Emong Borlongan and Ai Weiwei at Ayala Museum

MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of National Arts Month, Ayala Museum presents back-to-back exhibitions of two powerhouse figures in contemporary visual arts today: Zambales-based figurative painter Elmer Borlongan, and controversial Chinese multimedia artist and political activist Ai Weiwei.

Titled “In City and Country: Elmer Borlongan 1992-2012,” the exhibition showcases the artistic contributions of the man fondly referred to as “Emong,” whose lifework is composed mainly of powerful portrayals of the destitute and the neglected in Philippine society. Opening the day immediately after “In City and Country is Ai Weiwei: Baby Formula,” an art installation of 1,815 milk cans in the shape of the Chinese map originally exhibited in Hong Kong in response to the growing issue of children’s milk safety in China.

“In City and Country” (on view from Feb. 18 to April 6) gathers works from the artist’s collection in Zambales, and from various private residences. “Baby Formula” (from Feb. 19 to March 16) on the other hand, travels from Galerie Michael Janssen in Singapore, Ayala Museum’s exhibition partner for the Ai Weiwei show.

The exhibits also open in time for Art Fair Philippines 2014.

Ayala Museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, visit www.ayalamuseum.org, call (632) 759 82 88, or e-mail hello@ayalamuseum.org.