Cover Joan Punyet Miró returns for his second Philippine solo exhibition, ‘Oneness’ (Photo: Adrian Ardiente)
Joan Punyet Miró returns for his second Philippine solo exhibition, ‘Oneness’ (Photo: Adrian Ardiente)
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The acclaimed Spanish artist Joan Punyet Miró transforms León Gallery International into a contemplative sanctuary of poetry and colours for his second Philippine exhibition
Following his successful debut in the Philippines, the Spanish artist Joan Punyet Miró returned to Manila to present Oneness (Unidad) at León Gallery International. The grandson of the legendary Joan Miró continues to build his own artistic language, stepping out of the shadow of his modern art lineage. His latest showcase is a deeply spiritual and conceptual exploration of the invisible bonds connecting all living things, whether separated by distances and differences.
The exhibition space has been completely reimagined to host this new body of work. Set against deep charcoal walls, Miró’s pieces appear as fragments of Philippine mahogany, layered with paint sourced from around the world. The Mallorca-born artist, art historian, curator and author even painted directly onto the gallery surfaces, giving the room the raw energy of a living studio.
Read more: Mallorca to Manila: Joan Punyet Miró paints the Philippines blue
Above Miró painted on mahogany wood blocks and wrote poetic verses in situ
Miró painted on mahogany wood blocks and wrote poetic verses in situ
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“I see them [people] as rivers flowing to the ocean, and the ocean is the concept of oneness,” shares Miró.
This immersive environment is designed to address the stark divisions of today’s digital age. Miró observes that modern society is heavily polarised by internet algorithms and social media platforms. To counter this, he invites audiences to slow down, reconnect with Mother Nature, and embrace the shared values that unite the human tribe. “You have to surrender to time and stop,” he says.
Unlike traditional gallery viewings, Oneness brings together an unprecedented combination of disciplines. Miró spent a week painting and another week writing original English freeverse poetry for this Manila installation. The handwritten verses are integrated directly onto the raw wooden panels and gallery walls alongside primary colours, inviting viewers to walk, read and reflect.
You are like me, and I am like you, and I do believe that that’s the main message of the show, to really come together, embracing poetry, colour and Mother Nature
His creative process relies entirely on instinct and the subconscious mind. He brought no pre-planned materials from Spain, choosing instead to construct this site-specific exhibition during a two-week studio residency in Manila. Applying nine thick layers of gesso, paint and varnish, he let his intuition and physical movements guide the textures.
This intuitive approach is deeply rooted in the lessons he learnt from his famous grandfather. Growing up, the young Miró spent significant time in the legendary surrealist painter’s studio, absorbing the quiet power of introspection and meditation. He carries forward a legacy of generosity and humility, honouring his family name whilst boldly carving out his own conceptual path.
Read more: Home tour: An eclectic Singapore apartment with interiors inspired by artist Joan Miró
Above The artist while finishing the works he’s exhibiting at León Gallery International
The artist while finishing the works he’s exhibiting at León Gallery International
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The Philippines itself played an integral role in shaping the collection’s emotional tone. The artist expressed a profound affinity for the country, noting that its spiritual atmosphere, the warmth of its people, and its natural wonders make him feel completely at home. Recent travels to the pristine beaches of Palawan further cemented his deep appreciation for the nation’s beauty. “When I am in the Philippines, I feel at home. It has this huge spirituality that really appeals to me deeply,” Miró shares.
Ultimately, the exhibition is a quiet rebellion against modern existential emptiness and digital noise. By merging Philippine wood, global colours and raw poetry, Miró has crafted a space where life and death, polar opposites, harmonise through nature’s lens. It is a timely reminder that beneath the surface, humanity shares one heartbeat. “You are like me, and I am like you, and I do believe that that’s the main message of the show, to really come together, embracing poetry, colour and Mother Nature,” Miró concludes.
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Credits
Photography: Adrian Ardiente
Franz writes about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Art Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright. But above all this, this Aether main spends more time in Teyvat than anywhere else.
