The word “Katha” could be used to refer to a lot of things. In Filipino parlance, it could mean one’s creation, or a literary work. Many experts believe that it was derived from the same Sanskrit term which means ‘narration’. In the ancient Hindu scriptures, “Katha” is used to connote a compilation of stories about the spiritual journey of a boy who discovers the nature of ultimate reality. Loosely translated, the term could also mean the “art of storytelling”, and may have actually given birth to “Kathakas”, a group of community artists whose hereditary profession was to narrate history while entertaining. Through dance, music and mime, these artists would bring to life the great scriptures and epics of ancient times.

Today, “Katha” takes on a different meaning with the opening of a digital imaging gallery in Ayala Center that will bring to life the latest trends in digital imaging and provide a platform for upcoming Filipino artists to showcase their talents using Epson’s technology. Appropriately named “Katha”, Epson Philippines Corp., the world leader in digital imaging solutions, will soon be opening its new digital imaging gallery to the public this September 2004. Located at the 3rd level of Glorietta 3, the gallery is expected to serve as an appropriate venue for Pinoy artists to demonstrate their talent, creativity and ingenuity in the field of digital art.

The exhibit area was also conceptualized to promote and increase the visibility of Filipino artists. Epson, after all, is committed to supporting the creative works of amateur and professional artists from all over Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The digital imaging company seeks to encourage the development of Filipino talents not only through a deliberate display of their ‘projects’ but also by inspiring budding young artists in the country to express their inventiveness through digital art.

Digital imaging is currently experiencing a worldwide revolution of growth in both the number of users and the range of applications that are replacing traditional film photography. Whereas before when photographers would just shoot images then drop off the film at a photo lab for processing, today’s photographers are given a wide array of choices for printing their ‘masterpieces’. That is, who haven’t heard of the latest digital printing tools and techniques, like image capture methods using mega-pixel digital cameras, scanners and new film processing services were images in film are directly converted in CD-ROM format?

Non-PC offerings, such as direct printing from the camera, are also extending the digital imaging market beyond its initial focus on computer owners while the widespread use of digital images on the Internet has created a whole lot of issues in terms photo sharing, editing, and online imaging services. From picture taking to picture making, archiving and retrieval, digital imaging processes now gives artists total control over image content and quality. So you get exactly the right picture every time. Welcome to the wonderful world of digital imaging, where sharpness is also known as “resolution”, and the dots are called "pixels".

Realizing the growing popularity of digital imaging in the country today, Epson’s sees the opening of a new gallery as a major step towards ensuring that the abilities and potentials of local talents are recognized. Part of the digital imaging company’s dedication towards the attainment of these goals is putting up an exhibit area that may also be used as a virtual breeding ground for Filipino creativity. The gallery will thus be used as well as a place for exchanging ideas and trade secrets among artists, photographers and art enthusiasts. Guests can expect digital art projects of various amateurs, professionals and even world-renowned artists to be put up on display at the gallery all year-round.