At 14 years old, Silver Jacinto Cariño opens his first solo painting exhibition, SILVERLinings: The Emergence, which opens Kapitolyo Art Space’s 2026 exhibition calendar.

Silver is an eighth-grade student at Ateneo de Manila University who began drawing and painting at the age of four. What started as a childhood activity at home developed into a consistent practice that now enters a professional gallery setting at Kapitolyo Art Space.

Mentorship and discipline

Since 2022, Silver has studied under Fernando Sena at Buenas Artes, a mentorship he credits as central to his growth.

“My relationship with Maestro Fernando Sena is very solemn and happy,” Silver says. “Whenever I have my lessons taken, he guides me throughout my brush strokes, teaches me about things like light, depth and shadowing, and always makes me laugh.”

Sena’s approach, he describes, combines instruction with encouragement.

“He always tells me I’m his protégé and that I will go places like his next Elmer Borlongan,” Silver shares. “Borlongan was student also and is now world-renowned.”

Weekly lessons remain a fixed commitment, which Silver views as part of learning responsibility alongside technique. Working mainly in acrylic and watercolor, he paints subjects based on personal experience, spirituality and gratitude.

Faith and formative experiences

One of the most significant works in the exhibition, Miraculous Herald, depicts an angel with colorful wings playing a trumpet and originates from a life-threatening incident during childhood. After accidentally swallowing the cover of a correction tape, Silver struggled to breathe and could not call for help.

“Out of nowhere, I heard glorious sounds of trumpets in my head and slowly felt light in my body,” Silver recalls. “At that very moment, even though I was already weak and exhausted, I was able to cough it out, and I knew I was saved.” The painting was drawn directly from that memory.

Faith continues to guide the prodigy’s work and daily routine. “Religion and spirituality is what shapes faith, courage and love,” Silver says. “It is indubitably helpful for me and the youth to have a higher power to believe in.”

He adds that he connects his artistic path to prayer and reflection. “I call my angels every day to guide and protect me.”

Influences and family

The young painter cites Filipino masters as key influences, particularly Fernando Amorsolo. “He’s one of my greatest inspirations to becoming a honed artist,” he says.

Inspiration also comes from home. His mother, Gwen, paints alongside him and resumed her practice when he began formal lessons. “Seeing her paintings at home definitely influenced me a lot,” Silver notes.

Life beyond the canvas

Outside painting, Silver remains active in sports and theater. He plays badminton and volleyball and participates in the Filipino Volleyball Academy, especially during summer. He also performs with Dulaang Sibol, the theater group of Ateneo de Manila.

Managing time, he says, requires structure. “With academics, I try my best to accomplish what I need to right away so there will be no pending stuff to do,” he explains. His painting sessions then take place on weekends at Buenas Artes, located close to his home.

Technology and boundaries

Like most kids, technology plays a role in the teenager’s routine. “I would say that I spend a lot of time on gadgets and social media,” Silver admits. “That is why my mom and I set boundaries, restrictions and limitations for myself.”

He uses online platforms for research and reference, including Pinterest and videos by Bob Ross. One of his works in the show carries the title An Ode to Bob Ross.

Art with purpose

Beyond personal development, SILVERLinings: The Emergence carries a clear social purpose. Silver named Kalma Art Foundation as the exhibition’s beneficiary, and his volunteer experience with the organization reshaped his view of art.

“Working with the foundation the first time as a volunteer made me tear up,” Silver says. “Seeing them smile is a happy pain.” The experience reinforced his belief that art should serve people. “People matter,” he adds. “It makes an impact when art stems from positivity.”

Looking ahead

Looking ahead, Silver speaks directly about his goals. “I will frame my paintings for the world to see and represent what a young Filipino artist is,” he says. “I will play a consistent role as an instrument for Filipino art.”

He links future success to responsibility. “I imagine my paintings selling in the millions because I will have more resources to fund charities and support my chosen beneficiaries.”

Exhibition details

Supported by Genki Sushi, Friends & Family, Gold Leaf Teas, and Arce Dairy, SILVERLinings: The Emergence runs daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For Cariño, the exhibition presents his work as it stands today, grounded in study, belief, and a commitment to use art beyond the canvas.