Isn’t it great when you stumble on fantastic art when you least expect it?  Not all the hype guarantees a great show, so when you come upon shows that deliver the wow factor sans the ballyhoo and waiting lists, doesn’t that just make your day?

After Mme Moitessier as Bone China, The Edible Vase, and Miss Manners crochet scuplture by Patricia Eustaquio

BONE WHITE BY PATTY EUSTAQUIO

Just named one of the 13 Artists Awardees of 2009, Patty jets off to the Netherlands later this year for a residency grant.  She will be staying in Delft, the city of Vermeer, of landscapes and still lifes, of decorative arts.  This three-piece show comes as a result of her exploration of  the city’s artistic traditions,  notably the distinctive blue and white ceramics we know as Delftware.  As only Patty can, she deftly and

Detail: Miss Manners

elegantly interweaves her imprint on old masterpieces, and uses them as inspiration for creating new ones.

Bonewhite by Patricia Eustaquio is on view from 3 to 28 March 2009 at 20Square Gallery, inside SLab, 2F YMC Bldg, 2320 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City.  Ph (632) 816-0044 or visit www.slab.silverlensphot.com

ONCE UPON A TIME AND OTHER STORIES BY FELIX BACOLOR

Detail: lightbox

Felix uses toys found at flea markets to assemble minute installations and lightboxes that can’t help but make you smile.  Not at their cuteness, but at his cleverness and creativity.  He juxtaposes the tiny plastic playthings against garish or stark backgrounds, robbing them of their innocence, yet not totally eliminating their artlessness.

The Promise of Spring by Felix Bacolor

I'll Huff, and I'll Puff, and I'll Blow Your House Down

Mission To Mars

Once Upon A Time and Other Stories by Felix Bacolor is on view until 7 March 2009 at the Video Room, Finale Art File, Warehouse 17, La Fuerza Compound, Pasong Tamo, Makati City.  Ph (632)813-2310 or visit www.finaleartfile.com