Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108, after a three year hiatus, will be celebrating its 56th Year with an exhibit at the Shangri-la Plaza on March 24-26, 2023.
The Chapter was not spared from having to cancel its exhibit last March 2020 due to the pandemic. In 2022, the chapter went digital with an online exhibit commemorating its 55th anniversary and in 2023, it is excited to return in Manila with a person to person event.
The theme for this year’s exhibit is “TRANSCENDENCE: Going Beyond The Limit” which emphasizes the chapter’s commitment to the art of Ikebana despite the challenges and adversities facing it. Demonstrations by the different Ikebana schools will also be showcased during the exhibit.
The Ikebana International Manila Chapter 108 was born on March 9, 1967 and a total of 24 presidents have served. The Chapter currently has 70 active members and continues to meet each month to inspire its members with workshops and demonstrations. To learn more about the chapter, visit www.ikebanamanila.com or the chapter’s Facebook page.
We Filipinos have a rich storehouse of cultural touchstones — from art and literature, to everything pop and the very games we played with our childhood friends. Forget about going online, streaming, Steaming, or being zombified to a computer screen or tablet. Our games ruled: all we needed were our friends, our imaginative minds, and a few props here and there: a piece of chalk (piko), some marbles (jolen), slippers and cans from the trash bin (tumbang preso), or plain old arms, fingers, feet (patintero, luksong-baka, agawan-base). A full moon helps now and then — especially for those intense games of taguan. The games — simple, fun, original — were ritualistic and, well, interactive in the offline sense. They taught us kids about the value of teamwork, cooperation, camaraderie, friendship and thinking fast on our feet.
Thus, the members of an art group called Alpas would like to reminisce about those old Pinoy games and our innate sense of play in an exhibition billed as “Taym Pers!,” on view until March 31 at Robinsons Land ARTablado in Robinsons Antipolo.
Kariling by Len Makiramdam
According to the exhibition statement, “Taym Pers!” is all about looking back, taking a breather, reevaluating what we hold dear in the chaos, the maddening gyre of our existence.
“‘Taym pers!’ is the colloquial phrase used by kids that translates to ‘Time first!’ — which means to stop, pause, or take a break while in the middle of a game. Our theme was inspired by the concept of rest and taking a break in the middle of our chaotic and busy lives which we can learn from children’s play. A happy child is the perfect epitome of innocence and pure joy. Children reflect pure hearts and minds that have not yet been hardened by the world’s madness.”
The members of Alpas remember how valuable it was to take part in these communal activities. “Playing games is not only about having fun, developing social skills, problem-solving, and being competitive. It teaches us to increase our creativity and imagination, promote camaraderie, maintain customs, values, and traditions, foster a sense of belongingness, develop patience in taking turns — but most of all, to learn how to follow rules, play fair, accept defeat, and thrive in order to win.”
Grownups then did not think life lessons were rife in games where you hurl your slipper into a discarded can of sardines, but those participatory games fostered — a very valuable act in the current state of solipsism that the world is in — participation. For the kids of yore, those neighborhood games turned out to be a microcosm of the game of life looming ahead.
And the members of Alpas have found an ideal venue to mount their show which conveys a simple yet meaningful message.
“Ito ang kauna-unahang physical exhibit ng Alpas dahil twice pa lamang kaming nakapag-show at puro online exhibitions lang sila,” says an Alpas member. “Napili namin ang ARTablado dahil ito yung alam naming espasyo na nagbibigay na mga pagkakataong makapagtanghal ang mga katulad naming artist group na nag-uumpisa pa lamang. Kaya lubos ang paming pasasalamat sa ARTablado sa pagbibigay pagkakataong i-showcase ang aming naisip na pagtatanghal.”
ARTablado gives artists from all walks of life a platform to showcase their art, which otherwise would be ignored by other, more mainstream galleries. The space not only aims to discover fresh talent but also encourages these artists to explore new strategies, new methods, new ways of expressing themselves and presenting their ideas in the field of visual arts. Thus, ARTablado becomes a playground for articulation with the means of color and composition.
Malaya Muli by Jun TuplanoTeks by Jami Samson
Now, ARTablado has become a literal playground as the members of Alpas hold activities in the exhibition area such as sungka, piko, etc. They even punctuated the paintings on view with old Pinoy toys — teks, pogs, and trumpo, among others. Were these games put up so viewers can wax nostalgic, so that they can remember how it was to be innocent once more, to harken to simple times before everything descended into pure madness and mayhem. Maybe. But if we take a breather, gather our thoughts, steel ourselves and rally our friends… we can surely win this thing or, at least, compete, give it our all, and with our heads held high.
According to Alpas: “Life is but a big game-field where we have battles to fight. Whatever challenges we may encounter in our daily lives, always remember that in order to win, we must learn how to pause and say, ‘Taym pers!’ and then thrive again.”
The Cultural Center of the Philippines honors National Artists for Film and Broadcast Arts Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Ricky Lee, and Nora Aunor, with the Cine Icons program launch on March 17, 2023, 4pm, at Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (CCP Blackbox Theater).
Known as one of the movers in the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema, Diaz-Abaya directed 21 full-length films, documentaries and TV shows, including the acclaimed trifecta Brutal, Moral, and Karnal as well as Sa Pusod ng Dagat (In the Navel of the Sea), May Nagmamahal Sa’yo (Madonna and Child), Jose Rizal, Muro Ami, and Bagong Buwan. The founder of the Marilou Diaz-Abaya Film Institute and Arts Center, and a former director of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, Diaz-Abaya was known for cinematic works that mirror the social realities in the Philippines.
A screenwriter, journalist, novelist, and playwright, Lee has written more than 180 scripts and screenplays, which garnered him numerous awards and recognitions. His recent works included: Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita, Mila, Anak, Muro-Ami, Burlesk King, and among others.
Popularly known as the Superstar, Aunor is a Filipino actress, recording artist and film producer who has appeared in several plays, TV shows, and concerts. Her notable works are: Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Minsa’y May Isang Gamu-Gamo, Bulaklak sa City Jail, Thy Womb, and Dementia, among others.
A Congressional Initiative project under Rep. Christopher de Venecia, Cine Icons kicks off with the special screening of classic film “Himala,” written by Ricky Lee and starring Nora Aunor. A talkback with the two National Artists follows after the screening.
Directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal, the classic film tells the story of an orphan claiming to have visions of the Virgin Mary and abilities to heal people through a variety of ailments which then made the rest of the residents of her isolated village find themselves questioning their own beliefs and values. As word of this phenomenon spreads, tourists, pilgrims, patients and a documentary filmmaker all arrive on a quest to partake in the miracle.
Watch out for Cine Icons featuring Nora Aunor this May, featuring Bulaklak sa City Jail, in time for her birth month. In October, Cine Icons will feature Diaz-Abaya with screenings of Moral and Karnal.
The screenings are free to the public. Everyone is encouraged to register in Event Brite.
For inquiries, call the CCP Box Office 8832-3704 or e-mail customercare@culturalcenter.gov.ph. Visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph). Follow the official CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok for latest updates.
The CCP Visual Arts and Museum Division (CCP VAMD) celebrates the National Women’s Month with “WOMAN: Thesis and Antithesis” exhibit, featuring selected artworks from the CCP 21AM Collection, on view from March 21 to June 24, 2023, at the Yuchengco Museum in Makati City.
Curated by museum director Jeannie Javelosa, the exhibit highlights pieces that explored women as subject matter in the Women In Society component, as well as works created by Filipino female artists in Women Expressions.
Displayed at the ground floor of the museum, the Women In Society collection poses the question: Are women being represented properly? Or underrepresented and even misrepresented? These are important issues today as women’s role in society has evolved significantly over time.
In the exhibit notes: “Filipino artists have extensively explored women as subject matter, as a form rendered through various styles from the figurative to the abstract; and as a subject in relation to her role in community as seen through the artist’s personal lenses.
In the majority of the images, we find an almost romantic and inspirational idealization of woman and her role in society as mother, lover and partner in the domestic scene.”
Meanwhile, Women Expressions pieces become part of a continuum of women’s visual expressions that continues to shift as political landscapes, about women’s rights and the feminine spirit gains power in the world today.
Exhibited on the third floor, the second exhibit component showcases women artists as they “speak to the world using their art as the extension of their minds, hearts and spirits. They express particular issues they face as women: gender biases, provocative thoughts about religious and spiritual conviction, interpersonal relationships and the depth of complexities about identity formation.”
Many have feminist overtones that militantly advocate for shifts and changes in their roles as women and how they are perceived. A number are as aggressive in the exploration of materials and techniques as their male counterparts.
Entrance fee for adults is Php100, with discounted price of Php50 for students, seniors and PWDs. Free admission days are April 29, May 27, and June 24; there will be public programs on these dates.
Visiting schedule is Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 6pm. Yuchengco Museum is located at the RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala Avenue and Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue in Makati City.
For more information on the exhibit, check out the official CCP and CCP VAMD Facebook accounts. Follow CCP social media accounts in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
PERFORMATURA, the festival of written words and performances, returns on March 31 to April 2, 2023, with live and on-site activities happening from 10:30am onwards, at the Tanghalang Ignacio B. Gimenez (CCP Black Box Theater).
With the theme Performatura Goes Pop, the three-day event presents performances, poetry readings, multi-arts workshops, literary talks, spoken word sessions, poetry contest, film screening, book launches, book and art fair, and interviews with renowned writers.
Headed by its festival director Dr. Vim Nadera Jr., the first day of festival – dubbed Unbox@Blackbox – focuses on literature on social media in its morning session. Vlogger entrepreneur Carlo Ople launches his creative non-fiction book “Suweldo is Not Enough.” There will be a panel of speakers, sneaker shoe auction, and a poetry performance by Hannah Leceña.
Afternoon session celebrates the National Women’s Month, with a turnover ceremony of the printed copies of the book “In Certain Seasons: Mothers Write in the Time of COVID” with the PEN Philippines and Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines’ Bureau of the Copyright and Related Rights. It will be followed by the launch of the “Lila Mga Tula,” a poetry book written by women from the Linangan sa Imahen, Retorika at Anyo. Sponsored by the Spark and LILA groups, the launch will offer talks by women writers and literary performances.
There will be a special screening of “Brutal,” a film directed by National Artist for Film Marilou Diaz Abaya and written by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, who will do a talk back session after the screening. Moderated by Patricia Holgado, this film event is co-presented by the CCP Film, Broadcast and New Media Division and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
The second day of the festival centers on the art of spoken word, headlined by the Ampalaya Monologues, Philippines’ premier spoken word collective headed by its founder Mark Ghosn.
At the Spoken Camp, a page-to-stage writing workshop, participants will have the chance to develop their writing skills; a talk on performing written poetry by the National Artist for Literature Gemino Abad will also take place. Spoken Fest will feature the hottest spoken word artists, backed by indie music. Spoken Night, an open mic session, will give a platform to aspiring poets to share their voice and stories.
Dubbed Araw ni Balagtas, Performatura pays tribute and celebrates the 149th birth anniversary of Francisco Baltazar on the last day of the festival. The Makatas with Ingay Likha battle rap artists Tulala, Zantasa and D.O.C. will perform; while Singaporean literary artist Chris Mooney Singh talks about “Balagtasan in the World Literature.”
National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario speaks about the significance of Bataan in the life of Balagtas; followed by performances by teachers and students of Bataan High School for the Arts, and multi-arts workshops at 2pm.
Capping the festival will be the KamPerformatura’s offering of poetry and performances by the youth participants, which will kickstart the Tanghal Makata 2023, the Performatura-born competition. Spoken word expert Mark Ghosn, poet performer Kooky Tuason, and authentic mambabalagtas from Bulacan Melandro Pascual are some of the judges. Librarian Juireo Abela of Lucena City, the Tanghal-Makata 2021, will present the Sam Penaso trophy and laurel sculpture by poet Raul Funilas to the next winner. The closing segment is presented by GSIS Museum, LIRA, and Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL).
Multitalented artist Mimi Tecson will hold a mini-exhibit at the lobby of the CCP Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez. Her art materials include book pages.
Thirty artists, writers, and publishers, organized by Pia Perez of The Indie Publishers Collab PH and Mark Ghosn, will sell their works at the venue on Days 1 and 2. Artists and entrepreneurs from the Unbox team will sell their works at the venue on Day 3.
Remote Performatura events will also take place.
On April 8, the Pinoy Reads Pinoy Books Book Club will discuss the life and works of Lualhati Bautista. Venue is to be announced soon. It is free and open to public, interested individuals may get in touch with Facebook page of the PRPB.
An online book discussion will happen on April 15 via Zoom app. The members of the book club Flips Flippin’ Pages will share their insights on “The Reddest Rose Unfolds” comics with the help of Milflores Publishing. The comics is the latest offering of Swedish writer and artist Liv Stromquist to the Filipino people. For those who are interested to join, get in touch with Gege Sugue, the discussion moderator, on Facebook.
Poesia poetry reading will be held face to face on April 26, 3pm, at the Zaguan of Museo de La Salle in Dasmariñas, Cavite. MDSL, led by Mary Ann Jimenez Salvador, aims to promote the museum as a space for creativity and self-expression. The basis of the poetry reading is the works that can be read in the CCP Literary Journal Ani 41st issue.
While Performatura is open to the public, everyone is encouraged to donate a book, which will serve as an admission ticket to each segment. Collected books will go to CCP’s partner libraries.
For queries, e-mail ccpintertextualdivision@gmail.com, call 8832-1125 local 1706 or 0919-3175708. Follow the official CCP and CCP Intertextual Division Facebook pages for latest updates.
Artifract, the very first Fine Arts NFT Company in Southeast Asia, showcased the newest NFT collection of Juvenal Sansó, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Abdulmari Asia Imao last February 9, 2023 held at the Unionbank Plaza, Meralco Avenue, Pasig City.
Being the forerunner in fine arts NFT, Artifract allows art collectors to own a piece of archival and historical fine art pieces, while carefully hand-holding art estates, museums, and private collections into a secure, blockchain-based, and worry-free future.
The event hosted a private auction and was participated by some of the country’s influential millennial entrepreneurs. It has sold out, selling off the premium NFT tiles of Juvenal Sansó’s Euphoric Abundance, Abdulmari Asia Imao’s Sarimanok Series, and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz’s Manila Bay Sunset to various art collectors.
During the auction proper, Mr. Jack Teotico, Chairman and Managing Director of Galerie Joaquin Group, expressed his support and gratitude to Artifract, and gave an insightful story behind the masterpiece of Federico Aguilar Alcuaz’s Manila Bay Sunset.
“It has been a great honor for us to be partnered with Artifract since our first project, featuring the NFT collections of Juvenal Sansò,” Mr. Jack Teotico said in his speech.
“What makes Manila Bay Sunset interesting is that it’s one of the very few paintings of Manila Bay that is in Red. Federico Aguilar Alcuaz was able to capture the intensity, the romance, and the passion of the Manila Bay Sunset,” he added.
It was then followed by a heartwarming speech done by Mr. Diego Gabriel I. Imao, who is currently an Architectural Designer for Physical and Virtual Spaces, and the grandson of the country’s first Muslim National Artist for Visual Arts, Abdulmari Asia Imao, to voice his gratitude to the Artifract team, and gave an inspiring story behind the Sarimanok Series masterpiece of his grandfather.
Mr. Ricky Francisco, Director of Fundacion Sansò, a non-profit organization that exhibits the works of globally famous painter Juvenal Sanso, also shared an inspiring story behind the Euphoric Abundance masterpiece by Juvenal Sansò. His insights made it more interesting for the auctioneers to win the premium tiles of Sansò’s NFT art piece.
Indeed, the event last February 9 was a success as it received a warm welcome from several art collectors, influential entrepreneurs, and estate partners, learning the future of modern-day art collecting brought by Artifract.
Recently, at Art Fair Philippines, Artifract, in partnership with Globe Platinum, featured the Sarimanok Series masterpiece by Abdulmari Asia Imao, the country’s First Muslim National Artist for Visual Arts.
Marking International Women’s Day on March 8—a day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women everywhere—Shangri-La Plaza spotlights Filipina creatives banding together and showcasing their experiences, stories, and creations with A Woman Unboxed at the East Atrium at 5PM.
The anticipated book launch and art exhibit is a powerful collaboration between writer and publisher Gayle Certeza who is launching her book, A Woman Unboxed and Other Stories of Growing Up, which chronicles the joys and challenges of growing up in a small town in Mindanao; and mixed media artist Mimi Tecson whose own A Woman Unboxedpieces explore the complexities of motherhood, dreams, and aspirations through the mediums of assemblage and collage.
“This book is my homage to my roots. It celebrates my grandmother, my parents, and my siblings—all the sacrifices made to make it this far. The book journeys through woundings and hurts and comes out on the other side powered by hopes, dreams, and love,” says Certeza.
“Through my art, I aim to explore the idea of female identity and the challenges that come with being a mother, such as balancing career, family, and personal goals. By using a variety of textures, color, and form, I want to create an environment that encourages viewers to think more deeply about the roles and expectations of women,” Tecson explains.
The event also features female writers Carissa Singson, Dina Pecaña, Edlyn Ng Cha, Gina Verdolaga, Kat Gomez-Limchoc, Maureen Sandejas, Rose Marie Yenko, Sonia Roco, and Tweet Sering who are leading talks about inspiration, creativity, and storytelling.
Discover the many ways women continue to positively impact lives with A Woman Unboxed at Shangri-La Plaza East Atrium on March 8, 5PM. For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.
PANAGHIUSA (unity/oneness): Indigenous Peoples-Moro Arts Fest and Forum opened recently in Koronadal City. It was jointly undertaken by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) through its Cultural Exchange Department (CED) and the Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges Marbel Inc. (RMMCMI).
Panaghiusa is one of the CCP Kaisa sa Sining (KSS) Mindanao Collaborative projects for 2023 which was planned during the KSS Regional Caucus and Dialogue held last June 11–13, 2022 in Koronadal City. The key representatives of the KSS Mindanao crafted action plans to prioritize and implement attainable cultural and artistic programs and projects that would benefit the community.
Panaghiusa highlights the various experiences, voices, and expressions through exchanges of ideas and knowledge, performances, and interactions. It is in the purview of the Mindanao IPs and the Moros themselves, so settlers understand and appreciate IP – Moro’s right to self-determination and sovereignty.
As advocates of IP-Moro culture, Mindanaoan artists and cultural formators converge to let their voices be heard and take the necessary actions to make an impact in the lives and future of the IP-Moros in Mindanao. Datu Victorino Saway of the Talaandig community, Nestor Horfilla of Davao City and other prominent leaders of various cultural communities and organizations led in the open discussions and strategic planning on priority concerns of the IPs and Moros to include food security, women leadership, disaster risk reduction, resiliency building, and cultural appropriation, among other activities.
The activities were aptly titled as Kastulen (conversations), Hegefan (performances), Pagana (traditional cooking), Kalyak (valuable material)). A total of 20 cultural communities were represented in the 2-day fest and forum: Manobo, Talaandig, Daraghuyan, Tagolwanen, Blaan, Iranun, Tboli, Arumanen, Sama, Tausug, Sangir, Maguindanao, Teduray, Maranaw, Subanen, Yakan, Kagan, Higaonon and Mamanwa. Special performances were also lined up and showcased the rich and colorful dances, music and rituals of some of the groups with special participation of the Hinugyaw Dance Troupe, Bayang Barrios, Carlito Amalla, Helobung Cultural Dance Troupe and the Marbel Youth Choir.
The Pagana cooking demos featured traditional cuisine of the Maranaws, Sama, Tboli and Subanen. A General Santos City artist, educator and curator built an exhibition titled Tawid: Shifts in Gender Roles in Traditional Visual Arts. The exhibit featured the Iranun Art of Binalodan Inaul, an enduring expression but threatened as there was only a small community of weavers who produce these Cultural Resources. It is Ikat (resist dyeing technique) on weft thread. Works by Moamar A. Garcia and Jala Daudl were exhibited and had a balod (tieying of the patterns) demonstration.
How the Philippine jeepney plies its route (say, from Gasak to Divisoria and then back to Gasak) is called “balikan.”
The members of an artist group found this term fascinating. The word evokes a lot of emotions — the idea of going back, of remembering, of eventuality or inevitability and, most importantly, of giving back. Thus, 10 years ago, they chose the name “Vice Versa” for this band of artists with humanitarian concerns.
“Dun nagsimula sa ideya ng ‘balikan’ na pamamasada ng jeep — ‘yung vice versa. Nabuo din ang isa sa mga prinsipyo ng grupo na ‘Kung ano ang meron tayo ay ibahagi natin sa iba’ at ‘ang pagmamahal sa lipunan ay katumbas ng pagsisilbi sa Diyos.’”
That is precisely what the members of Vice Versa did: they went back to their roots, to the communities in need, gave back and gave their all.
“Nagkaroon kami ng ibat ibang programs involving pagbibigay ng talento ng libre — tulad ng mga art workshops, long-term art mentoring programs — pagbibigay ng mga art materials, at pagsulong ng mga art-for-a-cause initiatives para sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong sa kanilang medical expenses.”
They visited places such as SOS Children’s Village in Lipa, Batangas — a village dedicated to providing a loving and caring home for orphaned children. Vice Versa held a five-day art mentoring program with 21 student-participants. The group gave the children paints, brushes, easels, mixing palettes, and even refreshments during sessions.
“Ang ‘No Place Like Home’ initiative ay naging educational hindi lamang para sa mga mentees, kundi pati na rin sa mga artists na nagtuturo. Natuto kami na ilagay ang aming sarili sa sitwasyon ng isang inosenteng bata na may simpleng pangarap sa kabila ng kanilang paghahangad na magkaroon ng isang tahanan o pamilyang tinatawag. Umaasa din kami na ang tinanim namin na kaalaman, karanasan at saya sa mga mentees ay magsisilbing isa sa mga open doors para maintindihan at pangarapin nila na maituloy ang kanilang pagmamahal sa sining.”
As Vice Versa looks back on 10 years of creating “art with a heart,” the group mounts an exhibit titled “No Place Like Home” on view until Feb. 28 at Robinsons Land ARTablado in Robinsons Galleria. This is the group’s second exhibit at ARTablado; the first one was in 2021. “No Place Like Home features over 80 artworks from the Vice Versa Artists Group, along with Chroma Garcia and Silay Lipa art collectives.
“Ang Chroma Garcia Artists Group na nagrerepresenta ng mga kabataang artists sa Padre Garcia na ngayon ay apat na taon na. Ang Sihay Lipa Artists Group na bagong sibol ngayong taon na ito ay mula sa Lipa City. Ang two groups na ito ang naging resulta ng matagumpay na pag-alalay sa mga aspiring artists hanggang sa lumago at yumabong. Ngayon, ang Chroma at Sihay Lipa ang katuwang sa pagpapatuloy ng misyon ng Vice Versa na hindi makasarili at layon ang tumulong sa mas nakararami.”
The exhibition will feature a wide range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, all of which will explore the theme of “Home.” Visitors can expect to see a variety of perspectives on the subject, with artists exploring the idea of home as a physical space, a feeling, or a state of mind.
The participating artists are William Abao, Aimer Kayle Barba, Alexandra Monserrat, Anthony Escueta, Bernardo Oronos Jr., Carlos Alferez Castro, Christine Dato, Dhennis Sigua, Edward de Castro, Gab Villalobos, Gilbert Tugbo, Jamaica Tocayon, Jay Vincent Gatdula, Jayson Leona, Jeboy Roxas, Jed Hael, Jelly Kalaw, Jerson Enriquez, Jhon Lhoyd Escueta, Jonathan Jalac, Klein Tristan Losauro, Kristel Magparangalan, Maria Althea Munlawin, Medardo Olaco, Miranda Patrick, MJ Palma, Ramil Tumampos, Rico Tubar, Dodel Malaluan, Ron de Torres, Ruru Mataverde Jr., Vicson Apostol, Vince Martin Macatangay, YelCast, Yna Reyes, and Edward Padilla Jr., with the special participation of student-artists who have been part of the mentorship program.
Vice Versa will donate 40 percent of the total sales of the exhibition to SOS Children’s Village.“No Place Like Home” is a celebration of the group’s 10-year journey of helping orphaned artists, aiming to raise awareness as to the importance of providing a loving and nurturing environment for orphaned children — to help them achieve their dreams through art.
The members of Vice Versa chose ARTablado as its venue for this milestone show because of ARTablado’s openness and encouragement to artists from all walks of life, especially the aspiring ones who don’t have the resources or necessary connections to the mainstream art establishments.
“Napili ng grupo na dito mag-celebrate ng aming ika-10 taong anibersaryo dahil ang ARTablado ay isa sa kilala at malaking entablado ng sining na bukas sa malaking grupo na nagsisimula pa lamang. Malaki ang maitutulong nito lalo na sa mga grupong kagaya namin na ang hangad ay mapalago at buhayin ang sining ng ating bayan.”
Home is where the art is for the members of the Vice Versa Artists Group. And, no matter how long, winding and tempestuous their artistic route may be, it always leads to this uplifting, inspiring idea of home.
Prof. Arnulfo “Arnold” Esguerra returns to Gateway Gallery to conduct four sessions of Dynamics of Brush and Color, a Chinese watercolor painting workshop for students who are interested and passionate about Oriental art, specifically Chinese painting.
In this workshop, Esguerra will be teaching his students the Gong-bi style, the Traditional Meticulous style or what they call the Court style of painting, and Xieyi, the freehand or literati style. He has painted and exhibited eclectic themes in these two styles—from the natural world to everyday Filipino scenes, honing his skills through constant practice and teaching.
The sessions are meant to give the students skills on the proper holding of brushes (brush strokes); familiarization with Xuan paper and Chinese pigments; techniques in the meticulous style of Chinese painting; and techniques in coloring in the freelance style.
An expert and a prolific artist of Chinese art, Esguerra started painting at age five and has been practicing Chinese painting since the 1980s. He fell in love with Chinese painting when he attended a class on it in Liberty Hall, Binondo in 1984, the center of artistic activities in Manila’s Chinatown. He is a Senior Lecturer at the University of the Philippines Manila where he has lectured courses on Philippine and Asian History, Archaeology, and History of Medicine.
Dynamics of Brush and Color will be held at the Gateway Gallery (in Gateway Tower, Araneta City) on February 25, March 4, 11, and 18. It promises to be a fun, learning opportunity through a focused and personalized mentoring approach. Esguerra will be providing limited but free Xuan papers, which he sourced from Taiwan.
Registration for all four sessions is at P12,000. Register early as slots are limited. Visit this link to sign-up and register: https://forms.gle/2eQhqVsNZ5NenV8e6.
