostalgic, earthy tones. For Capili, the evolution of his work is akin to baking a cake for Mother Earth, a heartfelt tribute born out of immense gratitude. “Despite humanity's apathy and neglect, Mother Earth continues to nourish and care for us,” he says. Through this exhibition, Capili pays respect and shares hope, reminding humanity of the precious gift we have been entrusted with.
The body of work, created between 2022 and 2025, found its early inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I started to see clear skies again, free from smog. No cars, no factories, no noise… It felt like the Earth was enjoying a long-overdue break,” Capili shares.

HAPPY CAKE FOR MOTHER EARTH #4, acrylic on round canvas, resin, stainless sphere, found objects and plexiglass with engraving, 2025

Every day during lockdown, Capili drew, sketched, and photographed the horizon, immersing himself in the beauty of silence. This practice evolved into the idea of creating a cake for Mother Earth, using round canvases moulded with resin, found objects like antique brooches, and orbs representing the sun, moon, or delicate bubbles, symbolic of the fragile state of the world during the pandemic.“I thought it was time for these works to be unveiled at ArtExpo New York—as a celebration!”

HAPPY CAKE FOR MOTHER EARTH #6, acrylic on round canvas, resin, stainless sphere, found objects and plexiglass with engraving, 2025

The timing is as critical as the venue, says the artist, who shared that he was committed to sharing a universal message that transcends the charged political environments of the US and the Philippines. “It's about celebrating something shared by all of humanity, our bond with the Earth,” he says.  Indeed, it served as a tribute to Filipinos’ symbiotic relationship with nature, inviting global audiences to pause and reflect on the beauty of natural resources that are often taken for granted.
Capili chose to exhibit this series independently, driven by a desire for complete creative freedom. “I wanted to decide what to show, how to show it, and who to invite,” he explains. Stepping away from gallery representation allowed him to ensure the works would be experienced in their full impact, not just presented but personally shared. The investment proved worthwhile, as visitors at the Expo stopped, leaned closer, captured details in photos, and engaged in conversations about the art. The reaction underlined that it wasn’t about the size of the work but about the message it carried.

HAPPY CAKE FOR MOTHER EARTH #9, acrylic on round canvas, resin, stainless sphere, found objects and plexiglass with engraving, 2025

For Capili, self-driven initiatives are nothing new. Despite decades of recognition as a renowned artist, he likens this independent exhibition to his very first solo show in Manila in 1981. “Back then, there were no art galleries, no internet. My father told me being an artist would only bring hunger,” he recalls. A month before that debut show at City Gallery, he personally pasted posters along Mabini Street, mailed invitations by hand, and handled every aspect of marketing from, as he describes, “his own shallow pockets.” “My goal was simple: present something great and different because you can never re-do a milestone like your first solo show.”

HAPPY CAKE FOR MOTHER EARTH #14, acrylic on round canvas, resin, stainless sphere, found objects and plexiglass with engraving, 2025

Today, while the art world has grown, with countless artists, galleries, fairs, and expos, the challenge has shifted. “The world is now overloaded with images. There are millions of artists, but not as many collectors and buyers. The old art collectors are gone, and the new ones are bombarded with digital art rather than gallery experiences,” Capili observes.
Ultimately, Capili sees ArtExpo New York 2025 as the culmination of his artistic journey. “This show is my dream solo exhibition, one that began with my first show in 1981,” he reflects. While he is far from retiring, the Expo marks a significant milestone and the beginning of a new chapter. Capili plans to take a step back from active exhibitions to focus on the launch of his coffee table book, set for release in 2026. Afterwards, he intends to continue showcasing his work at his own pace, beginning with the book launch.

HAPPY CAKE FOR MOTHER EARTH #19, acrylic on round canvas, resin, stainless sphere, found objects and plexiglass with engraving, 2025

“I want to develop my own studio as a venue to present new works—almost like bringing the ‘artist in the studio’ concept to life.” Capili shares, hinting at a future rooted in creative freedom and a deeper connection between artist, studio, and audience.