MANILA, Philippines - Without Walls: A Tour of Philippine Paintings at the Turn of the Millennium brings together the works of 73 Filipino artists accompanied with erudite and insightful commentary by seven art writers.
The book aims to be, “an exposition on representational painting featuring works by foremost Filipino artists active at the turn of the millennium.” Without Walls succeeds in accomplishing the staggering task of providing the reader with a clear idea of the state of Philippine contemporary art and a deeper appreciation of each individual artist’s works. It also, as the preface states, inspires the reader to go on further forays into the other facets of Philippine art.
The book lists the artists in reverse alphabetical order by surname. A brief, but satisfyingly intelligent and thorough, commentary on the artists begins each suite. The text quickly gives way to a succession of images, often whole, sometimes detail, of the artist’s works, which take up two to four pages.
Among those featured are Leo Abaya, Marcel Antonio, Andres Barrioquinto, Elmer Borlongan, Annie Cabigting, Charlie Co, Louie Cordero, Leslie de Chavez, Emmanuel Garibay, Nona Garcia, Geraldine Javier, Mark Justiniani, Yasmin Sison, Rodel Tapaya, Ronald Ventura, among other artists.
Without Walls affords the reader the rare chance of witnessing these 73 artists together. The high-quality reproductions and sleek layout make it a beautiful coffee-table book. And perhaps equally important, the commentary that accompanies each suite of works provides the reader an invaluable guide to the artist’s work and a glimpse at his or her professional background. All these put together make Without Walls a necessary addition to the library of the art collector, the art student, the art critic, the art teacher, and anybody else who wants to experience this landmark exhibition without walls.
Without Walls: A Tour of Philippine Paintings at the Turn of the Millennium is now available at Tin-Aw Art Gallery, Finale Art File, Silverlens Gallery, West Gallery, The Drawing Room Gallery, Manila Contemporary Gallery, Paseo Art Gallery and select branches of Fully Booked.