Cover Annie Cabigting’s ‘When We Look at Art’ exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, BGC
Annie Cabigting’s ‘When We Look at Art’ exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, BGC
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The Metropolitan Museum of Manila (M) in Bonifacio Global City features Annie Cabigting’s curated selection of her works that captures her undisputed mastery of control and artistic expression
With the proliferation of galleries, art spaces, and the growing number of artists in various mediums, it is hard to say that art appreciation has significantly diminished. Many find these quantifiable factors actually correlated to the increase in demand for art by collectors and auction houses, as well as the growing interest of younger generations in visual art—either on streets or inside galleries. However, the ‘noise’ in the art circles can also be defeaning and confusing. We fail to slow down and appreciate what’s in front of us.
Award-winning artist Annie Cabigting attempts to defy this by putting up an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. In “When We Look at Art”, Cabigting features a curated selection of her works loaned from esteemed galleries and private collectors until April 2024. The goal—captivate connoisseurs and newcomers and invite them to immerse into a space within their souls “where artistic control meets unconstrained expression”.
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Cabigting challenges art lovers to love what is presented before them, pause, and reimagine how we should go about our daily existence.
This curatorial approach to the exhibition is somewhat experimental. However, there is some assurance that exhibition-goers would appreciate the works as they feature Cabigting’s renditions of the works of Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Chuck Close, to name a few, which are not only captivating by themselves but can also be evocative for the sentimental viewers.
Here, Cabigting shows how a work of art is perceived and appreciated by making the viewers the subject of her paintings. Thus, her art is an infinite loop of seeing and being seen, including viewers and art pieces as part of the total experience.
Cabigting’s attention to detail showcases her commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Each art piece shares a narrative carefully woven with symbolism and thought-provoking imagery drawn from Philippine culture, global socio-political landscapes, and personal experiences. Viewers are encouraged to peel back the layers of each artwork, uncovering the intricacies that make each piece a testament to Cabigting’s artistic philosophy to represent herself in multiple forms and interchange the roles of both the viewer and the artist.
Above Annie Cabigting
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In 1994, Annie graduated from the University of the Philippines with a major in painting. Before this, she had never shown much interest in art, and after graduating, she worked different jobs before landing a position in an advertising agency as a creative director. She was later persuaded by her university mentor, Roberto Chabet, the father of Philippine conceptual art, to showcase her first exhibit entitled “100 Pieces” at Finale Art Gallery. Her subject was a photo of her professor’s work that she deconstructed and painted one hundred times.
The winner of the Ateneo Art Awards in 2005, Cabigting is best known for her photorealist paintings that depict people looking at art. She is a key figure in the industry, widely exhibiting in major Asian and European art galleries.
Above Metropolitan Museum President Tina Colayco and Finale Art's Evita Sarenas and Sylvia Gascon
Metropolitan Museum President Tina Colayco and Finale Art's Evita Sarenas and Sylvia Gascon
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The M in BGC, known for its commitment to showcasing diverse exhibits, provides an ideal backdrop for Cabigting’s work. The contemporary space allows the viewers to fully immerse themselves in the visual and emotional experience that she has meticulously crafted.
Annie Cabigting’s exhibit is a must-see for anyone who wants to pause and seek an extraordinary experience. “When We Look at Art” showcases Cabigting’s mastery of control and artistic expression and invites visitors to participate in a dialogue that goes beyond the visual, delving into the very essence of what makes art a timeless and transformative experience.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
Work
Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.
