MANILA, Philippines - Wait — why are Marian and Dingdong’s severed heads on a Valentine’s exhibit poster? If you ask Pablo Gallery’s Yo Garcia and Ossie Tiangco, they’ll probably say, “Why not?” and then add, “Why not John Lapus?”
The owners of the artsy Cubao X hothouse have cooked up “Together Forever,” an extra special romance-themed exhibit with artists who are “involved” with each other. “Early last year, we noticed that most of the artists we know and have worked with were either married or in a relationship. It made us wonder how they do it, balance work and play,” the Pablo chicks tell Supreme. “We asked them if they had ever done collaborations in an exhibit and we were surprised that most of them hadn’t done that yet.”
In time for Valentine’s Day 2009, the show features eight art and design couples that have, for better or for worse, chosen to mix business with pleasure. “Honestly, we haven’t seen the pieces yet. We gave the ‘love teams’ the freedom to do whatever they want,” Yo and Ossie continue. “We’re really excited about this exhibit and we can’t wait to see what they came up with.”
So — dunn dunn dunn — expect the unexpected.
Bru + Marcus (Electrolychee)
Hint: “Pablo: Pakitago Ang Bading, Love Overflowing” and “Hindi para sa ‘yo ‘to, Kris Aquino!”
Time it took to create the artwork: Enough to make it to the show.
This exhibit is espesyal because: If it’s from Pablo, it must be good.
The public can expect: Anti-atchara pieces. Meaning, ‘di sya nakakasawa.
Katwo + Nico (27+20)
Hint: Who says an office romance does not work?
Time it took to create the artwork: It took over two weeks to conceptualize. As I answer this, we are not finished with the work itself.
This exhibit is espesyal because: It’s a take on artists who are couples.
The public can expect: Something honest.
Garovs + Ryan (Everywhere We Shoot)
Hint: “A very titillating idea!”
Time it took to create the artwork: Five years of memories, one week to ponder on them, and one day to do — cheesy!
This exhibit is espesyal because: The idea itself is exciting and funny. especially the cheesy Pinoy films part because we are super fans of cheesy Pinoy flicks and John Lloyd. Bwahahahaha.
The public can expect: Something simple and trying to be witty.
Mitch Mauricio + Paolo Ferrer
Hint: “Kung ang kontinente naghihiwalay, ang tao pa kaya.”
Time it took to create the artwork: One whole day
This exhibit is espesyal because: Of the theme! Panalo!
The public can expect: Something that’s kinda bastos.
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“Together Forever” opens today, Feb. 14 at 9 p.m. Pablo Gallery is at Shop 7, Cubao Expo, Gen. Romulo Avenue, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City; whypablo.multiply.com. — Gino de la Paz