It was in 2009’s {Un}Common that Jose John Santos III first introduced us to his fascination with objects. Almost exactly two years later, Sneak Peek, his first solo show since then, affirms that this has not waned. This time around, John opts for simple, quiet compositions for his paintings. Originally installed at the gallery of Sitio Remedios, the beautiful Ilocos beachside resort of art patron Dr. Joven Cuanang, this exhibit travelled to Art Informal in Greenhills, a concession to allow Manila-based enthusiasts a chance to view the latest from John. Continue reading
Tag Archives: jose john santos III
Momentously Monumental
I never thought I’d wish Manila Contemporary had more space. But when an exhibit like Monumental comes along, even the vast proportions of Metro Manila’s most capacious gallery seems crowded. Continue reading
Happy Birthday Tin-Aw!
In my book, Tin-Aw holds the title as Makati’s most convivial gallery (Art Informal gets my vote for the Ortigas area). How often have I stopped by for a quick look, only to end up staying longer than intended, chatting and laughing with other art lovers who also just happen to drop by? Where else do you run into art superstars Mark Justiniani, Joy Mallari, Geraldine Javier, or Alfredo Esquillo Jr., and get to sit down with them as old friends? Here, art is taken seriously, but is never intimidating. You get treated with the same amount of charm, and welcomed with the same offer for Chocnut or coffee, whether you happen to be super collector Paulino Que or Mr. Newbie To The Art Scene. Therein lies the secret to Tin-Aw’s success, the reason we all keep coming back to see what treasures their backroom holds. Continue reading
Dekalogo: Painting Patriotism
When Apolinario Mabini drafted the Malolos Constitution, he included a treatise outlining ten points which he felt incumbent upon every freedom-loving Filipino to hold dear. With The True Decalogue, Mabini called upon his countrymen to love and honor God and country above themselves, to continually strive for the nation’s independence, to treat each other as brothers, to make sure that they only allow leaders who have been duly-elected to rule over them. Continue reading
Jose John Santos III’s {UN}Common Sense
Yes, it’s true. Jose John Santos III takes a leap, makes a volte-face, and gets rough. In this show, we’re in for a surprise. Continue reading
Tin-Aw Turns One!
When Dawn Atienza decided to finally open her own gallery, she knew the kind of place she longed for. Aside from an easily accessible location, she wanted her space to simulate the relaxed, informal atmoshpere of Art In The Park, the Museum Foundation’s annual affordable art fair. Continue reading
Homecoming From Beijing
In the great CS Lewis classic, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, Professor Kirke’s seemingly run-of-the mill armoire becomes the portal to enchanted, magical Narnia. Upon entering its doors, four children transport from war-ravaged Britain into a world of pathos, quest, achievement, adventure. Continue reading