MANILA, Philippines - Two simultaneous solo exhibitions titled “Barok Period†by Pogs Samson and “Pilgrims†by Victor Santos will open on May 18, 6 p.m., at Boston Art Gallery. The shows run until June 4.
Pogs Samson’s “Barok Period†is a series of paintings based on the Pinoy komiks icon Barok to symbolize the traditional belief system of Filipinos based on their religion. His artworks show the gap between modern science and faith.
Victor Santos’ works are also about the traditional faith of every pinoy, their religious beliefs and outlooks in their everyday lives. But the artist rather focused on fiestas, which he says that it is a pledge of faith, a role of every believer, that if one has a strong faith, then one will be given good life and fortune and will be saved during illness or any calamities that may occur. And even will be saved after death.
Boston Art Gallery is at 72 Boston St. corner Lantana St. Cubao, Quezon City. For inquiries, call 722-9205.
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Finale Art File mounts anniversary shows
Finale Art File celebrates its 30th year with a series of anniversary exhibitions featuring works by the gallery’s 11 exclusive artists, on view until June 3.
The Tall Gallery, Finale’s main exhibition hall, features “I love painting and painting loves meâ€: a show of shaped canvases created by Finale’s gallery artists Annie Cabigting, Bembol Dela Cruz, Carlo Gabuco, Lyra Garcellano, Robert Langenegger, Keiye Miranda-Tuazon, Wire Tuazon, Redd Nacpil, Ian Quirante, Liv Romualdez Vinluan and Paulo Romualdez Vinluan.
Curated by Nilo Ilarde, the works range from exploring the geography of the human subconscious to the flow and fade of forms in the natural world.
Exhibited at the second-floor Upstairs Gallery is “Closed Door Meeting,†where the same set of artists have been asked to produce paintings using doors as a medium.
On view at Finale’s Video Room, a space for film- and installation-based works, is “Double Feature,†showcasing new works by art duo San Juan Industria and a collaborative work by Nacpil and Langenegger.
Finale Art File was established in 1983. It began as Art File, a space at Finale boutique at the Atrium in Makati, and later moved to Sunvar Plaza near Makati Cinema Square. In 1991, Finale moved to SM Megamall’s newly-established Art Walk, featuring many shows curated by conceptual art proponent and educator Roberto Chabet. In 2008, Finale moved to its current and largest space to date in La Fuerza Compound in Pasong Tamo, Makati.
For inquiries, visit Finale Art File at Warehouse 17, La Fuerza, 2241 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City. Gallery hours are from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For information, call 813-2310, 812-5034, fax 810-4071, e-mail finaleartfileinc@gmail.com, or visit www.finaleartfile.com.
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Jonathan Olazo at Manila Contemporary
In his latest exhibit at Manila Contemporary titled “The House Painter,†Jonathan Olazo revisits a series made in the mid-’90s called “The Idiot Paintings,†which focused on experimenting with acrylic stains, wax pouring and other varnishes. Once again taking this freer and more spontaneous strategy, Olazo concentrates on expression rather than form by methodically filling his surfaces with seductive colors and strong gestural marks. Mistakes are, therefore, encouraged and accidents celebrated.
This exhibition coincides with Erik Sausa’s “Sacred Spaces†that is concurrently on view in the Upstairs Gallery.
“Jonathan Olazo: The House Painter†is on view from May 18 to June 9 at Manila Contemporary, Whitespace, 2314 Chino Roces Avenue Ext. (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension), Barangay Magallanes, Makati City.
For information, visit www.manilacontemporary.com.