A festive exhibit amplifying the Filipino spirit

Visual artist and painter Ginny Guanco headlines a long-awaited second solo exhibit entitled “Festival” which formally opens on May 19, 2022 at the Gateway Gallery, Araneta City, Quezon City.

Ginny Guanco with four of her 25-piece collection from the “Festival” series 

It showcases 25 original paintings done in different media which aims to depict the festive spirit and joyous disposition of the Filipino, amidst the most trying situations. Her purpose to relay this positive message is shown through her beautifully and carefully rendered assorted colors and intricately-painted detailed ethnic designs.

Ginny narrates, “The Filipino is by nature, a happy, festive human being. In spite of hardship and many problems in life, Filipinos are able to smile and see the bright side of things. I express these Filipino qualities in the beautiful faces of my paintings, and ethnic designs, tribal costumes and painted faces to prove my point. Filipino resilience is very empowering, whether one is male or female.

This exhibit is 5 years in the making and a fitting follow up to her first solo exhibit back in 2016 with the theme “Boho Chic” as her tribute to bohemian fashion. It took this long to prepare as she encountered many challenges along the way, among which was the onset of the Pandemic where many art stores were temporarily out of operation when she needed to purchase art supplies and materials.

Ginny earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from University of Sto.Tomas and took further studies in drawing, painting and watercolor at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C. in the 70s where she won first prize for a nude watercolor painting during a Spring Competition and another first prize in pencil drawing.

Her professional background is also related to art. She taught basic subjects like Freehand Drawing, Color Theory and Art Appreciation at Karilagan Finishing School. She also taught Fashion Illustration and Fine Arts in Slim’s Fashion and Arts School. Then at one time, she changed her career path and became Editor of City Life magazine in Rex Publications, Inc. Her last job was in Public Relations where she worked for several years prior to retirement. And now she has returned to her first love which is Art, doing what she does best and loving every minute of it.