ManilART’s theme for this year is ‘A New Contemporary’
BY MB LIFESTYLE Oct 9, 2023 02:52 PM
The Artologist, one of the Philippines’ premier art galleries, is thrilled to announce that it will feature the exceptional works of three distinguished Filipino artists for the upcoming ManilART 2023: JunYee, Nestor Vinluan, and Virgilio “Pandy” Aviado.
ManilART 2023, the Philippines’ inaugural and most enduring visual arts exhibition, is scheduled to take place from October 11 to 15, 2023, at the SMX Aura Convention Center in Taguig City.
Under the theme “A New Contemporary,” the fair will feature a broad spectrum of artistic creations by more than 200 artists, including both established and celebrated figures such as Ramon Orlina, Romulo Galicano, Tiny Nuyda, Jose Tence Ruiz, Pandy Aviado, and Edwin Wilwayco.
The Artologist Gallery, founded by Ron de Castro in 2013, has evolved into one of the most prolific art hubs in the Philippines. It serves as a haven for artists to enhance their craft and showcase their masterpieces.
The gallery boasts over 100 artists in its main gallery roster and has expanded to satellite galleries at Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
The Artologist Gallery has organized exhibits at prominent locations and supplied artworks to notable establishments both locally and internationally.
Ron de Castro, the founder of The Artologist Gallery, emphasizes the timeless relevance of art, saying, “Art is timeless. It will never disappear, whether it’s a documentation of the time period, a cultural unifier, or a tool that drives one’s emotion, from classic masterpieces to digital art forms.”
For the upcoming ManilART 2023, The Artologist will trumpet the works of three esteemed Filipino artists:
1. JunYee, frequently acknowledged as “the Pioneer of Installation Art in the Philippines,” has committed his artistic journey to the documentation and investigation of Filipino culture. He demonstrates a strong environmental ethos by creatively incorporating indigenous materials like naturally-felled timber, bamboo, foliage, branches, and seed pods into his sculptures. Residing in the verdant environs of Mount Makiling, JunYee’s collections, notably the celebrated Wood Things series, serve as a testament to his distinctive artistic perspective.
2. Nestor Vinluan, a renowned abstractionist, educator, and a prominent figure in Philippine Art, has received recognition for his finely-crafted and deeply personal depictions of nature. In addition to his artistic achievements, Vinluan’s impact on the art world extends beyond his creative output. He holds the prestigious title of the Most Outstanding Fulbright Alumni in Arts and Humanities (2008) and has served as a former Dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. Currently holding the esteemed position of Professor Emeritus, Vinluan’s influence transcends his artwork. Art historian Rodolfo Paras-Perez has aptly described his creations as “strangely mesmerizing.”
3. Virgilio “Pandy” Aviado, born in 1944, is celebrated for his exceptional skills in fine printmaking and his steadfast dedication to fostering emerging talents in the Philippine art community. Aviado’s enduring legacy is further highlighted by his influential roles as the President of the Art Association of the Philippines and his leadership as the director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Visual Arts Coordinating Center. His artistic odyssey, characterized by exhibitions held in Europe, the United States, and Asia, serves as a testament to his profound influence on the international art stage.
The Artologist’s space for ManilART 2023 will be located at Booth A-7 at the SMX Aura in Taguig City.
