Spotlight on Filipino art in Japan

Pintô International, with the cooperation of the Asian Cultural Council (ACC), showcased the works of 50 Filipino artists through Pintôkyo, a group exhibition held at the Hillside Forum in Shibuya, Japan.

The show opened with a reception, which coincided with the 157th birth anniversary of national hero Jose Rizal. Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V  was guest of honor.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V and National Artist Benedicto ‘BenCab’ Cabrera.

Featured artists included Ambie Abaño, Arnica Acantilado, Salvador Alonday, John Paul Antido, Agnes Arellano, Candice Arellano, Welbart Bartolome, Igan D’Bayan, Jana Benitez, Elmer Borlongan, Annie Cabigting, Ninel Constantino, Dansoy Coquilla, Jigger Cruz, Marina Cruz, Kawayan de Guia, Anton del Castillo, Daniel dela Cruz, Demetrio dela Cruz, John Paul Duray, Dexter Fernandez, Nona Garcia, Emmanuel Garibay, Sandra Fabie Gfeller, Eleanor Giron, Guerrero Habulan, Ronald Hilario and Geraldine Javier.

Completing the roster were Dondon Jeresano, Antonio Leaño, Erwin Leaño, Romeo Lee, Joven Mansit, Ferdinand Montemayor, Jason Moss, Raffy Napay, Leeroy New, Gemiliano Orencio, Shannah Orencio, Anthony Palomo, Lynyrd Paras, Ian Quirante, Sherwin Sacramento, Jaypee Samson, Jerson Samson, Reynaldo Samson, Jose Santos III, Brave Singh, Yasmin Sison, Dexter Sy, Rodel Tapaya, Wire Tuazon, Mark Valenzuela, Elias Miles Villanueva, Crispin Villanueva Jr. and Jay Viriña.

(From left) Luca Parolari, Tony Leaño, Jenny Villanueva, Dr. Joven Cuanang and ACC program director Ritsu Yoshino with ACC Tokyo staff Katherine Whatley and Kurumi Kido.

Pintôkyo followed Pintô International’s highly successful first overseas exhibition Pintô Manhattan Manila held in New York, which drew the attention of an international audience to “the diversity of interests of the Filipino artist — both in terms of technique and subject matter” according to Dr. Joven Cuanang, chair of Pintô International.

Pintôkyo, curated by Antonio Leaño, aimed for a similar goal and at the same time strengthened the relationship between the Philippines and Japan through cultural diplomacy. It is the latest in a series of international exhibitions planned by Pintô International as it “stands for opening of new possibilities, for cultural exchange, and for new art forms to be developed.”

Cris Villanueva.

While some of the featured artists have had international exposure, Pintôkyo was primarily a platform for emerging talents. “As far as I know,” said Cuanang, “it is the only particular project in which we bring a big batch of Filipinos to a particular country.” The exhibition presented “the range of Filipinos in terms of their own interests and what they want to say to the world.”

Other activities we did aside from attending the exhibition itself included visiting the famed Mori Museum, a welcome dinner for guests and artists in Meguro, an afternoon watching Kabuki, and the last night’s memorable Japanese dinner on a river boat cruise around Tokyo. It was truly an amazing few days in Japan with the ACC and these talented artists.

(From left) John Lagdameo, Mia Zuzuarregui, Elmer Borlongan, Gail Ramos and Francis Go.

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