Bencab Museum

MESSAGE FROM THE GROUND by Welbart Slowhands and Abi Dionisio

Exactly a year ago, artist Abi Dionisio reflected on the great and unprecedented deluge in our modern history that continues to adversely affect every life possible, regardless of age and race, across the world. As she accepted the seemingly debilitating horrors of the pandemic that continues to isolate everyone from each other to preserve what is left of life, she labored her hands in threadwork to create embroidered moving images of hope and strength to represent the unwavering commitment and dedication of the people at the face of this human threat to save and keep the rest of us safe. Because she also wanted to capture their gargantuan sacrifices that go behind each act of service, she painted the backside of each threadwork on her canvas to show how the seamy thread lines and incoherent knots make the frontside we often only see most invitingly beautiful and inspiring. Seven months ago, with all her might, she contributed her painterly talent and communicative depth to the artistic dialogue of art as a universal language of healing through her first international solo in London. True to her anchor, she invited everyone “to see the rainbow, promised in the story of Noah’s ark, at the end of these challenging times. That one day, when the sky begins to clear, and the sun starts to shine, and the seas slowly calm, a rainbow of a new day will arch across the sky. Until that day comes, we continue to find the strength and faith within us and live through because there is Noah In Us.” Unfortunately, the world is still very much in the course of the pandemic, struggling with little wins but fighting with every ounce of a united hope. And as an artist whose years have been dedicated to isolation in order to produce artistic body of works, she continues to reflect on what might possibly be for us at the end of this phase. In their fourth two-artist exhibition, Dionisio and Welbart invite us to see what possibly awaits us at the most anticipated end of this borderless human struggle—when we are already allowed to leave our Noah’s ark to see again the world we dearly miss, hand in hand. Despite the profound evolution, not shift, of his artistry, Welbart remains consistently true to his anchor as an artist—to only speak his truth. Known for his critically acclaimed and highly celebrated nude figures set in outstanding chiaroscuro, he unmasks them after years of hiding their troubles and emotions within. Finding strength in truth, one by one, he reveals their faces painted in almost alabaster skin, indicative of years of being kept, but in complete solitude. For each figure, he carefully paints a crown of embroidered words he curated from years of his own self-fought battles. Each portraiture of Welbart is a powerful visual psycho-emotional autobiography. Each is a personal invitation to his state of being that is continuously searching for meaning and relevance, but remains grounded on his ideals and values. Even before the pandemic hit us, his artistic evolution has been immersing audiences in creative spirituality as a medium to inculcate respect for self, others, and the environment. As the world continues to survive, and hopefully thrive, in isolation, his portraitures pay tribute to the rebirthing of our forests and seas and the restoration of our mental and spiritual beings in the process. To continue her creative narrative, Dionisio embroiders and paints for the first time the beautiful natural chemistry of flora and fauna. She introduces these new elements painted in a vibrant palette and dynamic movements. Using double exposure treatment, she carefully overlaps her images of life with her symbol of voyage. With remarkable precision, she captures the bravery of the blue tiger, woven in the panels of the ship, and the assured hope that the lovely birds, set against the magnificent hues of clouds and space, may bring as they continue to search for rich, solid ground to land on after a long journey of isolation in our Noah’s ark. From the very beginning of this artistic journey of togetherness, Dionisio and Welbart always see our Noah’s ark as a means to be safe and not of escape. And as we continue to go through surviving, physically alone and isolated but collectively united, it is their fervent hope that through their collective creative pursuit, we are moved to believe that there is a promise of new and better tomorrows. But for now, we continue living our lives, albeit distant and isolated from each other, while patiently waiting for the Message From The Ground. - Prim Paypon About The Artists ABI DIONISIO Abi Dionisio is an acclaimed contemporary Filipino artist known for her visual tableaux of intricate embroidery and lyrical representational painting. Despite her young age, she has already garnered several prestigious awards, locally and internationally, including First Prize at the Art Association of the Philippines’ Annual Art Competition 2009; Top 12 Semi-Finalist at 2011 and 2012 Metrobank Foundation Art Competition in Manila, Philippines; Juror’s Choice Award and National Awardee at the 2015-2016 Philippine Art Awards; Global Finalist at Art Renewal Center’s 2014-2015 International Arc Salon Competition in Port Reading, New Jersey, USA to name a few. Because of her numerous accolades and remarkable contributions to Philippine contemporary art, she received the prestigious Gintong Kabataan (Golden Youth) Award for Visual Arts in 2017 from Hiyas ng Malolos in Bulacan, Philippines. A coveted artist, her works have been exhibited in eight solo and sixty-five group shows in Hong Kong (Conrad Hotel for Asia Contemporary Art Show), London (8th solo exhibition at Saatchi Gallery and One East Asia at The Westbury Hotel, Mayfair), Philippines (Altromondo Gallery, Art Center, Art Fair Philippines, Ayala Museum, BenCab Museum, Finale Art File, Provenance Art Gallery, Ysobel Art Gallery, Yuchengco Museum), Singapore (One East Asia), Taiwan (28th Asian Art International Exhibition). Born in 1987 in the City of Malolos in Bulacan, Philippines, she earned a BFA Major in Advertising from Bulacan State University in 2009. She continues to stitch and paint in Bulacan, Philippines. WELBART Welbart is a celebrated contemporary Filipino artist best known for his powerful psycho-emotional autobiographical visual compositions. An award-winning artist, he has joined and won in various important national competitions from 2005 to 2016 including the 2016, 2013, and 2006 GSIS Art Competition; 2008 Philippine Drawing Society; 2005 and 2004 Metrobank Art and Design Excellence; and 2005 and 2004 Art Association of the Philippines’ Annual Art Competition. He is also the founder and mentor of ArtZoo, a collective of Bulacan-based visual artists whose professional careers are now dominating the local art scene. Because of his outstanding contributions as a visual artist, an art collective builder, and an art mentor, he was awarded the Natatanging Paombongeño sa Larangan ng Sining at Kultura in 2006. A religiously hard-working artist, his works have been exhibited in ten solo and fifty-six group shows to date, from 2000 to present. His works have been exhibited in Japan (PINTOKYO 2018 in Tokyo), London (Larasati Auctioneers at The Westbury Hotel, Mayfair), Philippines (Altromondo Gallery, Art Center, Ayala Museum, BenCab Museum, Finale Art File, Pinto Art Museum, Provenance Art Gallery, Secret Fresh Gallery, Village Art Gallery, The Big and Small Art Co, Ysobel Art Gallery), Singapore (One East Asia), Taiwan (28th Asian Art International Exhibition), and USA (ERENSIA at Philippine Center, New York City). Born in 1971 in Pampanga, Philippines, he is a self-taught artist who finished a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Altro Mondo

Floral Splendor III by the Floral Artists of Manila

The FAM or Floral Artists Manila was formed by Addie Cukingnan and Remy Boquiren in 2019. The group sought to create an all-female art group whose members are known for their distinct floral artworks. Other group members include Tet Ureta Aligaen, Naomi Banal, Flor Baradi, Chie Cruz, Lanelle Abueva Fernando, Inka Madera, Mary Ann Reyes, Sheila Luis Tiangco, Lydia Velasco, and Lisa Villasenor. Now, the group brings the third installation of their esteemed Floral Splendour show to Altro Mondo Creative Space. The exhibit celebrates the unmistakable allure of flowers, rendered in the distinctive styles of each of these talented female artists. Click here for the virtual tour: http://bit.ly/10DOAFlora

Primo Marella Gallery

He Wei – Solo Exhibition

23 April to 31 December 2021

He Wei - Re-elaborating the hierarchy of «beauty»  

Ateneo Art Gallery

Marciano Galang Acquisition Prizes and AAG-KLFI Essay Writing Prizes Exhibition

Available for online viewing until May 2021

In place of the 16th Ateneo Art Awards program in 2020, the Ateneo Art Gallery pivoted towards an acquisition prize and an essay writing prize to extend assistance to visual artists and writers who have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 crisis. With support from program partners, the Embassy of Italy and the Kalaw-Ledesma Foundation Inc., Filipino artists and writers were encouraged to submit works that reflect the struggles, initiatives, and expressions of hope during these trying times. Click here to view the exhibition: https://bit.ly/MGAPExhibition This online exhibit features the 54 works on paper selected for exhibition for the Ateneo Art Gallery - Marciano Galang Acquisition Prizes, and short excerpts from the 12 winning entries in the AAG-KLFI Essay Writing Prizes. The full essays are posted at AAG and KLFI's Vital Points website: https://pkl.ateneoartgallery.com **The Ateneo Art Gallery is still closed to the public until further notice. For updates about these exhibits, visit our website at www.ateneoartgallery.com or send us an email at aag@ateneo.edu.

Art Agenda, S.E.A.

Criterion

6 - 15 May 2021

The exhibition features a bi-weekly evolving collection of Southeast Asian modern and contemporary art illustrating the key criteria of quality, authenticity, provenance, condition and rarity that we look for in a collectable work of art. Works of Singapore second-generation artists Tan Choh Tee, Anthony Poon and Arthur Yap amongst others are featured in the first iteration. Click here for more info: https://www.artagendasea.org/exhibition/criterion

Primo Marella Gallery

Africa Universe – Part II

28 February - 20 May 2021

Januario Jano / Joël Andrianomearisoa / Amani Bodo / Abdoulaye Konaté / Troy Makaza / Vitshois Mwilambwe Bondo / Ghizlane Sahli / Ifeoma U. Anyaeji / Amina Zoubir Primo Marella Gallery is pleased to present the exhibition Africa Universe – Part II, the sequel of Africa Universe, a monumental show divided in three chapters, inaugurated in September 2019. Entirely dedicated to Contemporary African Art, Africa Universe – Part II is an important project focused on some of the most interesting Contemporary African Artists. Among historical pieces, you will find brand new artworks created by the artists during this complicated period, which are translated in their personal, but at the same time universal experiences, with first-class artistic languages and ways of expression. Today, their art became transnational and has been finally institutionally recognized and placed in the broader context of contemporary art. Due to the Italian COVID-19 restrictions, Primo Marella Gallery gladly presents Africa Universe - Part II in an online format, which allows us to reach out to all of you around the world, even if not phisically, at least virtually. The exhibition, already set up, will be physically open once the government allow us, just arrange an appointment by calling us. We truly hope to have you as real guests very very soon! The exhibition will include the works of nine artists. Abdoulaye Konaté, who primarily creates large-scale textile based installations using woven and dyed clothes, materials native to his homeland Mali, explores both aesthetic language and diverse socio-political and environmental issues; Joël Andrianomearisoa, a malagasy artist working with diverse mediums such as installation, sculpture and textile. In every piece he aims to find various shades of colors as well as various attitudes of them; Januario Jano, a versatile Angolan artist, explores the opposing notions of modern pop culture and traditional practices in his Sculptures, Installations (video, photography, sound) and performances; Ghizlane Sahli investigates the power of materials - their textures and universality. Her chief shapes are the Alveoles (three-dimensional embroidery, made from the tops of used bottles, covered with silk thread), imagined as human cells that generates also feminine part; Troy Makaza’s surreal works, woven from painted silicone strings, inhabit the space on both side of painting and sculpture, creating a threadlike spider web. He creates powerful metaphors of social and intimate spaces; The energetic, colorful and narrative painting compositions of Amani Bodo reveal the artist’s perception of the social, cultural, political and economic reality of Zaïre (now the Democratic Republic of Congo); Ifeoma U. Anyaeji, a Nigerian neo-traditional artist, has developed a style of ‘Plasto-Art’, which she defines as an eco-aesthetic process of remaking. In her works, Ifeoma transforms the primary medium - used non-biodegradable plastic bags and bottles - by applying her crafting skills in a receding traditional Nigerian hair plaiting technique called threading, combined with traditional basketry and fabric weaving techniques; Amina Zoubir’s installations, drawings, videos, sculptures, photographs, land art are textual and contextual interventions on materials: wax, wood, metals and wall, reveal and deconstruct a behavioral allusion of the unconscious and the imagination of individuals, evolving in a predetermined space according to the sociocultural, ethnopsychical and political contexts; Vitshois Mwilambwe Bondo, presents collage on canvas and installations that question the deep meaning of contemporary society, with particular focus on the themes of globalization, intercultural dialogue and the power violently exercised by the strong on the weak ones.