Filipino nostalgia exhibit at PH Center in NY

NEW YORK — A three-man exhibition, Philippine Nostalgia, which explores the fascinating aspects of Philippine life by looking back on sentimental and iconic Filipino ways of life, will open at the Philippine Center here on October 13 at 6 p.m.

Philippine Nostalgia features the new works of Philippine-based artists Carlito Amalla, Gari Apolonio and Denes Dasco. The three artists are all graduates of the UP College of Fine Arts in Diliman, Quezon City.

Amalla holds a BFA Sculpture degree and an MA in Art History Apolonio holds a BFA Major in Art History and Dasco is a BFA Painting degree holder. The exhibit is curated by UP Fine Arts Professor Rubén DF Defeo.

KUNTAO/Amalla

KABKAB/Amalla

Each artist explores the aspects of Philippine life that is closest to his heart. Amalla depicts the dance traditions of indigenous peoples from Luzon to Mindanao. He chose this theme as he is an Agusan Manobo himself. He knows these dances instinctively and he feels the need to preserve and promote them at a time when Philippine society is modernizing rapidly.

Apolonio explores the tradition of local komiks by giving tribute to komiks creators and their works. Komiks provided fun leisure time during its heyday with engrossing stories and superior illustrations. Apolonio’s works reimagine komiks by bringing back some of the great illustrations from the 1940s to the 1990s.

Dasco, on the other hand, explores the theme that is universally by Filipinos—street games. Street games such as patintero, taguan, tumbang preso and luksong tinik made Filipinos’ childhood a happy period worth remembering and retelling among family and friends.

The exhibit is supported by the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts in Manila.

IKABOD/Apolonio

COCHING REIMAGINED/Apolonio

It will open on October 10, Tuesday, and will run until October 20. The Exhibit Reception will be held on October 13, 6 p.m. with Consul General Ma. Theresa De Vega as guest of honor.

On October 12, 2 – 4 p.m., Amalla and Apolonio will give an Artist Talk to the Filipino American community and students so that the new generation of Filipino Americans will get a better understanding and appreciation of their culture.

The Artist Talk will connect the audience to indigenous dances/costumes and traditional komiks. It will be followed by an open forum and art demonstrations. Everyone is invited to grace the Exhibit Reception (October 13, 6 p.m.) and the Artist Talks (October 12, 2 – 4 p.m.) for a celebration of a rich culture and friendships in art.

Philippine Center New York is located at 556 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036. It is open Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 p.m.