Alliance Française de Manille presents Mia O. Herbosa's Carpe Diem

Alliance Française de Manille

presents

Mia O. Herbosa

Carpe Diem

December 5, 2006 - January 12, 2007
Opening Cocktails: Tuesday, December 5, 2006, 6:30 p.m.

a percentage of the proceeds will be given to St. Jude Church of Legaspi City.

Artist's Statement

I was just a little girl when my mom told me that Ongpin Street in Chinatown was named after her great-grandfather, Roman. It was then that I developed a sense of wonder for the mystique of her ancestors. Growing up, I often stared at the many wonderful oil paintings on the walls of my lola’s home. They were what was left of the vast collection of art Roman’s son Alfonso had accumulated in his lifetime. Mom said he spent all his money collecting art, often trading art materials from their family store, “El 82”, for paintings from masters such as Luna and Hidalgo. Today, I hear people call him “Don Alfonso” with pride and respect.

I never seriously thought I would grow up to be a painter, but I did. Thoughts of Lolo Poncho and, how he must have loved art as I do often fill my mind. We share even the same introspective interest in self-portraits.

Blood is thick. Though his beloved collection is now no longer intact, I feel, in a great way, his passion for art and beauty has left its mark on his family. Just look at my mother, now in her 60’s and blooming as a painter. It is his legacy, his gift. He captured his world to share with us today. In my own way, I try to capture mine. In this way, both worlds come together, bridging the gaps of time, sharing a place in the fourth dimension. CARPE DIEM.

Mia O. Herbosa
October 2006

For more information, please contact:
Alliance Française de Manille
209 Nicanor Garcia Street (formerly Reposo Street),
Bel-Air 2, Makati City. 1209 Philippines.
Tels: 895-7585 / 895-7441
Fax: 899-3654
e-mail: cultural@alliance.ph

Mia O. Herbosa's official website: www.miaherbosa.com