Cover An installation view of Borlongan’s exhibition at Vetted
An installation view of Borlongan’s exhibition at Vetted
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Lifestyle tastemaker and noted interior designer Jonathan Matti’s Vetted along Amorsolo Street in Makati is a creative hub that commands attention like no other
Its walls veer away from the usual expansive white, opting for raspberry and chequered-tiled floors.
“I want them to have an amazing, positive experience in the various shows at Vetted, whether it be in the visual arts, music, dance or crafts,” says Matti.
Vetted is one of the recently opened establishments in the country that aims to promote Filipino artists by introducing a higher level of appreciation. To achieve his mission, Matti not only vets the exhibited artworks but also the people it features. It is a “room with a view”, true to E M Forster’s metaphorical use of the title, as it doesn’t just offer an outlook of today’s art scene but rather exorcises its owner’s ingenuity, taste, passion and perspectives.
Read more: If Walls Could Talk: A walkthrough of the historic Laperal Mansion
Above One of the bronze sculpture renditions (‘Shoulder Wars’) of Borlongan’s 2015 oil painting (‘Chicken Wars’)
One of the bronze sculpture renditions (‘Shoulder Wars’) of Borlongan’s 2015 oil painting (‘Chicken Wars’)
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“The space used to be my store room,“ says Matti. “Once emptied, it was perfect for a friend looking for a space for a pop-up [event]. So, I let my friend use the space. That’s how I got the idea of creating a venue for artists and creative people to show their art and products.”
Vetted exhibited bronze sculptures by the globally renowned artist Elmer Borlongan for its inaugural show. Titled Shadow Wars, the works were inspired by Borlongan’s 2015 oil painting of two men wrestling in the sea while mounted on the backs of their two friends.
Read more: Elmer Borlongan: A man of art, a man of the people
Alice Eduardo and Jonathan Matti
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“Elmer Borlongan is a master and consummate artist,” shares Matti. “The honour is mine that he chose Vetted to be the venue to showcase his first attempt at making bronze sculptures.”
As art and culture continue to flourish in the country today—which Matti credits to this administration’s support and enthusiasm in promoting Filipino heritage—Vetted rides along with it not to disrupt the scene but to enrich the viewers’ experience and inspire art practitioners and patrons alike. Happening at Vetted is a range of art activities, such as design-driven, artisanal product and themed selling shows, to name a few. It will also showcase performances of dance and music, as well as lectures on design and architecture.
In September, Vetted will be collaborating with Mark Wilson for an event, which will be followed by a solo exhibition of abstractionist Vien Valencia in October.
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Credits
Photography: Daniel Tan, courtesy of Vetted
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.
