New artwork at BGC

MANILA, Philippines - The Bonifacio Global City (BGC) began life with art being an integral part of its development. Artists have either won in competitions initiated and implemented by Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. (BAFI) for BGC’s public spaces, or received commissions from BAFI. Architect Lor Calma’s artwork welcomes residents and visitors to BGC, as sculpture and installations by Gerry Leonardo, Rey Paz Contreras, Ben Hur Villanueva, Ferdie Cacnio, Juan Sajid Imao, and a garden by Jerusalino Araos have enhanced the space that is Bonifacio Global City.

Recently, BAFI reinvigorated its commitment to art with creative work by Reggie Yuson, Ronald Achacoso, Conrado Velasco, Wilson Baldemor, Rico Lascano, Broke, B+C Design, Abi Goy, Liza Flores, Ouie Badelles, and Dan Matutina. Reconfiguring a portion of a green area known as FVR Park into the BGC Offsite Gallery, the outdoor alternative space debuted with an installation by Leeroy New, followed by Plet Bolipata.

A year ago, BAFI re-animated its competition program to provide even more opportunities for art in public space. The competition was for a specific space at the Bonifacio High Street Central.

After a call for artists to participate and a two-tiered selection process by a distinguished panel of jurors composed of art managers and critics, public art experts and practitioners, and members of the BGC management team, final confirmation by the BAFI board gave the nod to artist Joaquin Gasgonia Palencia and his proposal, “Meditation Hill.”

 Meditation Hill is inspired by the peace and solitude of a garden. It is a paean to Mother Nature, a call for more consideration and respect for the environment, and the multiplicity of ways humans can sustainably co-exist with her. As the site for the artwork (Bonifacio High Street) is green, the artwork will be seen against a backdrop of evergreens, forest trees and bamboo from Fifth Avenue. At eye level, the artwork will be viewed, from one side, through a six-storey building housing high-end department and retail stores, cinemas, and a gym; from the other side, a two-storey building hosting global fashion shops.

Joaquin Gasgonia Palencia is a self-taught artist based in Daet, Camarines Norte, and practices his art in various media starting in 1983. His body of work is composed of paintings, sculpture, video, photography, digital art and large public installations. He has had over 80 solo and group shows here and abroad. Graduating from UP-Diliman with a BS Zoology, cum laude, in 1976, he proceeded to obtain an MD at the College of Medicine, UP-Manila in 1986 and is currently pursuing a Phd at the UP Open University. At present, apart from finishing Meditation Hill, he is working on his first feature film.

The jurors judged Palencia’s work as compelling, but most especially for its potential for interaction with viewers, as it gets integrated with the green environment, being a surface that would reflect – and enlarge – the botanical landscape, and where viewers can see themselves reflected in the greenery around.

The final installation and unveiling for public viewing has been scheduled for the first quarter of 2013.