Nominations Now Open for 2012 Ateneo Art Awards: Sneak Peek

The Ateneo Art Gallery is pleased to announce that it is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Ateneo Art Awards.

Established in 2004 in honor of its founding benefactor Fernando Zobel de Ayala (1924-1984), whose support of young Filipino visual artists left an indelible mark in Philippine art history, the Ateneo Art Awards are given to Filipino visual artists below the age of 36 for outstanding work in an exhibition between 2 May of the previous year and 1 May of the current year.

As the Ateneo Art Awards gears up for a milestone, the ninth year takes the theme “Sneak Peak”. This anticipatory stance as we approach a peak in the history of the awards, serves not as a statement of fact, but a call for introspection. The contemporary Philippine art scene is as dynamic as ever and the world is taking notice. With the overwhelming recognition, we are called back to the core to reminisce, to hope and to work anew.

Nominations are accepted from visual artists, curators, museum and gallery directors, members of the present and former juries, art educators and art writers. Nomination forms are available at the Ateneo Art Gallery, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City; at Casa Gorodo Museum, Cebu City; or from the websitewww.ateneoartgallery.org

From all the nominees, 12 exhibits/ artworks will be shortlisted and on 09 August 2012, 3 will be declared winners. The artists who created the winning exhibitions/ artworks will be invited to apply for the international residency grants funded by the Ateneo Art Gallery and its partner institutions Common Room Networks Foundation in Bandung, Indonesia; Artesan Gallery in Singapore; La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre in Bendigo, Australia; Art Omi in New York; and Liverpool Hope University in Liverpool, UK.

All nominations must be received at the Ateneo Art Gallery before 5pm on 31 May 2012. For more information, please contact Ian Carlo Jaucian at +632 4266488 or mobile +639178878956 or email ijaucian@ateneo.edu. Exhibition of the works of the artists short-listed for the Awards will be at the Grand Atrium of the Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong City from 3 August - 13 August 2012.

The Ateneo Art Awards is presented by the Ateneo Art Gallery, Shangri-La Plaza, Metro Society, Y-style of the Philippine Star, and the New York Art Project, funded by Marcel Crespo.

International Museum Day 2012

Dear Museum Foundation Members and Friends,

Looking for places to cool off in this heat?
To visit the newest museum in town, at a discounted rate? See below.
Do drop by the National Museum's National Art Gallery and Museum of the Filipino People this summer as well!



For more Museum Foundation events and activities please visit our website at http://museumfoundationph.org/news/

Somewhat Different: Contemporary Design and the Power of Convention

Quirky and unconventional, contemporary German design fills the Yuchengco Museum from May 2 – 31, 2012 with a traveling exhibit of interpreted everyday objects. Somewhat Different: Contemporary Design and the Power of Convention features close to 150 objects by predominantly German designers who have approached conventional design in a “somewhat different” way.

Curated by German designer and architect Volker Albus, Somewhat Different also illustrates new perspectives on function, materials, construction, and content references. The bookshelf, the Persian rug, the easy chair—the generic terms for different pieces of furniture conjure up specific images with their structure and decorative use. It is these associations which inspire designers to give objects an unexpected twist, revealing the absurdity of basic, yet somewhat rigid design principles. Quite often such breaks from the norm challenge users to reflect on established notions, triggering a change of paradigm.

Somewhat Different is complemented by the designs of Epoch, a group of young international artists who challenge old concepts and provoke minds to dream of alternative perspectives. Tied together by a common Filipino heritage, Epoch's members—Jinggoy Buensuceso, Martha Cech, Olivia d’Aboville, Daniel Latorre Cruz, Stanley Ruiz, and Wataru Sakuma—introduce new design concepts and allow for the reawakening of the creativity of Filipinos.

Somewhat Different is an exhibit of the Institute for Foreign Cultural Relations (IFA) presented in Manila by Goethe-Institut Philippinen in partnership with Yuchengco Museum and Epoch. The exhibit is part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Goethe-Institut Philippinen.

Yuchengco Museum is located at RCBC Plaza, corner Ayala and Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenues in Makati. Museum hours are from Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (632) 889-1234 or visit www.yuchengcomuseum.org.

"ReStart" by Catherine Jao at Pablo X Gallery

Artist Statement

Catherine Jao is full-time painter currently living in Kyoto, Japan. Her primary genre is oriental ink painting, a painting style which like its sibling art‚ Eastern calligraphy‚ uses a traditional fude brush to apply sumi ink on handmade paper. By synthesizing her own personal and contemporary touch with various medieval and modern influences from Japan and China, she strives to contribute to bringing this Tang Dynasty tradition back to life.

Exhibit Title: ReStart
Exhibit Summary

This exhibition focuses on the personal but universal experience of re-starting‚ beginning anew after a point of crisis. The artist will delve into the various stages, facets, and manifestations of this deeply personal phenomenon, beginning with the experience of crisis and conflict, and then to the stage of complete inner deadlock, and finally to the point of breakthrough, where one is able to overcome one's situation and re-start.

This exhibit will feature oriental ink-paintings, with careful gradations of black sumi-ink calligraphically applied to handmade paper mounted on traditional Japanese shikishi board. Traditional influences from medieval Zen Sumi-e paintings, to early-modern Ukiyo-e from the likes of Katsushika Hokusai, to modern Japanese paintings such as those from Kaburaki Kiyokata and Kayama Matazo, meet a Filipina-Chinese with a contemporary rendition of timeless human narratives.

D2: Design Deconstruct's Dugtung-Dugtong at NOVA Gallery

D2: Dugtung-Dugtong
Design Deconstruct


Mapúa Institute of Technology's D2: Design Deconstruct Organization presents a collection of individual pieces entwined by a thread creating harmony with the cohesion of different minds. The artworks will show how each individual are unique and different yet are combined for the sole purpose of expressing ourselves and communicating with people through Multimedia Arts.

The exhibit runs from 12 May to 25 May 2012 at NOVA Gallery, Warehouse 12A, La Fuerza Compound, 2241 Don Chino Roces Ave., Makati City.

For more information call 392-7797 or send an electronic mail to gallerynova@gmail.com or visit www.novagallerymanila.com.

Summer Photography Workshops at the Filipinas Heritage Library

Summer is the perfect time to relax outdoors. The sky is clear, the sun is shining, and the world is full of color. Naturally, summer is the opportune moment to take bright and vibrant pictures. But to take photographs that are truly stunning, you need to know how to maximize your camera.

This summer, the Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL) is offering a series of workshops for photographers of all ages. Kids from 7 to 12 years old can join the Photography for Kids workshop, on May 5, from 9am to 12 noon. Meanwhile, young adults at least 13 years old can join the Photography for Teens Workshop, on May 12 or 19, from 9am to 4pm.

Joey Alvero, a photography instructor for young learners as St. Scholastica’s College, will handle both workshops.

For adults busy with school and work, FHL offers its Digital Photography 101 workshop. Next weekend batch is on May 12 & 19 at 9am to 4pm. Those who prefer weekdays can join the batch on May 22 and 29 at 9am to 4pm.

Professional photographers Estan Cabigas and Dennis Balangue will handle the weekday and weekend sessions of the workshop, respectively.

All workshops are introductory courses on the art of photography, and will be held at Filipinas Heritage Library, Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Makati City (across The Peninsula Manila).

For more details, please call 892-1801, send an SMS to 0917-559-4417, e-mail likha-aralan@ filipinaslibrary.org.ph, or visitwww.filipinaslibrary.org.ph

PETA and Repertory Philippines Team Up For "Care Divas"

MANILA, Philippines - Manila's pioneer theater groups, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Repertory Philippines are producing the much-awaited encore performances of the hit musical comedy "Care Divas" this coming April 27-29, at Greenbelt, Onstage.

"Care Divas" is a disarmingly funny and candid musical drama about five transgender Overseas Filipino Workers in Israel who work as care givers in the morning and transform into glamorous drag queen performers come night fall. While desperate to make ends meet in another country, they also struggle to search for freedom and acceptance in a foreign land.

The play's theatrical and wickedly funny text, written by award-winning playwright, Liza Magtoto cradles lovely, gentle moments that mull over the lives of the main characters: the kind and loving Chelsea, the often-sarcastic group leader Shai, the ditsy Thalia, the bubbly Kayla and the ill-tempered Jonee.



Vincent de Jesus' musical score leaves audiences humming tunes as it weaves through the narrative. Music and lyrics serve as the other "text" that embodies the romantic-whimsy of this play.

Directed by Maribel Legarda, the creative team behind the show also includes costume designer John Abul, lighting designer Jon Jon Villareal, visual artist and set designer Leo Abaya and contemporary dancer and choreographer Carlon Matobato.



"Care Divas" includes a powerhouse cast of theater actors: PETA artists Melvin Lee, Vincent De Jesus, Phil Noble, Buddy Caramat, Dudz Teraña, Jason Barcial and Eric dela Cruz. Featured guest artists are: Paul Holme, Ricci Chan, Jerald Napoles, Myke Salomon, Angeli Bayani together with Miguel Hidalgo and Dominic Miclat-Janssen.

Veteran actress and Repertory Philippines' Children's Theater Artistic Director, Joy Virata joins the cast as Adara and Sara, roles formerly portrayed by PETA President, Cecilia Garrucho.

Watch "Care Divas" at Greenbelt Onstage this April 27 (8:00PM) 28 & 29 (3:00PM & 8:00PM), 2012. For inquiries and ticket reservations, contact PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at Tel. No. 725-6244, 410-0821 or 0917-5765400,petatheater@gmail.com.

Within You and Without at Galerie OneWorkshop

Within You and Without at Galerie OneWorkshop
Diana Aviado and Pandy Aviado
A Father and Daughter Joint Exhibition of Digital Art

Diana Aviado's images are extreme close-ups of mushrooms and other earthly growths.She recently attended a workshop by German Photographer, Wolfgang Belwinkel.

Her pictures are about a closer look at our environment, and no matter how small some living things are, they will give you insights about how life is - ten times closer.

Veteran Visual Artist Pandy Aviado's portfolio series of digital art are images of friends done in a style that seems like they're straight from his sketchbooks. They are best described as hybrid art using digital software and all kinds of drawing materials on special papers.

Within You and Without opens on May 3, 2012 at 630pm at Galerie OneWorkshop suite 324LRI Design Plaza Nicanor Garcia St Bel Air II Makati City.

For more details please call 8368799 or email one_workshop@yahoo.com

The Alcove Photo Gallery: Call For Exhibit Proposals 2012

The Alcove, photography nook of the Filipinas Heritage Library, invites all photographers and camera clubs interested in displaying their artworks to exhibit at the library’s pocket gallery.

The Alcove’s first exhibit, featuring photographs of Philippine churches from the library’s own Retrato collection, was launched during March 7, 2000. Since then, we have featured the works of Mark Gary, Denise Weldon, Nico Sepe, Butch Baluyut, Dennis Balangue, Joel Bondoc, Lester Ledesma, Erik Lacson, Rey Castañeda, and Atom Magadia to name a few. Twelve years later, The Alcove continues to be a preferred exhibition venue by amateur and professional photographers alike.

FHL is a home of Philippine culture. Each month, hundreds of Filipinos and foreigners frequent the library to read books, study documents, appreciate music, join workshops, and attend special events from meetings to parties. These visitors, who appreciate fine art and literature, serve as a captive audience for your photographs, which will be displayed at the library’s ground floor gallery.

Applicants should submit their proposal letter, photographer’s resume, and select sample works to the Filipinas Heritage Library, Makati Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Makati City. Preferred exhibition schedule, proposed exhibit concept, and relevant contact information must also be included. Proposals may also be emailed to cruz.ct@ayalafoundation.org.

Those interested may also call 892-1801, text 0917-5594417, or email cruz.ct@ayalafoundation.org for more details. Guidelines for exhibiting at The Alcove will be sent upon request.

Origins & Translations: Phil Textile Patterns & Motifs @ Yuchengco Museum

Tradition + Inspiration = Contemporary Revitalized Expressions

Origins & Translations puts together examples of indigenous textiles and clothing from the collections of Floy Quintos and Al Valenciano and a selection of inspired contemporary creations, retranslations, and reinterpretations. Among the artists and designers whose works are featured are:

National Artists for Visual Arts Abdulmari Imao, Arturo Luz, and H.R. Ocampo
Visual artists Ivi Avellana-Cosio, Roberto Feleo, Ricarte Purugganan, and John Frank Sabado
Couturiers Pepito Albert and Inno Sotto
Fashion designers Amina Aranaz-Alunan, JC Buendia, Randy Ortiz, and Lulu Tan-Gan
Costume designer Gino Gonzales and furniture designer Ito Kish
Designer collections Silk Cocoon by Jeannie Goulbourn and Filip + Inna by Lenora CabiliAlso on exhibit are the winning pieces of the winners and semifinalists of the Fashion and Design Council of the Philippines’ Weaving the Future Philippine Fashion Design Competition.

For details and group visits, call (632) 889-1234 or emailinfo@yuchengcomuseum.org