Atin Ito First Filipino Community Newspaper in Ontario
MANILA, Philippines — Five critically acclaimed artists, live performances, a silent auction and daily tours with an art curator are some of the highlights at this year’s ALT Philippines.
The third collaborative project of nine galleries is set to happen from February 21 to 25 in SMX 4 Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Here are some of the activities in the upcoming show:
1. Juan Alcazaren, Geraldine Javier special projects
Some of the most recognizable names in the art world are lending their expertise by showcasing artworks made from upcycled or repurposed materials.
Juan “Johnny” Alcazaren will be presenting a large scale, wall bound work made of domestic ware and other daily artefacts. Most of these objects are found in a monochrome of blacks and greys that appear as shadows. They are arranged to form a constellation when lit up against the wall. In full view, the word “(NOW)” is spelled.
Geraldine Javier presents a pool-like installation that features finely cut plastic pieces collected from various water refilling stations.
“As you gaze into this pool, I want you to ponder the enormity of the task, gathering up all the plastic that has been dumped into the sea. A task that must be done,” Javier said.
Pete Jimenez’s installation comprises over 30 individually lit giant cement sacks arranged in a 45 square meter space. The work’s title, “A City Set on a Hill Cannot be Hidden,” is taken from a passage in the Bible from the book of Matthew.
Similarly, Oca Villamiel presents “Water is Life,” an silver foil installation that spans seven meters in diameter.
Villamiel makes a commentary on the practice of poisoning rivers for a faster and bigger yield of fish and shrimp through his installation.
Illustrater and Uniqlo UT Grand Prix 2020 winner Isabel Santos will be painting a mural sponsored by Boysen Paints.
2. Group show on moving image
There will be a dedicated video section that is loosely derived from Vladimir Nabokov’s memoir, “Speak, Memory.”
Curated by Cocoy Lumbao Jr., the group exhibition will feature artists who engage in video installation, the moving image, digital motion, animation and recorded video processes and performance. Featured artists are Victor Balanon, Manny Montelibano, Christina Lopez, Miguel Lorenzo Uy, and collaborations by Jim Lumbera and Joey Singh, as well as Kira Dalena and Ben Brix.
3. Live multimedia performance and conversation series
ALT Philippines 2024 will also engage visitors to spaces that will give them the chance to interact and witness the artists in action.
Somatosonic is a multidisciplinary art unit composed of Christina Dy, a visual artist and dancer; Tad Ermitano, a media and sound artist and Marco Ortiga, a sculptor and specialist in kinetic media. They produce collaborative works that incorporate media and techniques drawn from the members’ various specializations. The trio also performs with artist-made instruments, augmented by electronic textures and a sonified dance performance. Their performance at ALT 2024 will be held on February 22, Thursday, at 6 p.m.
Visitors can also attend artists’ talks that will enlighten them with the various discourses in the creative spectrum.
There will be a series of informal discussions featuring artists, gallerists, curators, musicians, filmmakers, critics and scholars through the ALT Conversations, which will be held every 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. from February 22 to 25.
4. Daily tours
For first-timers and casual visitors who are intrigued by the exhibition, they can be ably assisted by experienced curator, writer and educator Carlomar Arcangel Daoana who will be doing daily tours every 3 p.m. from February 22 to 25.
5. Silent auction
ALT Philippines 2024 will also be auctioning one-off Moreau Paris Bag through a collaboration with six artists and cult retail concept Univers.
These artists were invited to transform Moreau Paris’ Saint Tropez totes into custom pieces. Costantino Zicarelli, Jigger Cruz, Johanna Helmuth, Luis Antonio Santos, Raffy T. Napay and Yeo Kaa will be employing various treatments that include painting, sewing, printing and laser etching in the Moreau Paris bags for auction.
The lots will be available to bid on via silent auction, with all proceeds going to charity.
— Kathleen A. Llemit
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Credit belongs to: www.philstar.com
