Since 1991, February has been known as National Arts Month. Anchoring on the theme “Ani ng Sining,” the month celebrates artistic expressions and provides opportunities for artists to harness and strengthen their skills. Events such as Art Fair Philippines and the recently inaugurated ALT Philippines also help highlight local brilliance in all its forms, whether it’s painting, sculpting or filmmaking.
This year, make the most of National Arts Month by visiting exhibits centered on everyday objects and trendy products, or collections of drawings on environmental issues and images of nature.
Collecting Space, Calle Wright
1890 Vasquez St. Malate, Manila
Feb. 9 to May 9
Through installations comprised of assembled objects and different snippets of documents, Joe Bautista invites audiences to explore the connection between memory and everyday objects in his latest solo exhibit. “Collecting Space” focuses on the “slow but certain gathering of recollections and experiences” through familiar pockets of the past, and the reactivity of the mind when confronted by familiar objects.
Cue From Life Itself: Filipino Artists Transform the Everyday, Metropolitan Museum of Manila
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila
Feb. 8 to May 7
Curated by art historian and scholar Patrick D. Flores, “Cue From Life Itself” highlights the way Filipino artists transform everyday forms with insight and critical awareness of their milieu and ecology. The exhibit features works by the likes of graphic artist Brenda Fajardo, multimedia artists Jose Tence Ruiz and Yason Banal as well as contemporary artists Poklong Anading, Alma Quinto and Kristoffer Ardeña.
The World According to Charlie Co: Drawings and Works on Paper, Ateneo Art Gallery
Soledad V. Pangilinan Arts Wing, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City
Feb. 9 to Jul. 5
Focusing on contemporary artist Charlie Co, the Ateneo Art Gallery showcases his vibrant drawings and works on paper, collected over four decades of practice. “The World According to Charlie Co” presents illustrations that look back at his life in Bacolod and express his views on environmental and socio-political issues—all of which contribute to the reality he constructed for himself through his works.
Cross/Linked, Modeka Creative Space
20A La Fuerza Compound, 2241 Chino Roces Ave., Makati City
Feb. 6 to Feb. 29
German artist Peter Zimmermann showcases his mastery in using acrylic on canvas and pigmented epoxy resin through his latest exhibit, “Cross/Linked.” Using digitally manipulated book covers and found images, the exhibit explores the visual effects of form and material through layered compositions of colors and shapes—which results in shifting light and mirror-like surfaces.
Arte Povera: Italian Landscape, Metropolitan Museum of Manila
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila
Feb. 8 to May 7
Introduced to Italy during the upheaval in the late 1960s, arte povera is an art movement that challenged the contemporary gallery system through the use of everyday materials and unconventional practices. This month until May, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila showcases works by Jannis Kounellis, Mario and Mariza Merz and Michelangelo Pistoletto—the key figures of the art movement.
Searching Sanctuary, Silverlens Galleries
2263 Don Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City
Feb. 22 to Mar. 21
Within the context of the environment’s steady decline and various climate issues, Gregory Halili is bringing together 21 contemporary artists who hope to capture and preserve what is quickly vanishing. “Searching Sanctuary” focuses on the act of painting, photographing and sculpting images from nature as an expression of preservation. Each piece in the exhibit is rich in organic forms and reflects a language that understands human nature.
Material Culture, Art Cube Gallery
2/F Building B, Karrivin Plaza, 2316 Chino Roces Ave. Ext.,Makati City
Feb. 22 to Mar. 21
Sculptor Daniel Dela Cruz explores current trends and objects that define our generation through his latest exhibit “Material Culture.” Using sculptures of sneakers and $1,000 bricks, the sculptor poses the question: “How far do we want to be defined by what we own?” Proceeds from the exhibit will benefit those affected by the Taal Volcano eruption.
Header photo courtesy of Eric Park on Unsplash
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