Cover The works of Hannah Nantes (left) and Lynyrd Paras for “Bridging the Gap” in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell (Photo: Instagram / Provenance Art Gallery)
The works of Hannah Nantes (left) and Lynyrd Paras for “Bridging the Gap” in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell (Photo: Instagram / Provenance Art Gallery)
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Titled “Bridging the Gap”, Provenance Art Gallery’s latest project in Rockwell aims to bring the best of today’s contemporary art scene to the heart of the city.
Kicking off this June 5 with a vernissage, Provenance Art Gallery’s three-month endeavour at Power Plant Mall in Rockwell puts Filipino contemporary artists at the forefront of the city’s bustling atmosphere with much more accessibility to collectors and a wider net of art enthusiasts.
Titled “Bridging the Gap”, this endeavour aims to revolutionise the notion about the “intimidating, exclusive space” of the art world as Provenance Art Gallery wishes to invite the Rockwell community and beyond into an intimate and amiable experience of contemporary art.
“For too long, the art world has been perceived as an intimidating, exclusive space—gated by price tags, big names, and gallery walls that feel out of reach for the everyday Filipino,” says Joanna Preysler Francisco, co-owner of the Provenance Art Gallery. “But art, at its core was never meant to be confined. It was meant to connect, provoke, and belong to the people. It is meant to be inclusive, to bridge gaps.”
The rotating exhibitions will feature the works of more than 50 artists, including Anton Del Castillo, Archie Geotina, Arnel Natividad, Arturo Sanchez Jr, August Lyle Espino, Betsy Westendorp, Bimpoman, Blaise Zamora, Brave Singh, Ces Eugenio, Charming Baldemor, Christian Carillaza, Clairelynn Uy, Clark Manalo, Emman Cardeño, Eri Abe, Erika Mayo, ESL Chen, Eugenia Alcaide, Franz Vocalan, Gelo Cinco, Georgina Pomarejos, Geovanni Abing, Geremy Samala, Gino Tioseco, Gustavo Araneta, Hannah Nantes, Ioannis Sicuya, Jeffrey Ordillo, Jericho Moral, John Marin, Jojo Guingona, Jonathan Baldonado, Jomari T’leon, JP Duray, Julieanne Ng, Kaloy Sanchez, Katrina Cuenca, Kim Hamilton Sulit, Kim Cruz, Lec Cruz, Lena Cobangbang, Lui Gonzales, Lui Manaig, Lynyrd Paras, Mark Dawn Arcamo, Mark Rocha Padernal, Maverick Abac, Maya Muñoz, Melvin Gurheim, Miguel Paolo Borja, Nix Puno, Norman Dreo, Pam Quinto, Paolo Icasas, Pete Jimenez, Renato “Jojo” Barja Jr, Rene Bituin, Siefred Guilaran, Silay Guilaran, Sofia Andres, Solenn Heussaff, Tekla Tamoria, Victoria Fabella and Wipo.
“Democratising art isn’t just about lowering barriers or prices; it’s about changing mindsets. Shifting perceptions. It’s reminding the youth, and people in general, that art isn’t only for collectors or critics—it’s for them,” adds Francisco. “It is for us. It lives in both raw expression and refined technique. It reflects our voices, mirrors our realities, and fuels our imagination. It sparks thinking, it ignites our souls.”
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Spanning a diverse range of artistic expressions, “Bridging the Gap” at Power Plant Mall, Rockwell will be open during regular mall hours from June 6 to August this year at the mall’s Level R/2 South Wing.
“We must create spaces—physical and digital—where people feel welcome. Exhibits that don’t intimidate—but rather, invite. Events that blend culture and creativity with community. And platforms—especially on social media—that showcase local talent, tell real stories, and encourage interaction rather than just admiration. Promoting Filipino artists, especially emerging ones, is key to this movement,” says Francisco. “When the youth see someone like them creating, expressing, thriving—they begin to believe that art can be theirs too.”
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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.
