Contemporary Filipino art making it big in Singapore.
Step aside Feng Zhenjie, and make way for Juanito Torres, Dominic Rubio, Daniel Dela Cruz and Manny Garibay. They are the emerging breed of contemporary artists from the Philippines that are making a buzz here in recent years, giving the ever-strong Chinese contemporary art a run for its money. So what is it about Filipino contemporary art that has caused a stir among collectors and gallery owners alike?
“Filipino art stands out for its strong technical skill and is also interesting for its diversity,” explains Dr. Pwee Keng Hock, a partner of gallery Utterly Art. Allan Teo of Momentous Arts agrees, “Much of what has come out of China tends to be much the same, while Filipino art has more variety in terms of art styles and themes, and is more expressive in color.”
Art galleries here which specializes in Filipino art, like Utterly Art, say many of the works have been flying off the walls at shows, mostly bought by local collectors. “It is the one market now that seems robust, and we happily report healthy enough sales in spite of the fact that the economic crisis has made a dent in buying overall. The high cost of Chinese artists has driven collectors to look for more reasonably priced artwork. The money for one Chinese artwork can purchase 10 Filipino artworks,” adds Pwee.
I-S rounds up the Philippine art shows that are happening at the moment.
Dolores (free)
This exhibition features the moody portraitures of Andres Barrioqunto who presents a collection of different women, depicted in either a vast landscape or in a bed of flowers. May 21-31. Utterly Art Exhibition Space, 2/F, 229A South Bridge Rd., 6226-2605.
Fusion of Rene Robles & Manny Garibay (free)
Filipino artists Rene Robles & Manny Garibay present their collaborative paintings which show the artistic style of both artists in a single canvas. Each artist asserts his subjects and style, merging them seamlessly in the paintings. Through May 23. Momentous Arts, #02-01 Lor. Telok, 6535-3961.
Scenario (free)
A painter of epic scenes and proportions, Filipino artist Juanito Torres creates large-scale fantastical narratives of the people he meets in unlikely and surreal situations, from senior ladies enjoying a tango with young dance instructors, to children smiling impishly. Through May 17. Utterly Art Exhibition Space, 2/F, 229A South Bridge Rd., 6226-2605.
Blu-Skreen Ballrooms (free)
Posing the question “How should one look at the 21st century?” to the viewers, Filipino painter Jose Tence Ruiz reworks the commonplace definition of the ballroom in his new series of artworks. He reconfigures it from the center of ultimate celebration and merry-making to a symbol of extravagance and artificial glee against a blu-screen. Jun 19-Jul 10. Artesan Gallery + Studio, #02-01, 793 Bukit Timah Rd., 6469-7818.—Zaki Jufri