Members of the UP College of Fine Arts Alumni Association officially unveil the exhibition
Cover Members of the UP College of Fine Arts Alumni Association officially unveil the exhibition
Members of the UP College of Fine Arts Alumni Association officially unveil the exhibition

Members of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Fine Arts Alumni Association gathered together last October 8 at The Velaris for an intimate celebration of camaraderie and diversity in the pursuit of art

A homecoming event, an exhibition of paintings and sculptures, and an opportunity to showcase the artistic talents of alumni of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts. There are many ways to describe the event last October 8—a private viewing at the Velaris Showroom in Bridgetown, Quezon City. The exhibition opened to the public from October 9 to October 22.

It featured a collection of artworks with diverse styles and media inspired by Filipino aesthetics, a stunning array of pieces highlighting religious motifs, native flora and fauna, indigenous textiles like abaca, and the urban landscape.

Some prominent figures in Philippine art, such as Elmer Borlongan, Lito Carating, Toym Imao, Junyee, Rico Lascano, Fred Liongoren, Camille Ver, and Nestor Vinluan, shared their exquisite pieces for the show. 

Other exemplary artists include Alex Aguilar, Carlito Amalla, Ana Araneta, Armand Bacaltos, Benjie Cabangis, Maria Antonette Cac, Phons Castaneda, Marcy Dans, Jeff Dizon, Mara Fabella, Esther Garcia, Ding Hidalgo, James Hermogenes, Pete Jimenez, Norlie Meimban, Janice Liuson-Young, Pearl Ortega, Menchu Pascual, Erwin Teves Pascual, Katrina Pallon, Gig de Pio, Sim de Pio, Gabby Prado, Paul Quiaño, Mitzi Aguilar-Reyes, Gabbi Reyes-Banaria, Tammy De Roca, KR Rodgers, Marc San Valentin, Ann Tulayan, Raffy Ugaddan, Rick de Villa, Celvic Villacorta, and Anna Vergel RS.

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Marcy Dans, 'Untitled', water colour
Above Marcy Dans, 'Untitled', water colour
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Benjie Cabangis, 'Watching Trees Grow II', acrylic on canvas, 2021
Above Benjie Cabangis, 'Watching Trees Grow II', acrylic on canvas, 2021
Marcy Dans, 'Untitled', water colour
Benjie Cabangis, 'Watching Trees Grow II', acrylic on canvas, 2021

Members of the alumni association organised the exhibit across generations to promote the evolution of local visual art and raise funds for a brand-new, state-of-the-art building. 

In an opening speech, Pascual, a 1971 Bachelor of Fine Arts graduate, remarked, We dream that through your support, we shall pave the way for future artists to let their voices be heard across our nation and to the world.

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The Velaris Showroom was intimate but not too confining. Its clean walls and stylish atmosphere were a fitting backdrop for a gathering of old friends coming together for the shared appreciation of craft and creativity.

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Ana Abigail Araneta, 'Padayon', acrylic on canvas, 2023
Above Ana Abigail Araneta, 'Padayon', acrylic on canvas, 2023
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Celvic Villacorta, 'Sofa Home', acrylic on crumpled canvas, 2023
Above Celvic Villacorta, 'Sofa Home', acrylic on crumpled canvas, 2023
Ana Abigail Araneta, 'Padayon', acrylic on canvas, 2023
Celvic Villacorta, 'Sofa Home', acrylic on crumpled canvas, 2023

Today marks the beginning of a series of fundraising exhibits aimed at nurturing and sustaining the future of the next generation of artists through scholarships and support to our beloved College, Pascual says.

Indeed, the collective efforts made by the UPCFA and its supporters will bear the fruit of future students advocating for diversity in art.

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Julianna Cabili
Features Writer, Tatler Philippines
Tatler Asia

About

Julianna has been interested in leading a literary life since she first read Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess at eight. Before working with Tatler, she was an archive intern at The Center for Fiction in Brooklyn, New York. She is a textbook Pisces who devotes most of her spare time to her crochet projects, watching classic films, and going through her never-ending pile of unread books. She studied creative writing, global literature and art history at Sarah Lawrence College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2022. Toni Morrison, Nora Ephron, Clarice Lispector and Jia Tolentino are among her all-time favourite writers.

Work

Julianna writes about fashion, beauty, sustainability, and the arts. She is always keen on conducting interviews with talented women who are changing the game in their respective fields. 

For event invites and story leads, hit her up at julianna.cabili@tatlerasia.com