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24 Pinoy artists in 9 Singapore galleries for Art Trek 12
Art Trek 12, the annual showcase of Filipino visual artists in Singapore, kicked off on September 25 at One Eat Asia Gallery with “Travel Light”, a joint exhibition by visual artists Joel Welbart Bartolome and Abigail Dionisio.
Art Trek 12 brings to Singapore 24 Filipino visual artists from various approaches, medium and style. This year, Art Trek includes sculptors and a toy artist, an addition to the usual painting exhibitions.
Nine Singapore galleries host the wide breadth of artists and their artworks.
Since Art Trek’s first iteration in 2007, more than 200 Filipino artists have displayed their masterpieces in Singapore, undoubtedly a budding art capital in this side of the world. The sustained increase in the exhibitions signify the depth of the cultural and artistic links between the two countries.
Philippine Ambassador Joseph Del Mar Yap shared, “This is a very worthwhile project because it exposes our artists to Singapore and it is being held in many different galleries so a lot of Singaporeans will be able to see the artworks.”
The Philippine Embassy in Singapore was full force at the launch of Art Trek 12. Philippine Ambassador Joseph Del Mar Yap led his consul and staff and emphasized the importance of such an event.
“One of the key task, key missions of all Philippine embassies, and of the Philippine Embassy in Singapore in particular is really to support the cultural side. So this Art Trek is really one of our key projects every year. So we give all the support to the galleries as well as support to the artists.” Ambassador Yap said.
The opening exhibition Travel Light was well-received and well-attended by OFWs, local Singaporeans and foreign art enthusiasts.
Argentine Ambassador Federico Alejandro Barttfeld, himself an art enthusiast, praised the two artists: “The colors are unbelievable, the shadows, you can see the way they play with the lights is unique. Basically it is a journey that they’re taking us, from the time they didn’t know each other, to nowadays, to where they see themselves in the future. And the best way to express that is through each of these paintings.”
“I can see how much relations there is between Argentina and the Philippines, by seeing how much feelings each piece of art is expressed through the painting. I can immediately relate to the artists too. And after hearing the story behind each piece of work, I can really enjoy and relate to their life. So even though our countries are so far away, through art we can come together. And that is something I can really appreciate,” Argentine Ambassador Barttfeld shared.
The artists were elated and felt like the exhibit turned out like a prenuptial press release as the viewers cheered them on when they shared about the inspiration of their artworks.
Welbart quipped “Ang totoo nga yan, gusto namin sana na pagtiningnan ng viewer yung artworks, makikita nila yung sarili nila. Pero this one, kailangan naming mag-explain ng kaunti para malaman nila yung story behind.”
Dionisio closes, “We’re happy that we’re able to share our joy and our experience. We’re happy that we’re able to show in Singapore [who we are] as Filipino artists, together with the other [24] Filipino artists being showcased in the galleries. That we are able to share Filipino art.”
Travel Light will run until October 14 while the rest of the Art Trek 12 exhibitions will run until November 30. Admission is free in all the participating galleries, including their opening receptions.
Art Trek 12 schedule:
Until October 14: “Travel Light” joint exhibition of Abigail Dionisio and Joel Welbart Bartolome at One East Asia Gallery
Until October 9, 2018: “Beauty & Youth” featuring Pete Jimenez, Jan Calleja, Beejay Esber, Gino Bueza, Stephen Taneo and Raul Jorolan at Momentous Arts
Until October 27: “Jubilation” by Jeff Dahilan at Goshen Art Gallery LLP
September 30- October 30: “Even a Cat May Look at a King” by Celeste Quilantang and “It Takes the Shape of its Container” Riel Hilario at Pinta Contemporary.
October 11-22: “Between Dreams and Realities” by Michael Pastrorizo at Goshen Art Gallery LLP
October 19 – November 30: “Bahala Na” (Whatever happens happens) featuring Nasser Lubay and WIPO at Di Legno Gallery
October 19 – November 30: “Same Ground” by Jonathan Joven at Utterly Art Gallery
October 5 - November 10, 2018: “The Super Sucklord: Bootleg Toy Supervillain” Toymaker and artist, Quicss Maiquez, at Kult Studio and Gallery
October 12-22, 2018: “SEVEN: A Contemporary Filipino Artists Collective Exhibition” joint showcase of Larry Calderon, Pancho Piano, Pierre Patricio, Martin Genodepa, Harry Mark Gonzales, Ed Defensor and Ben Cruz at Miaja Art Collection
October 3-28, 2018: “Physically Present Mentally Absent” by Lindslee at Taksu Gallery
— LA, GMA News
