Cover Pandy Aviado’s works: (From left) ‘Cuenca’ (1970), ‘Agila’ (1980), ‘Homage to Evelio Javier’ (1980), ‘Demonstration’ (1965), ‘The Assasin’ (1970-1971), ‘Untitled’ (1971). On view at the “Gifts from Ateneo Alumni” exhibition on the second floor of the Ateneo Art Gallery, which runs until September 13. (Photo: Clefvan Pornela)
Pandy Aviado’s works: (From left) ‘Cuenca’ (1970), ‘Agila’ (1980), ‘Homage to Evelio Javier’ (1980), ‘Demonstration’ (1965), ‘The Assasin’ (1970-1971), ‘Untitled’ (1971). On view at the “Gifts from Ateneo Alumni” exhibition on the second floor of the Ateneo Art Gallery, which runs until September 13. (Photo: Clefvan Pornela)
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Running until September 13, the Ateneo Art Gallery’s latest exhibition features an expanded collection made possible by the generosity of the esteemed university’s alumni donors, including works by artists Lao Lianben and Virgilio “Pandy” Aviado
Four alumni from the Ateneo de Manila University, namely Dr. Leovino Ma. Garcia, Atty. Ernesto Caluya Jr, printmaker Virgilio “Pandy” Aviado, and another one who wished to remain anonymous, donated some of their collections to the Ateneo Art Gallery (AAG), which will be presented to its Gifts from Ateneo Alumni exhibition, running until September 13.
Featured works by Lao Lianben give an overview of the artist’s journey into abstraction from the 1980s to the 2000s. His experimentations with materials employ repetitive actions such as layering pigment or pounding wooden surfaces. Later works take on spiritual and meditative attributes inspired by Buddhist philosophy.
Read more: All eyes are on Pandy Aviado, a celebrated figure in fine printmaking
Above Lao Lianben’s works: (From left) ‘Wood Void’ (1985), ‘Meditation’ (1984), ‘Haiku’ (1984), ‘Zen Master’ (1985). On view at the “Gifts from Ateneo Alumni” exhibition on the second floor of the Ateneo Art Gallery, which runs until September 13. (Photo: Clefvan Pornela)
Lao Lianben’s works: (From left) ‘Wood Void’ (1985), ‘Meditation’ (1984), ‘Haiku’ (1984), ‘Zen Master’ (1985). On view at the “Gifts from Ateneo Alumni” exhibition on the second floor of the Ateneo Art Gallery, which runs until September 13. (Photo: Clefvan Pornela)
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Dr. Garcia, known for his collection of works by Lao, is a professor at the Ateneo de Manila University and the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School, specialising in contemporary French philosophy. From 1988 to 1994, he was the first lay dean of the Ateneo School of Arts and Sciences, and served as the first dean of the School of Humanities from 2000 to 2007. The Ateneo alumnus is a regular benefactor of the university, having gifted 74 artworks since 20009, nine of which are works by Lao.
The inner section gallery features 26 prints by renowned printmaker Aviado, donated by Atty. Ernesto Caluya, Jr and the artist himself. Aviado’s artistic practice has spanned over 60 years, training under Manuel Rodriguez, Sr and master printmakers from Madrid and Paris through a study grant received from artist and patron Fernando Zóbel, the founder of AAG. Aviado was one of the first recipients of the CCP Thirteen Artists Awards, and previously served as the president of the Art Association of the Philippines and director of the CCP Visual Arts Coordinating Center.
Read more: Ang Kiukok, Lao Lianben, and Hau Chiok: must-know Filipino-Chinese painters
Above Pandy Aviado’s works: (From left) ‘The Freak Wave’ (undated), ‘Sorbetero’ (1963), ‘Sarimanok’ (1963), and ‘Flight" (1968). On view at the “Gifts from Ateneo Alumni” exhibition on the second floor of the Ateneo Art Gallery, which runs until September 13. (Photo: Clefvan Pornela)
Pandy Aviado’s works: (From left) ‘The Freak Wave’ (undated), ‘Sorbetero’ (1963), ‘Sarimanok’ (1963), and ‘Flight" (1968). On view at the “Gifts from Ateneo Alumni” exhibition on the second floor of the Ateneo Art Gallery, which runs until September 13. (Photo: Clefvan Pornela)
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Atty. Caluya’s gifts consist of his entire collection of Aviado’s works, in his way of giving back to his alma mater, where he earned his degrees in AB Philosophy and Bachelor of Laws. He is now a retired employment/labour law practitioner, who during his legal career has been consistently cited in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific and the Global Counsel 3000. He has also successfully defended the university in its numerous labour litigation cases.
The Gifts from Ateneo Alumni exhibition is on view at the Wilson L Sy Prints & Drawings Gallery, 2/F Ateneo Art Gallery, Soledad V Pangilinan Arts, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University, until September 13. The museum is open Mondays to Saturdays, from 9am to 5pm, and closed on Sundays and holidays.
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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.
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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.
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