Spanish-Filipina’s paintings on view at PH Embassy in DC

Some of Maria Murga’s works displayed on the second floor of the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex. CONTRIBUTED

WASHINGTON, D.C.– The works of award-winning Spanish- Filipina artist Maria Mari Murga in frames made by Mindanao craft makers are on exhibit at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex.

“Liwanag: A Journey through the Philippines Way of Life” will run until November 26 (except on holidays and weekends) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m at the 2nd floor of the Chancery Annex.

An opening reception was hosted by Sentro Rizal Washington DC with the US Philippines Society and the support of Philippine Honorary Consul in Florida Henry B. Howard.

The featured artist, Maria Mari Murga, delivers brief remarks during the opening reception of the exhibit “Liwanag.” CONTRIBUTED

“The title of the exhibit, Liwanag, is the Filipino word for ‘light’. It therefore perfectly captures the intent behind Maria’s works, which is to shine the light on regions that seldom receive the positive attention and recognition that they deserve,” said Consul General Renato Pedro Villa in his opening remarks.

“Apart from the paintings, Liwanag features the frames that were handmade by Mindanao craft makers. These soulful pieces are artworks in themselves, and they embrace and celebrate the rich cultural history of Mindanao,” Villa added.

Maria Murga, who specializes in Renaissance painting techniques, traveled to remote rural areas of the Philippines including in Mindanao where she spent a part of her childhood in order to capture real-life images of indigenous peoples’ way of life in these provinces.

“Liwanag: A Journey through the Philippines Way of Life” chronicles my year across different provinces of the country. ‘Liwanag’ is a Tagalog word for enlightenment and it represents the light an artist uses to render painting, but it is also the light of knowledge by putting a spotlight into scenes out from the shadows of the unknown,” Maria tells the audience in her remarks.

Maria Mari Murga (third from left) with (from left) US-Philippines Society Executive Director Hank Hendrickson; Philippine Embassy Consul General Renato Pedro Villa; and US Philippines Society President Ambassador John Maisto. CONTRIBUTED

US-Philippines Society President Ambassador John Maisto likewise emphasized the importance of featuring the works of Filipino artists to American audiences.

“It is seldom that you see an artist of this caliber in our contemporary time. It is a great story of cooperation. It is a great story of what we are trying to do together,” Maisto emphasized.

During the short program, Maria fielded questions from the audience and shared her experiences in living with indigenous groups, her artistic process, and a detailed back-story to one of her paintings.

Before the exhibition opened in the US capital, Liwanag was featured at the Philippine Center in New York from  September 24to October 11.

Interested parties may e-mail [email protected] to schedule a visit.