Alwin Reamillo, "Untitled (Crab Eye)", shredded bank notes and mixed media on crabshell in plexiglass
I approach group shows with trepidation, frequently hoping I don’t find a hodgepodge of pieces haphazardly thrown together merely to make up the numbers. Although Manila’s most recent group exhibits (at least the ones I’ve managed to catch) have not given cause for complaint. Neither does Post No Bill, just opened at Manila Contemporary. Continue reading
Elmer Borlongan, "Pag-ahon"
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
Joy Mallari, "Pasakalye"
Joy Mallari, "Gigil"
Every year, CANVAS (Center for Art, New Ventures, and Sustainable Development) commissions a Filipino visual artist for a painting that will serve as the focal point for a children’s book competition. The Romeo Forbes Children’s Book Initiative calls for children’s stories woven around this commissioned piece. Continue reading
The celebration continues at Tin-Aw with the second installment of their anniversary exhibit. I must say I enjoyed this show more
Detail, Pamela Yan Santos, "Sugar Coated"
than the first. Perhaps it had to do with the combination of pieces. Perhaps the smaller number of artists included in this show made me appreciate each artist’s effort more. Perhaps the exhibit’s installation just felt easier to navigate. Perhaps it was all of the above! Continue reading
Don Salubayba "The Best Unit of Oneself is Oneself"
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
Early this year, sometime in Febuary or March, the Museum Foundation of the Philippines went on a cultural tour of Ilocos. We visited the churches of Paoay and Sta. Monica, enjoyed the famed empanada of Batac, drove all the way up north to Pagudpud, and on our last day, spent time in the heritage town of Vigan. Throughout our stay, we had as our base Sitio Remedios, the lovely resort of art patron Dr. Joven Cuanang, beautifully situated by the sea in Currimao, Ilocos Norte. From here, after a hearty breakfast of longganisa and rice, we would start our day, driving off to see the sights. In the evenings, we returned to sunset cocktails and dinners by the beach, unwinding amidst the glow of hundreds of candles. Continue reading