Noell El Farol Death Mask (Black) and Death Mask (Clear)
The Quiet and The Furious
Category Archives: manila art scene
Wasted with Lara
Aftermath with Lara delos Reyes
We’ve all been there. Had one of those nights that began innocuously enough. Continue reading
Homecoming From Beijing
Push and Pull by Jose John Santos III
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
NEW YEAR SALVO: Pinoy Blockbusters in Milan and Beijing Show
The year starts off with great news for us art lovers—- our favorite Filipino artists have been invited to a show that travels to Milan and Beijing. Southeast is B(l)ooming opens on Febuary 11, with a special client preview sometime January, at the Marella Gallery in Milan. The show brings together the current crop of contemporary art darlings that dominate both the auction and gallery circuits of Southeast Asia. Continue reading
Mark Justiniani and Joy Mallari at Sitio Remedios
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
CATCH THEM WHILE YOU CAN! Patty Eustaquio at SLab and 8 Faces at Avellana Art Gallery
Double Bill: Geraldine Javier in KL, Leslie de Chavez in Switzerland
Hearing that Geraldine Javier opens a show in KL this week and Leslie de Chavez exhibits in Switzerland as we speak may not be as groundbreaking as electing the first African-American President of the United States. But surely, we Pinoy art lovers can also walk a little taller. After all, those who follow their careers know that when these two perfectionists strut their stuff, we all have something to crow home about. Continue reading
Reclaiming Esqui
Siyam-Siyam
I have Alfredo Esquillo Jr. to blame for my art addiction. In 2003, I stumbled upon his work while viewing The American Effect, an exhibit at the Whitney Museum in New York. That piece, Mamakinley, depicting a bonneted and beribboned William Mckinley cradling a little brown Filipino baby in his claws, stayed rooted in my mind, so
Prodigal Son
arresting and powerful it was. Up til then, my exposure to Philippine art had been that of the so-called masters, the artists of my parents generation. I did not realize that the art of my own time could be just as compelling. Continue reading
Mr. and Mrs. Borlongan at the CCP
Variations on the Blue Hour: Vivace
When Elmer Borlongan mounts a show, people come and see. When Elmer Borlongan mounts a two-man show with his wife, Plet Bolipata, people come in droves to see. Continue reading
Art Beijing, 798, and Two Great Restaurants
Possessed of airline miles that had to be redeemed before the month was out, I conceived the idea of flying to Beijing after all the Olympic hoopla had settled. My friend, Dindin Araneta of Art Cabinet Philippines, signed up to participate in Art Beijing, from September 5 to 9, and I thought it would be interesting to tag along. Art, history, good friends, the perfect mix for a much-needed respite. I definitely got more than I bargained for, but Beijing did not disappoint. Continue reading