Mideo M Cruz @ Galleria Duemilla

Everyone is invited to

Mideo M Cruz’ DEITIES

Cocktails on Saturday February 6, 2010 at 4pm

and will be on view until February 2010

Galleria Duemila

210 Loring Street, Pasay City Metro Manila Philippines

Telephone : (632) 831-9990 or (632)833-9815 Fax: (632) 833-9815

duemila@mydestiny. net www.galleriaduemila .com

Subdued Iconoclasm in Mideo Cruz's Deities

Philippine performance and installation artist Mideo Cruz has been distinguished for his provocative multi-disciplinary interventions straddling the irreverent, the blasphemous, and the subversive. While Cruz has raced through a range of discourses from colonialism, globalization and Third World realities while charting his journey, Deities, his latest one-man exhibition at the Galleria Duemila in Manila, seems to be the artist's move to step on the brakes a little bit, sit back and savor the view along the road.

Deities features Cruz's constructed collection of hybrid idols: found objects reproduced utilizing plaster of paris, concrete, and industrial paint. Rather than representing idols as mystical objects to be revered, Cruz deconstructs and offers them as homages to fallen gods and effigies of the sacred, steeped in modernity and profaned.

A thematic and formal shift in Cruz's artistic trajectory is evident in the show. Deities, for instance, presents more sculptural and permanent works—a fresh departure from the mostly transient and site-specific installation and performance pieces that comprised his earlier projects in the United States as a recipient of residencies and fellowships from the San Francisco-based Headlands Center for the Arts and the Asian Cultural Council, respectively.

Intentionally antiseptic, the sculpture-installat ions in this show forgo the multiplicity of complex structures, screaming symbols, and jarring colors that usually marked the flavor of Cruz's earlier body of works. Instead, the artist makes full use of minimalist lines, the muted textures of concrete, and stark white paint--a visual sensibility once put to full effect by Cruz in Banquet, a performance- installation on gluttony and bourgeois hegemony back in 2006 and revived in this collection.

The show is the artist's personal reflection on the development of deities between different civilizations. While Cruz's earlier body of works dealt with strong historically and socially-situated thematics on issues current and urgent to the point of volatility, this show seems like the artist's attempt to dwell on the less exigent aspects of contemporary gods. In constructing and representing modern-day idols, Cruz attempts to situate their symbolism in the visual traditions of earlier civilizations and draw out parallelisms and contradictions within their spheres of meaning. For instance, his representations of Mother and Child figures (a theme replete in Catholic iconography) also allude to symbols and shapes associated with earlier pre-Christian cultural traditions.

Yet for all their comparative mutedness, Cruz's works retain much of the frank spirit of iconoclasm that marked his earlier engagements. Liberally mixed in his pantheon of deities are popular icons spawned from this era of hegemonic globalization and watersheds in modes of production: the ubitquitous smiling head of a global food conglomerate' s mascot reproduced many times over, the stray figure of Dolly the cloned sheep, and other contemporary deities of mass consumerism. Despite the visual and stylistic departures from his usual repertoire, but, thematically, the show is a progression or continuation of the discourses that Cruz has consistently engaged and interrogated as a visual artist: the acts of confronting and questioning the gods of our times.

Deities runs from 6 February to 1 March, 2010 at the Galleria Duemila, Pasay City, Manila, Philippines.

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Weekend Art Classes at Young Artists' Studio

Basic Painting for Adults and Teens, Art Classes for Kids
Enroll in any of the programs below on or before January 20 to enjoy 5% discount.

Programs for January-March 2010:
ART FOR BEGINNERS (for ages 5-10)
Saturdays, 9:30-11:00am, (Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3)
Course Fee: Php 3,500 – inclusive of art materials

BASIC PAINTING (for ages 13 up)
Saturdays, 1-4pm, (Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3)
Course Fee: Php 4,000- inclusive of art materials

BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY (for ages 8-15)
Sundays 1-4:30pm, (Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27)January 24, 2010
Course Fee: Php 4,000 – inclusive of photo prints

For inquiries, Contact YAS through the following:
Mobile: +639175685939 (globe) / +6329296875322 (smart)
Landline: (632) 964-5951
Email: youngartistsstudio@gmail.com
Website: www.youngartistsstudio.wordpress. com
Address: Unit 3A MS Tower #29 Road 8 Project 6 Quezon City

The Young Artists' Studio (YAS) is a venue for young artists to learn art production at an early age. YAS is managed by art practitioners and educators with a common vision to develop young artists who will contribute to the art community in the near future. YAS believes the art is a powerful tool to influence communities, improve lives, and transform the society.

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Philippines: 2010 ASEAN Cultural Capital

The Philippines has been recognized as the ‘cultural capital’ of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2010 and 2011. As the first country given this distinction in the 10-member association of countries in the region, the Philippines hosts this year’s ministerial and experts meeting on culture and arts (AMCA-SOMCA) and the 4th ASEAN Festival of the Arts to be held in March.

This early, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in cooperation with other agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Education, and the Provincial Tourism Office of the province of Pampanga, is now getting ready for the festival.

With the theme “The Best of the ASEAN,” this year’s festival aims to showcase what the member-countries consider to be their best. It could be a performance, book, exhibit, film, and the like. NCCA Executive Director with a creative team of artists from the International Theater Institute and NCCA synergized with an interdisciplinary group of arts coordinators in Pampanga are focused in preparing a rich panorama of the diverse wealth of talents and resources.

In other news, the year 2010 has been declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the International Year of Rapprochement of Cultures. The declaration of the present year as such makes “rapprochement of cultures the hallmark of all policy-making at local, national, regional and international levels, involving the greatest number of relevant stakeholders.”

Thus far, over 300 proposals have been submitted from various member states. In an open-ended list of activities for the year in connection with the rapprochement, the Philippines has pledged to promote the culture of peace through interfaith dialogue, education and the arts and to undertake a cultural festival on traditions and crafts with the participation of women and youth and intercultural dialogue activities with indigenous communities including the varied events for the celebration of the Dia Del Galleon and the performances centered on collaborative productions on the constellation of literary giants Tagore, Casaire, and Neruda.

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5th Backdoor Ventures Arts & Music Festival & Trade Fair

The 5th Backdoor Ventures Arts and Music Festival and Trade Fair

Surrender to the sensory journey within. Brace your senses as the 5th Backdoor Ventures Arts and Music Festival takes you to a bigger venue…with an even greater roster of acts never before gathered under one roof!

The annual art gathering is the pioneer of all arts and music events in the country. Now on its fifth year, the Festival promises to showcase a grand lineup of activities, workshops, and performances that it is known for; raising the bar to a spectacular level year after year. With its growing audience and list of participants, Backdoor Ventures is moving to a bigger venue; this year it will be held at the Megatrade Hall 2 – a larger space adjacent to Hall 3, which has been the Artsfest’s home for the past years.

“We’re taking the next festival to a higher level as we celebrate the 5th staging of one of the biggest if not the biggest gathering of artists and musicians from different disciplines and genres in the country.” according to Chief Event Organizer, Jay Viriña

Five years of bringing the people back to the arts and bringing the arts back to the people is definitely a milestone for the entire Arts & Music Festival family… We’re really excited for this coming year’s celebration. It just keeps getting better.” He added.

As always, new and exciting activities will be added into the lineup. For one, schools and University organizations around the Metro will be taking a more active role in participating at the next Festival. The hall layout and the stage design is also something to look forward to!

The 5th Backdoor Ventures Arts and Music Festival will be held on February 5 – 7, 2010 at the Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall.

For inquiries and updates, call +63 2 951 3646 or +63918 540 3248. You may also log on to www.backdoorventures.com and www.backdoorvent.multiply.com for more details.

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UP Film Institute this February 2010

The arts and culture month in UP Diliman assumes a festive mood with UP Film Institute’s screenings this February.

As a way of paying homage to the golden era of the country’s counter-stream cinema, a significant number of breakthrough short films regarded now as classics from some of the most celebrated names of the indie movement will be shown. Featured are films by Raymond Red, Joey Agbayani, Juan and Miguel Alcazaren, Patrick Purugganan, Noel Lim, Nonoy Dadivas, Louie Quirino, Larry Manda, Regiben Romana, Jon Red, Yam Laranas among others.

Lending indie spirit to this year’s run-up to Valentine’s Day are the US release, “(500) Days of Summer” (subject to confirmation) and two Philippine titles: Milo Sogueco’s “Sanglaan”—Double Prize Winner in Lyon, France and Ellen Ramos and Paolo Villauna’s “Walang Hanggang Paalam”—Official Selection at SoHo International Film Festival NYC 2010.

FemLink—a worldwide collective of women video artists—presents some of the group’s linked collages. FemLink coordinator Veronique Sapin is joined by Pinay video artist Vivian Limpin in a talk to follow the screening.

Completing UP Film Institute’s line-up of screenings for February 2010 is an extensive series of films billed as “The Lives of Artists” featuring selected biopics of the greatest creative heroes the world has come to know.

Free admission to screenings of breakthrough shorts and “The Lives of Artists” series is in store for all UP students enrolled in film courses under the UP College of Mass Communication upon presentation of their respective Form 5 and valid ID.

CINE ADARNA / MAIN CINEMA:

BREAKTHROUGH SHORTS:
In cooperation with Mowelfund Film Institute

JANUARY 25 – 5 & 7PM

Raymond Red

SININGANG (1983, 3min.)

ANG MAGPAKAILAMAN (1983, 25min.)

KABAKA (1983, 20min.)

A STUDY FOR “THE SKIES” (1988, 12min.)


JANUARY 27 and FEBRUARY 25 – 5 & 7PM

Patrick Purungganan’s GENERATION LOSS (1987, 12min.)

Joey Agbayani’s THE EYE IN THE SKY (1984, 8min.)

Joey Agbayani’s KIDLAT (1989, 10min.)

Alcazaren bros. JUAN DE LA CRUZ (1984, 2min.)

Juan Alcazaren’s HARI (1982, 6min.)

Miguel Alcazaren’s XXX (1986, 5min.)

Noel Lim’s MAGKAKAHOY (1989, 12min.)

Nonoy Dadivas’ ANAK MAYNILA (1993, 6min.)


FEBRUARY 2 – 5PM

Louie Quirino’s BOY GOTO (1987, 6min.)

Larry Manda’s SALAMISIM (1986, 8.30min.)

Regiben Romana’s PILIPINAS: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PHILIPPINES, MR.
JANETZKO? (1989, 5min.)

Jon Red’s TIEMPO (1992, 20min.)

Yam Laranas’ AND RAIN FELL IN JULY ( 1991, 4.54min.)


NEW YEAR OF AUTEURS:

John Torres’ TAON NOONG AKO’Y ANAK SA LABAS & TODO TODO TEROS
Jan 28 / thu / 5pm & 7pm


Sherad Sanchez’s HULING BALYAN NG BUHI
Feb 1 / mon / 5pm & 7pm


Sherad Sanchez’s IMBURNAL
Feb 3 / wed / 5pm


LOVE LIVES:

500 DAYS OF SUMMER (2009)
Feb 8 – 12


VIDEOTHEQUE:

Jerrold Tarog’s MANGATYANAN
Feb 1 / mon / 4:30pm & 6:30pm
Feb 2 / tue / 4:30pm & 6:30pm
Feb 3 / wed / 4:30pm & 6:30pm
Feb 4 / thu / 4:30pm & 6:30pm
Feb 5 / fri / 2:30pm, 4:30pm & 6:30pm
Feb 6 / sat / 2:30pm, 4:30pm & 6:30pm

Femlink Videos + Conversation with the Artists Veronique Sapin & Vivian Limpin
Feb 9 / tue / 4:30pm & 6:30pm

LOVELIVES:
Milo Sogueco’s SANGALAAN
Feb 10 / wed
Feb 11 / thu
Feb 12 / fri
Feb 13 / sat
Feb 15 / mon
Feb 16 / tue

WALANG HANGGANG PAALAM
Directed by Ellen Ramos and Paolo Villaluna

Feb 11 / thu
Feb 12 / fri
Feb 13 / sat
Feb 15 / mon
Feb 16 / tue
Feb 17 / wed – at Cine Adarna

LIVES OF ARTISTS:

FEBRUARY 17 / wed
Featured artists: Gustave KLIMT & Andy WARHOL


FEBRUARY 20 / sat
Featured artists: JANG Seung Up, Jean-Michel BASQUIAT & Diane ARBUS


FEBRUARY 23 / tue
UOD AT ROSAS


FEBRUARY 24 / wed
Featured artists: Pablo PICASSO & Jackson POLLOCK


FEBRUARY 25 / thu
Featured artists: Caravaggio & Gustave KLIMT


FEBRUARY 26 / fri
Featured artists: Andy WARHOL & Francis BACON


Repeat: BREAKTHROUGH SHORTS
Feb 18 / thu
Feb 19 / fri
Feb 27 / sat

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Q.C. Poster Painting Contest on Climate Change Launched

Calling all high school and college students of Quezon City!

The Serbisyong Bayan project of Mayor Sonny Belmonte and the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) proudly announces the launching of the “Q.C. Poster Painting Contest on Climate Change”.

“Climate change” is no longer just a buzz phrase or an abstract concept that is far removed from our lives. Our tragic and traumatic experience with the recent floods brought about by typhoon “Ondoy” has literally brought home the message that climate change is for real. And its effects are expected to get worse in the days ahead, if we don’t act now!” Mayor Sonny Belmonte said.

He further added “that joining this contest is your one little way of doing something to help reverse the effects of climate change before it’s too late! So, pick up your brush and let’s paint the future green!”

The “Q.C. Poster Painting Contest on Climate Change” aims to provide an opportunity for high school and college students enrolled in public and private schools in Quezon City to express their views and concerns on climate change and disaster risk management issues and how these could be collectively addressed.

The theme of the contest is “Every Day is Earth Day in Quezon City ”.

The entry must depict citizen action to address climate change and/or environmental protection and its impact on the quality of life in Quezon City .

There will be a total of eight (8) winning entries: four (4) each from high school and college levels. Each winner shall receive P 20,000.00 to help defray the student’s tuition fees and other expenses.

The entry must be submitted in poster format – 11 x 14 inches. Any form of media (paint, oil, acrylic, watercolor, crayon, colored pencil, pastel, charcoal, stickers, etc.) or other materials on paper or boards in either a flat or two-dimensional effect can be used. The entry must incorporate the theme “Every Day is Earth Day in Q.C.”.

All entries must be original and must include a completed entry form in duplicate (a copy must be attached at the back of each entry). Eligible high school and college students may submit multiple entries. Photocopies of entry forms shall be accepted. All incomplete entry forms will automatically be eliminated.

Entry forms are available at the Office of the Principal / Dean of all respective schools in Quezon City .

All entries must be submitted directly to the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) office located at Gate 6, Kalayaan Ave. , Quezon City Hall Complex, Diliman, Q.C.

Deadline for the submission of entries is on or before January 29, 2010.

An esteemed panel of judges will select the eight (8) winning entries.

All the winning entries will be reproduced and posted strategically in major establishments, barangay halls, and other conspicuous areas in the city.

For further inquiries, visit the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) office or call tel. nos. 920-8319 and 924-1539.

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Art Classes at Young Artists Studio

The Young Artists Studio announces course offerings for the 1st quarter!

The Young Artists’ Studio (YAS) is a venue for young artists to learn art production at an early age. YAS is managed by art practitioners and educators with a common vision to develop young artists who will contribute to the art community in the near future. YAS believes the art is a powerful tool to influence communities, improve lives, and transform the society.

Programs for January-March 2010

Program
Schedule
Deadline for Registration

ART FOR BEGINNERS
Saturdays, 9:30-11:00am, (Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3)
January 20, 2010

BASIC PAINTING
Saturdays, 1-4pm, (Jan. 30, Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, Apr. 3)
January 20, 2010

BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY
Sundays 1-4:30pm, (Feb. 6, 13, 20, 27, Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27)
January 24, 2010

* early bird discounts available for registrations before January 15, 2010.

For inquiries, Contact YAS through the following:
Mobile: +639175685939 (globe) / +6329296875322 (smart)
Email: youngartistsstudio@gmail.com
Website: www.youngartistsstudio.wordpress. com

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Ateneo Video Open 11 Call For Entries

ATENEO VIDEO OPEN 11 CALL FOR ENTRIES

 

 

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Repertory Philippines Opens 2010 Season

For 2010, Repertory Philippines has picked an exciting selection of shows sure to stimulate local theatergoers.

Repertory’s new Season starts off with the Philippine premiere of Peter Quilter’s new romantic comedy, DUETS. Scheduled for mid-January to the end of the month, DUETS is four different vignettes with four sets of characters. Set in glorious comedy, the play explores the hilarious nuances of love in seemingly impossible, but extremely funny situations. Joy Virata and Miguel Faustmann take on all four sets of characters, providing rollicking entertainment as they go through costume and character changes onstage. DUETS is directed by Ana Abad Santos. Playdates are January 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. with 3:30 p.m. matinees on January 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31.

Still high on love and laughter, February is ROMEO AND BERNADETTE, Mark Saltzman’s musical comedy. Directed by Joy Virata, the story promises to be uproariously funny. A take-off from good old Shakespeare, you’d think Romeo died? Well, he didn’t. He just took a sleeping potion and wakes up on Broadway in 1960. And he doesn’t fall in love with dear Juliet; instead he runs after someone he thinks is Juliet, but is not. Because she’s Bernadette and she just happens to be the daughter of a local mobster. That being said, this musical is sure to be a bag of real fun for everyone. Catch it on February 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. with 3:30 p.m. matinees on February 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28.

As stark contrast to the lightness and gaiety of the first two offerings, the month of July brings on EQUUS, Peter Shaffer’s powerful, riveting drama that invades the dark corners of the human psyche. The play focuses its light on the naked reality of what contemporary society can do to the beauty that once was the human soul. This now considered classic of our time will be performed on July 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. with 3:30 p.m. matinees on July 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25.

Repertory has always had a special place for young audiences through Children’s Theatre. In 2010, Repertory brings the adaptation of the well-loved fairytale SLEEPING BEAUTY. With book, music and lyrics by Jim Eiler, this show is sure to set the hearts of everyone, both old and young alike, singing to the melodies that include “I’m So Mad,” “It’s Lovely To Be A Troll” and “Spinning Song.” SLEEPING BEAUTY is set for August 14 to December 10.

As a perfect ending to the Company’s Season, Repertory presents LITTLE WOMEN, a Louis May Alcott’s classic. With music by Jason Howard, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and book by Allan Knee, the musical is an exceptional offering for the merry season of giving and loving. The story, with its warm, feel-good theme focuses on the March family, Marmee and her four girls, and is a timeless reminder of what family is truly all about. Directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, LITTLE WOMEN is set for November 19 to December 12.

All Repertory performances are at ONSTAGE, 2nd floor, Greenbelt 1, Paseo de Roxas corner Legazpi St., Makati City. For tickets and inquiries, call (632) 887-0710 or log on to repertory.ph. Tickets are also available at Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

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