Boho in a Solo : An exhibit featuring hippie chic as art

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Ginny with the center piece of her art exhibit- the biggest one, done in Acrylic on a 36 x 36 canvas.

BOHO CHIC : A One -Woman Show 

Ginny Guanco presents a series of paintings expressed in a fusion of human anatomy style and fashion illustration.

Ginny Guanco’s figures for her painting exhibit at the Galerie Y in SM Megamall are what can be described as a Bohemian’s rhapsody. The art show, which features all-female subjects, opens on September 15. Of the 32 colorful paintings of women, 26 of these are clad in classic boho chic designs in a bow to the artist’s roots as a full-bloomed flower child in the 70s.

Even in her growing up years, Ginny’s inclination to art was already very evident. In school, she participated in art contests. It was no surprise that after graduating high school from the College of the Holy Spirit in Mendiola, Fine Arts was the course she chose at the University of Sto. Tomas. As an artist immersed in her era, she believed in the message of peace, love, joy, and happiness against a backdrop of rock music and hippie art. 

“I was also really into bohemian fashion then as much as I am now. I did not outgrow my fashion taste, because I feel that it fits my personality and represents who I really am.”

Her 26 muses are clad in similar fashion, in flowy and flowery creations and are labeled, alphabetically, after hippie names that derive inspiration from the elements. Among the collection, exhibit guests would meet Aura, Freedom, Lilac, Seagull, Meadow, and Ocean, all hand-drawn in acrylic, in a style which Ginny describes as a fusion of fashion and art illustration. This effect is a direct result of her training as an artist both in the UST and in the Corcoran School of Art in Washington D.C., along with fashion illustration lessons from no less than the doyenne of Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, the late Salvacion “Slim” Lim Higgins. “I would describe my drawings as a mix of the two drawing disciplines where one features elongated figures for fashion and the other shows a more sinewy effect as in the fine arts,” she describes.

This artwork, done in 2012, marks the beginning of Ginny's return to art after a hiatus of 15 years 

OCEAN

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Size: 24 x 30

BLAZE

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Size: 24 x 30

Paintings number 27 to 32 is her homage to the strong women in the comicverse, featuring pop culture heroines from Marvel and DC franchises – Black Widow, Elektra, and the two main incarnations of Wonder Woman. “I have always been attracted to strong female characters, as I was also very much into women’s rights in the 70s. I have always believed that women should be empowered, that regardless whether you are a career woman, a CEO, a homemaker, you should know how you are as a person, knowing your worth, a human being to be respected and not looked down upon. And one who is secure in who she is.” 

The solo exhibit took a long time in coming, as Ginny took a 15-year hiatus from painting, pursuing a career, first in the media, and later on as a public relations professional. It took the passing of her favorite ginger cat, Simba and a few art materials lying around to get her back to art. A post of her finished figure on social media garnered a lot of interest from friends to convince her to take up the brush again. A chance meeting with Galerie Y owner Rollie Yusi, who viewed her works with interest, set the exhibit in motion. Ginny’s boho-inspired pieces join the gallery’s carefully-curated works by established and emerging Filipino artists as it works toward the enrichment of contemporary Philippine art.

Ginny Guanco’s Boho Chic exhibit will be on view at Galerie Y from September 15 to 24. Opening cocktails are provided by; Chef Jojo Javier’s SWEETIELICIOUS, Chef Greggie Mercado of AGING’S FOOD DELIGHT, WINE DEPOT, NESTEA AND KITKAT, Strategic Works, Inc. and Ginny Guanco. The gallery is located at the 4th floor of the SM Megamall, Bldg A. 

For more information, contact Galerie Y, open from Mondays to Sundays, 10 AM – 10 PM, or call 634- 2704. Visit also the artist’s website, artbyginny.net or FB page Art by Ginny.

SM holds first religious art exhibit in Pampanga

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SM, in partnership with Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan and the Archdiocese Commission on Church Heritage, recently held “Obra Sagrada” at SM City Clark.

Obra Sagrada, which roughly translates to “sacred works,” featured works of art with religious themes from 20 artists hailing from Pampanga, Bulacan, Bukidnon and Metro Manila. Dubbed as the first ecclesiastical art exhibit in the country, Obra Sagrada aims to promote awareness for both the art and artists, giving them the opportunity to showcase their craft not only in the country, but also in Asia-Pacific.

The exhibit also featured work from Wilfredo “Willy” Layug, the creator of the “Our Lady of Palo” statue from the Papal Visit earlier this year. The art forms come in a variety of vestments and sculptures, altars, retablos, church furniture and fixtures, religious home décor, gold leafing, and metal smithing work.

Apart from the art exhibit, guest speakers also gave talks on Christian iconography and heritage appreciation.

SM Supermalls President Annie Garcia said it is a privilege for the company to host and sponsor such an event that would promote local artists and cultural heritage. “We want the public to see how rich our country’s religious art heritage is, and how much talent we have in the country in this artistic category. Hopefully, this serves as an inspiration to budding artists out there,” Garcia added.

Such exhibits are in line with the company’s programs that promote Philippine heritage and culture. This partnership with the Foundation for Lingap Kapampangan and the Archdiocese Commission on Church gave SM mall-goers the rare opportunity to have a glimpse of and rediscover the Philippine’s rich religious art heritage.

SM is exploring its partnership with these organizations further to make Obra Sagrada an annual activity in SM Clark and to bring the exhibit to other SM malls.

Record-breaking prices at Leon Gallery’s Magnificent September Auction

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The largest “Sabel” painting by National artist Benedicto Cabrera finds its new home after being acquired at a record-breaking P46.7M during the Leon Gallery Magnificent September Auction 2015. 

Another major piece auctioned at P14M is an untitled work by Juan Luna – signed and dated 1884 – oil on canvas, which features a comely European lady depicted in full figure in the formal dress of the time. 

Meanwhile, Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s “Lavanderas” circa 1957 was acquired at P39.71M, following the successful auction of her masterpiece “Fish Harvest at Dawn” sold at P52M during the Leon Gallery Spectacular Mid-Year Auction 2015.

Ang Kiukok’s 1981 “Seated Figure” sold for P11.68M, Manansala’s 1975 “Adam and Eve” went for P6.42M, while Nena Saguil’s 1964 watercolor “Paris” sold for P1.99M

The recently held Leon Gallery Magnificent Auction 2015 also paid tribute to preeminent modernist master Romulo Olazo by featuring his Diaphanous series, which are considered as some of the canonical works in contemporary Philippine art.

Leon Gallery’s Magnificent September Auction 2015 followed the two equally successful Spectacular Mid-Year Auction 2015 and “The Jim and Reed Pfeufer Collection: A four-decade friendship with Fernando Zobel,” which featured over 70 pieces that illustrate how the Spanish-Filipino artist's friendship with American couple Jim and Reed Pfeufer flourished throughout the years.

“It has always been our commitment to uplift Filipino talent, culture and history through the arts; and it is with great pride to bring these spectacular works to new homes and owners, who will surely value and treasure them like we do. This way, we are able to preserve the arts and constantly pass history from one generation to another,” said Leon Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon.

L-R: Audrey Zubiri, Jaime Ponce de Leon, and Dette Tan 

Anron and Tessa Mendoza 

L-R: Weng Domingo, Suzie Quiroz, Maritess Pineda and Patricia Pineda

Bong and Boboy Garrovillo 

Deanna Ongpin-Recto and Marivic Rufino 

Richie Quirino

Jamie and Tess Escaler

Marivic Vasquez and Paul Campos 

L-R: Olivia Yao, Trickie Lopa and Mel Francisco 

Ramon Orlina 

Ambassador Dondi Teehankee, and Christian Aguilar

Leon Gallery is located at the G/F, Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more details, visit http://leon-gallery.com/.

Leon Gallery pays tribute to Romulo Olazo

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For artist Romulo Olazo, who has been known for mastering the art of abstract, it’s been a life well-lived, full of colors. And this September, his signature masterpieces are exclusively included in the magnificent roster of artworks and objet d'art to be auctioned at Leon Gallery.

Permutation Series No. 6' by Romulo Olazo

Olazo’s signature Diaphanous series, which he had worked on for more than 30 years, take center stage at the Magnificent Auction 2015. By now, they are considered as some of the most canonical works in contemporary Philippine art, featuring veritable visions of light achieved though freehand and gestural painting methods, as well as templates and patterns.

From the Diaphonous 230, where he projects a theatrical and operatic presence, to Diaphanous 285, a 1981 work which shows a sweeping dynamic verve that appeals to the viewer. The great contrast between the fragility and the dark background is also shown in this particular work through warm tones of orange, perfectly layered to present surprising structural directions. 

This signature abstraction, which is often monochromatic and looks like touching images from a film negative, is also presented in Diaphanous signed and dated 1977. In this work, the color is reserved to cool monochrome greens to achieve ethereal effects.

Olazo’s recorded artworks spiked in number during the late ‘70s, and this is the period when he released the Mini-Diaphanous paintings. At the Leon Gallery auction, four Mini Diaphonous paintings can be found, which “echo nature, makes pictographs” by transforming abstraction into a deep expression, according to Ray Albano in 1978.

But aside from the Diaphonous series, the Magnificent Auction 2015 also draws light to Olazo’s Permutations, with Permutation Series No. 86 signed and dated 1994. From this, one can see a kind of cubist image formed by the overlapping pages showing through their irregular gaps. 

Happening on September 12, 2015, 2 PM, these Olazo masterpieces are set to be auctioned along with the National Artist Juan Luna’s untitled work, featuring a comely European lady in full figure, Anita Magsaysay-Ho’s “Boti Garapa!” circa 1946 and Fernando Zobel’s “Sin Titulo” to name a few. But the main highlight is Benedicto Cabrera’s largest “Sabel” to be auctioned in the history, a portrait of a real life vagabond who used to roam around Bambang district in Sampaloc where the artist grew up.

“It has always been our commitment to uplift Filipino talent, culture and history through the arts; and it is with great pride that the works of these renowned artists have found home at Leon Gallery. Through this, we pay tribute to their notable legacy and skills, like Romulo Olazo,” said Leon Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon.

Visit Leon Gallery located at the G/F, Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more details, visit http://leon-gallery.com/.

Samsung celebrates Filipino culture and heritage through 'The Plazas of Manila' exhibit and mobile app 'Culture Explorer'

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Samsung Corporate Citizenship celebrates the richness of Filipino culture and heritage by using innovative technology to cast the spotlight on historical sites and landmarks.

Once the center of Filipino life, plazas in Manila are either disappearing or falling into a state of disrepair. Few people recognize the historical and cultural significance of these landmarks, and they are often overlooked by heritage conservationists, as well as students of history.

Samsung and the Philippine Science High School Foundation, Inc., to help Filipinos rediscover Philippine’s heritage and culture, teamed up to hold an exhibit entitled The Plazas of Manila at the Yuchengco Museum with noted architect, designer, and urban planner Paulo Alcazaren as the curator. Open from August 27 until September 18, the exhibit highlights the historical and cultural significance of plazas in Manila, with the use of augmented reality on Samsung’s latest digital tablet and Smart TV technology.

Coinciding with the exhibit is the launch of Culture Explorer, a mobile application that uses augmented reality technology to help people, especially the youth, learn about Manila’s plazas and other cultural and heritage landmarks. The app is virtually a tour guide in one’s pocket, with fresh content and plenty of interesting trivia. It also allows users to navigate around key landmarks and travel back in time to see how the landmark has looked and evolved over the years. Since history is better appreciated with other people, the Culture Explorer app allows users to connect with other Culture Explorers who share their interest in the different sites.

“Through this exhibit, we are able to cast the spotlight on one of the most important elements of Filipino culture and history, the plaza. This exhibit allows us to bridge technology and art together, giving the Filipino youth a chance to learn about their roots,” said Linda Cordova, Executive Director of the Philippine Science High School Foundation, Inc.

Alcazaren, a founding member of the Heritage Conservation Society, believes that the marriage of technology and art will not only benefit artists, but also students of culture and history.

“Technology makes the arts, culture and history more accessible and more appealing to people. It allows them to appreciate everything in a more dynamic manner, injecting a new dimension and giving it a meaning beyond what they get to read in books,’’ said Alcazaren.

The digital exhibit and app launch is an undertaking of Samsung’s Corporate Citizenship Program which is committed to the conservation of Filipino culture and history.

“Philippine history is very rich and it has to be kept alive in the minds and hearts of people. Samsung believes that technology is the perfect medium to link the past with the present, to generate greater appreciation of our rich heritage. Culture Explorer enables users to appreciate the Philippines’ rich history in these everyday landmarks, which can be easily overlooked. It helps to pique interest among the young generation with the use of augmented reality technology,” said Arlita Tayko-Narag, Head of Samsung Public Affairs.

Culture Explorer is compatible with all Android smartphones and tablets, and can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store* and Galaxy Apps. No registration is required for users to enjoy full access to the app.

“We hope that the public will find the time to visit the exhibit and download the Culture Explorer app. It is a great and fun way to learn about history and culture, and will definitely help everyone—students, teachers, and plain curious folk—to appreciate the richness of Filipino heritage,” concluded Cris Concepcion, Director of Content and Services at Samsung Electronics Philippines.

Photos: Arts & Travel Magazine

Leon Gallery's Magnificent September Auction 2015 highlights early works with fascinating histories; Rare finds, Objet d'art, and Contemporary pieces

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Early works with fascinating histories; Rare finds, Objet d'art, and Contemporary pieces highlight Leon Gallery's Magnificent September Auction 2015.

For the Magnificent September Auction 2015 of Leon Gallery located at the G/F, Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City, happening on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at 2 PM, art pieces with fascinating histories, early works from first solo-exhibitions, Objet d'art, and cutting-edge contemporary works highlight this much-awaited sale.

Two artworks from the respective early shows of Anita Magsaysay-Ho – “Boti! Garapa!” circa 1946 – and Benedicto Cabrera – “Scavenger” from 1966 – each with fascinating histories and back stories, are sure to delight discriminating collectors.

As part of the post-war rehabilitation efforts of the Commonwealth government of President Sergio Osmena, with the aim to reconstruct our damaged cultural institutions and the “renascent vigor of Philippine culture,” an exhibition of paintings of Anita Magsaysay-Ho – 47 artworks in all, including the oil on wood work “Boti! Garapa!” – was held at the United States Information Library in Intramuros on February 23 to March 10, 1946 with First Lady Esperanza Osmena as Guest of Honor during the opening reception. 

Galo B. Ocampo, who at that time was the Chief of the Art Section, Office of the President, and incidentally, her classmate at UP, described the choice of Anita thus: “In the paintings of Miss Magsaysay, one sees an exceptionally gifted artist who will go on hurdling the obstacles that stand on the way.”

Meanwhile in 1966, all of 24 years old, Benedicto Cabrera – or Bencab as the artist is more popularly known – together with his brother Salvador and friends Bibsy Carballo and Francisco Navarro, opened the Indigo Gallery in Mabini with his first solo show of some sixteen artworks, including this piece “Scavenger”. 

Debuting as well at this juncture was "Sabel" – the most recognized subject to appear in Bencab's canvas, a real life vagabond who used to roam around Bambang district in Sampaloc where the artist grew up. 

It is fascinating to note that Magsaysay-Ho's “Boti! Garapa!” was retrieved from a garage sale for the trifling sum of 20 US dollars and Bencab's “Scavenger” was found at a Salvation Army sale for 4.99 US dollars! 

An untitled work by Juan Luna – signed and dated 1884, oil on canvas – and featuring a comely European lady depicted in full figure in the formal dress of the time, bares importance. It was acquired by National Artist Carlos Quirino, then the aid-de-camp of President Elpidio Quirino, during the latters State Visit to Spain in 1951.

Two pieces by Romulo Olazo, preeminent modernist master, from his Diaphanous series, whose recent passing surprised the art word, stand as testaments to his indomitable commitment and devotion to his craft. 

“Sin Titulo”, Fernando Zobel's stunning oil on canvas work from 1963 is one of the largest and more complex art pieces by Zobel to come out of this period. The resulting work presents a totally different approach to canvas, all the more ethereal and sophisticated. 

A pair of silver Paliteras (Palilleras) from the Suarez-Joven family of Bacolor Pampanga, harkens to bygone, halcyon era – the 1850's – of refined and elegant living. 

Capping our survey is a powerful round-up of contemporary art pieces led by Ronald Ventura with his untitled work from 2010 and a series in mixed media from 2005 and 2006. Jigger Cruz's “Wandering Carnival” signed and dated 2015 bares his trademark agitated, viscous style of deliberate defacement. 

Rodel Tapaya with his “The Fairy's Flower Garden” is a powerful narrative where his vivid renditions give to form what we ourselves imagine. 

Truly, regardless of appreciation, inclination, and persuasion, there are artworks and pieces certain to delight various collectors in our Magnificent September Auction 2015.

The Leon Gallery Magnificent September Auction 2015 will be held on September 12, 2015, Saturday, 2 PM at the G/F, Eurovilla 1, Rufino corner Legazpi Streets, Legazpi Village, Makati City. For more details, visit http://leon-gallery.com/ | info@leon-gallery.com | +632 856 2781

Some Photos : Arts & Travel Magazine

“Abot-Tanaw ni George Tapan” Exhibit , Taps Epson technologies for natural looking photos of Filipino indigenous tribes

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"With a camera as his instrument and the outdoors his element, Master George Tapan is known for his timeless and priceless photographs."

Distinguished Filipino photographer George Tapan showcases the diversity of Filipino tribes in his latest exhibit “Abot-Tanaw ni George Tapan” at the National Museum of Anthropology located at the Old Finance Building along Finance Road, Ermita, Manila. The exhibit was unveiled last June 19, and will run Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM until August 16.

As one of the original Epson PRO, an eminent group of photographers and graphic artists in the Philippines, George Tapan has been a long-time Epson user, and considers Epson as part of his family.

“For this exhibit, I used Epson scanners and printers, because in my eye, Epson produces the nearest natural color. The right color, archival ink, and the variety of paper or media to choose from is why I chose Epson as a partner for exhibits, including this one. For the “Abot-Tanaw” exhibit at the National Museum, I used Epson’s archival paper that produces no glare, to help me showcase the beauty of the subjects and photographs without using an encasing glass.” 

“Abot-Tanaw ni George Tapan” features the diverse culture of the Philippines as shown by the different indigenous tribes around the country. The subject matter is close to his heart, as showing recognition to these indigenous tribes is part of his personal advocacy. “We should never forget the indigenous people; we should show them respect and give them dignity. Without them, there is no us,” he elaborated.

His many years of traveling in all parts of the country have yielded a wealth of images showing the very essence of Filipino tribal life. “For me, a good photograph captures the spirit of each tribe. Although I give directions and make plans before capturing the images to remove the distractions from the environment, I make sure that the image is very natural,” he explained. 

“I also scan and give them a copy of their own photographs, as they believe that taking photos can steal their souls. By sharing these with them, I make them happy and they feel that I care about their beliefs. My small Epson printer and scanner have helped me do that.”

As George Tapan’s digital imaging partner for “Abot-Tanaw”, Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) used the Epson SureColor SC-P607 – a reliable photo printer that delivers true quality, unprecedented black density, and true-to-life color gradations and definitions – and Watercolor radiant white art paper and Premium Glossy Photo paper to print the exhibit photographs. 

“Epson is glad to be a part of this demonstration of Filipino talent. As a distinguished member of the crème de la crème of Filipino photographers, George Tapan’s eye for detail has given the world a new perspective. And as his partner in highlighting this part of our culture, Epson is glad to have the technology to give justice in realizing the finer points and overall life-like image reproduction of his photos. After all, the beauty of the Philippines deserves only the best prints,” said Pamela Albar, Head of Epson’s Commercial & Industrial Department.

PH National Artist Bencab celebrates 50 years of his art practice and heads to Lopez Museum with 'Frames of Reference'

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National Artist BenCab (Benedicto Cabrera) at the Lopez Museum & Library for the feature exhibit "Frames of Reference" open to the public starting April 23 - July 4, 2015.

Philippines National Artist BenCab (Benedicto Cabrera) celebrates fifty years of his art practice with a series of multi-sited exhibitions and events. As a fitting kick off, the first exhibition will be held at the Lopez Museum's Library section and will be open to the public starting April 23 up to July 4, 2015.

Frames of Reference offers a glimpse into his life and art practice during the late 1960s onwards, while living and exhibiting abroad and his eventual return to the Philippines for good.

BenCab Self-portrait

More than his works, the exhibition is an intimate portrait of the artist, the lover, the family man, the bibliophile and a collector, among other hats he has and continues to wear.

Never before exhibited, about 15 of his art-books will be made available to the public. These small scrapbook-like compilations of collages (clippings and cut-outs), drawings and sketches interspersed with his handwriting; prominently feature his love for nostalgia, handmade paper and bookbinding.

A page from one of his art-books. Artist’s Collection. Photo by Wig Tysmans.

A diaristic presentation of his aesthetics, letters, mementos and other keepsakes also find their way into the pages.

A page from one of his art-books. Artist’s Collection. Photo by Wig Tysmans.

Other hand-crafted books show the early studies and iterations of some of his most important series of works: Sabel, Larawan and Japanese Women (ukiyo-e). Also included in the exhibition are early folios of prints he was a part of, along with other Filipino and foreign artists.

The Lopez Museum and Library is also proud to exhibit three works from its own collection, including the iconic Soldiers (Heroes of the Past IV),1998.

Frames of Reference is curated by Dannie Alvarez and is co-presented by Bencab Art Foundation; Sureste Properties, Inc.; Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp. (SEPCO), our technology partner; and Gourmet Farms Inc., our public programs partner.

For more information, call Tina at 6312417 or email lmmpasig@gmail.com. Lopez Museum and Library is at the G/F Benpres Bldg., Meralco cor. Exchange Rd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Museum and library hours are 8-5pm Mondays through Saturdays except Sundays and holidays.