KABILAAN (On Both Sides) diaspora paintings exhibit now in SF

WATCH: KABILAAN painting exhibit opening, San Francisco Philippine Consulate gallery. INQUIRER/Vic Valbuena Bareng

SAN FRANCISCO – KABILAAN, a collaborative painting exhibition by Anthony Palomo and Mike Carrion that depicts the Philippine Diaspora, opened at the Philippine Consulate General here.

The exhibition depicts the life, aspirations and dreams of Filipino immigrants in the U.S., including those still in the motherland who may be seeking greener pastures in America.

In this painting exhibition, one will find images that might resonate with those who wish to deepen the connection with one’s heritage. The brushstrokes on canvas evoke stirrings of dreams pursued, pains endured and joys felt.

Both artists Palomo and Carrion are University of the Philippines School of Fine Arts alumni.

Carrion’s paintings adhere to the idea of minimalism and representation in his work, allowing the audience to play with the images and have them find its relevance to their personal life. His works Salinlahi (Generations) is a nod to the harsh and cruel past our manongs (forefathers) went through, fighting for their place and the right to live a decent life in a foreign land, and Lupang Hinirang (Chosen Land) represents the new generation that struggles to claim their heritage and profess their identity despite boundaries that hinder them from connecting to their roots.

Palomo’s growing body of work has been featured in solo and group exhibits locally and internationally. He has won local national painting competitions and is a member of the erstwhile Antipolo-based art group Salingpusa, renowned for bringing the contemporary art world’s attention to Filipino artists. This year, Palomo joined several international group shows, including Pinto in Tokyo, Pinto in Manhattan.

With Palomo and Carrion’s skill and vision, KABILAAN is a thoughtful homage honoring the forefathers and those who came before, recognizing their great sacrifice to pave the way for those who arrived years later. They want their audiences to see that the times may be different, changes may be in place, but for many kababayans, it is a continuing struggle to find and preserve oneself in the world we live in.

The KABILAAN exhibition will run through November 2, 2018 at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, Kalayaan Hall. Exhibition hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.