Twenty artists are part of an exhibit at Galerie Joaquin titled Masaganang Ani, which honors the men and women who work in the fields of agriculture and fisheries, or societys "uncounted heads."
"We waited two years for this exhibit," shares Galerie Joaquin managing director Jack Teotico, who was part of the agriculture industry for 23 years. "And we set it up just in time for the Farmers and Fisherfolks Month. As you notice, the artists involved chose a diverse selection of crops, and not just palay, for their pieces such as coffee, lanzones, mango, sugarcane, and even avocado."
The exhibit is on view at Joaquins main gallery in San Juan until June 12 with Gig de Pio as guest curator. It features artists such as Angelito Antonio, Tam Austria, Karina Baluyut, Michael Cacnio, Andi Cubi, Eileen Escueta, Joey Herrera, Carlo Magno, Jerry Morada, Mario Parial, Roniño Quinto, Vincent de Pio, Bayani Ray Alcala, Juvenal Sanso, Felix Tiglao, Lydia Velasco, Bernard Vista, Manny Yarte and Rellie Liwag.
Viewers will note that each artist didnt succumb to the urge to paint in the vein of Fernando Amorsolo (or other masters of rustic glories, for that matter).
"We encouraged the artist to be themselves, and not just to pattern their works (on the works of masters)," Teotico explains. "We asked them to search within themselves, on their respective backgrounds, and to work in their own styles. Ive learned in this gallery that artists who listen to themselves more, those who have a unique vision, those are the ones who are able to sell their works."
Teotico adds that he doesnt consider the signed name on the canvas as the artists signature. "No, it is in his use of color, his brushstroke the whole painting is the signature."
The most recent thematic show the gallery had was La Musique, which featured works of artists such as Manny Baldemor, Marcel, and Jerry Morada, among others. For that exhibit, Galerie Joaquin featured the Cultural Center of the Philippines artistic director Sid Gomez Hildawa as guest curator. The next thematic show will be a tribute to Onib Olmedo.
"It is exciting to see how different artists interpret the same theme in their own unique way," Teotico concludes.