More than 40 local artists who wish for the Philippines to progress amidst the modern-day challenges united in a special exhibition at the Gateway Gallery for the benefit of Angat Buhay Foundation.
Spearheaded by artist Julius Legaspi, the group opened on August 28 the Mismo sa Ating Puso art exhibit which aims to provide help for the activities lined up by the foundation. Legaspi was joined by colleagues and fellow artists Beth Robles, Iris Babao Uy, Joanne Caraiaso Gacayan, Mara Manabat, Mary Ann Venturina Bulanadi, Phoebe Beltran Almazan, and Zata Aquino in opening the exhibit.
The Mismo sa Ating Puso exhibit showcases a collection of artworks, poetry, and exhibition design that answer the question “How does one express love for our country?”. Contributing to the exhibit are 48 visual artists namely: Joanne Cariaso-Gacayan, Cher Cabula Mendoza, Joo V. Garcia, Marj Sula-Aquino, Charo Defeo Baquial, Dennis D. Baquial, Nina Hidalgo, April Grace Tan-Dy, Menchie Alunan Vitente, Malaya Roxanne Santos, Nell Belgado, Sasha Garcia, Tarik Garcia, Laura Britt Fermo, Rebie Picazo Ramoso, John G. Guarnes, Iris Babao Uy, Aileen Barreiro, Elizabeth L. Robles, Phoebe P. Beltran-Almazan, Mathilda Sula Sun, Gerardo Jimenez, Vino Yanuario, Lito Ballaran, Ime Tagudar, Luisa Bayot, Toym Imao, Julius Legaspi, Chito Ignacio, Aris Carandang, Rosscapili, Ding Royales, Convocar, Edna Vida, Isabe Ocliasa, Shiela Q. Bondoc, June Poticar-Dalisay, Glenn Perez, Sinag de Leon, Lydia Velasco, Joel Lloren, Brian Alegre, Roland Castro, Jan Abejero, Zata Aquino, Roberto Martin L. Sing, Jose Pamatian, Jr., Derrick Macutay. Poet Jay Gallera Malara and exhibit curator Mary Ann Venturina Bulanadi, Ph.D. also volunteered to be part of the exhibit.
The exhibit was formally opened by Raphael Martin Magno, the Executive Director of Angat Buhay Foundation, Jeffrey Crisostomo, the Partnerships and Linkages Manager of Angat Buhay, and Gari Apolonio, the Curator of Gateway Gallery.
During the launch, the works of the poet in Hiligaynon, with English translations, were spoken as the works of the visual artists were presented.
The exhibit will run at the Gateway Gallery until September 8. Part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Angat Buhay Foundation.
Below are the notes of the Curator, Mary Ann Venturina Bulanadi:
Ang pagsasanib-puwersa ng sining biswal at panitikan ay nagbibigay-buhay sa ating pagpapahayag ng isang pangarap para sa magandang kinabukasan ng Filipinas. Ang pangarap na ito ay tumitingin at nag-aabang sa kinabukasan habang nagpapahalaga sa mga aral at unawang natutuhan mula sa ating kasaysayan.
Sinasagot ng aktibidad na ito ang mga tanong, tulad ng
(1) “paano natin pinapahalagahan ang katotohanan?
(2) “paano tayo makakausad habang inaalala ang mga pinaka- mahalagang bahagi ng ating nakaraan?
(3) “paano natin ipamamalas ang pag-ibig sa ating bayan?
Magkaka-ugnay ang mga saloobin natin tungkol sa mga bagay na ito. Bagaman bumabagabag ang mga katanungang ito, nagsisilbi din itong paghamon sa ating lahat kung ano ang ating gagawin para sa bayan. Sa kaniyang ikabubuti at ikauunlad at para sa lahat, hindi lamang sa iilan.
Ang sagot ay magmumula “mismo sa ating puso.” Nakasalalay din ang mga sagot sa ating pagkilos patungo sa pagtupad ng ating mga pangarap.
