MAKATI CITY — This October, Circuit Makati invites the curious and the creative to discover the magic of cyanotype printing, a photographic process that transforms sunlight and nature into striking blue-and-white artworks. As part of the month-long ARTober celebration, a hands-on workshop will be held on October 24, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Circuit Lane. The session offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from two distinguished practitioners, photographer Neal Oshima and alternative photography specialist Alexis Oshima. It promises an experience where science meets art, and where the simple act of exposure to light yields something unexpectedly beautiful.
Learning From Masters of Alternative Photography
Neal Oshima is a veteran commercial, editorial, and fine art photographer whose career spans decades and continents. He has long experimented with historic photographic processes, including cyanotypes and calotypes, and his photograms have been exhibited in galleries such as Silverlens. His work is known for its ghostly, spectral qualities, a result of his deliberate choice to use the cyanotype process for its unique aesthetic. Alexis Oshima brings a complementary expertise in alternative photography, having previously led cyanotype workshops at Art Fair Philippines. Together, they will guide participants through the fundamentals of mixing and coating emulsions, composing with botanical elements, and exposing prints to sunlight.
A Creative Side Quest in the City’s Art District
The workshop is designed for participants of all skill levels, requiring no prior experience in photography or printmaking. Attendees will learn to arrange leaves, flowers, and found objects on treated paper, then expose their compositions to the sun before rinsing them in water to reveal the vivid blue prints characteristic of the cyanotype process. The intimate setting at Circuit Lane, part of the vibrant creative district at Circuit Makati, provides an inspiring environment for experimentation. Admission is free, though slots are limited, and interested participants are encouraged to register early through the official online form to secure their place.
Part of a Month-Long Celebration of Art
The cyanotype workshop is one of many activities in ARTober: Where Art Forms Collide, a festival that fills October with performances, exhibitions, film screenings, and creative experiences across Circuit Makati. From Shakespeare in the Park to ballet performances and art markets, the program reflects Circuit Makati’s expanding role as a hub for cultural engagement and artistic exploration. For Makati residents and visitors seeking a meaningful way to spend a Saturday morning, the workshop offers a chance to slow down, engage with nature, and create a unique piece of art using nothing more than sunlight, water, and imagination.
