Filipino artists celebrate Independence Day with 'Alab ng Puso' exhibit

It’s a great time to be a Filipino. Sons and daughters of the nation have been racking up achievement after achievement in many different areas. Recently, there was Philippine-American singing standout Jessica Sanchez who reached the top two of this year’s American Idol, proving that our artistic talents are indeed world-class. She joins other Philippine talents in entertainment who have achieved international stardom, including Apl.D.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas and Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls. In the field of sports, we have successes of the national men’s football team, the Azkals, as well as the men’s rugby team, the Volcanoes. There is also the omnipresent Manny Pacquiao and the much vaunted Dragon Boat Team. These are people who have proudly upheld what it means to be a Filipino.

 

Today, more than ever, the nation calls her people to stand by her. The recent tensions over Scarborough Shoal remind us that the call to nationalism is ever present. This Independence Month, Galerie Joaquin Podium and Galerie Raphael are holding a special celebratory exhibition to honor our nation. This is via an art exhibit entitled Alab ng Puso, running from June 11-17. Featuring works from some of the best modern and contemporary artists, including the likes of Dominic Rubio, Jerry Morada, Aljo Pingol, Aileen Lanuza, Vincent de

Pio, Jovan Benito, Amador Barquilla, Richard Arimado, and Juanito Torres, Alab ng Puso is a visual paean to the Filipinos’ love of country.  

 

Going into the very identity of what makes this nation great – from our diverse heritage and history to our culture – this group exhibition attempts to rekindle strong feelings of love of country. Taking inspiration from many sources, from our proud traditions of fiestas and festivals, to the colors of the Philippine flag, Alab ng Puso features images that are both modern and relevant to the issues of our nation.

 

Jomar Delluba accentuates images such as the stars, the eight-starred sun, the shape of the Philippine map incorporating them into his strong emotive images. Master painter Dominic Rubio continues his explorations of nostalgia and heritage through elongated subjects of colonial garb against historical backgrounds. His “Family Bicycling” demonstrates a familiarity with perspective and motion, while thoroughly consistent with his turn-of-the-

century theme. Jerry Morada displays the nuances of his surrealist tendencies, using Filipinana motifs. His “Speak No Evil” is a prime example of this, cladding the subject in a kimona while seemingly floating upside-down.

 

Likewise, Aileen Lanuza returns to the series that won her renown—that of girls in Spanish era garb in mid-pose. Consider her “Entratured (A Captured Moment),” a fleeting pose that reveals both elegance and femininity.

 

Richard Arimado takes us on a “sky-eye” journey at various genre scenes from the vantage point of being directly above his subjects. His “Flag Ceremony” makes brilliant use of the colors of the Philippine flag against the moment of the morning ritual practiced in schools across the country. Amador Baraquilla revels in his preoccupation with details, as his little figurations celebrate such quaint moments such as a “Lechon Festival” and a “Parada.”

Premier historical painter Juanito Torres captures milestones in our nation’s history, such as in his “Making the Philippine Flag,” using his characteristic hyperrealist style.  

 

Alab ng Puso is an exhibition that reminds its audiences of the importance of being Filipino—and that it is an affiliation one should be proud of. Truly, it is an exhibition that should not be missed.

 

Galerie Joaquin Podium is located at Unit B12-B13, Lower Ground Level The Podium,

ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City while Galerie Raphael is located at Unit 2C-06 Second Level, The Piazza Serendra Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. They may be reached through their landline at (632) 634-7954 or (632) 856-3034. Visit their website for more information. Press release and photos from Galerie Joaquin