Bagaman pagkakakitaan ang unang layunin, hindi naisasantabi ang pagtulong sa kapwa sa pamamagitan ng charity works at ‘exhibits for a causeʼ. Sa katunayan, nitong nakaraang Setyembre ay nagsagawa ng exhibit ang grupo ni Cuizon para sa kapakanan ng mga batang naging biktima ng giyera sa Marawi City.

Ang Obra Filipinismo 6th na may temang ‘Para sa Marawi, Tagpi-tagping Kulay ng Pagdamayʼ ay ginanap sa Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) sa Tagaytay City. Sinuportahan ito ng Grupo Sining Batangueño (GSP), Tareptep Baler, Douglas Nierras Power Dance and A Capella Manila.

Itinanghal sa naturang exhibit ang umaabot sa 50 obrang donasyon ng mga artist at ang nalikom na P165,000.00 ay ipinagkaloob sa Gawad Kalinga ng Mindanao. Ang nasabing halaga ay para sa feeding program ng 50 bata sa Marawi sa loob ng 320 days.

“Mahirap kaagad pumunta sa Marawi dahil hindi namin alam kung saan at sino ang pupuntahan namin, basta ang mahalaga, sa kaunting halaga, may maitulong kami,” wika ni Cuizon na nagbabalak ding magtungo sa Marawi kasama ang mga miyembro ng KUNST sa Enero upang magsagawa ng art workshop sa mga batang biktima ng giyera.

Children of Ampatuan Massacre victims turn to art to demand justice

“Most of the children admitted they feel anger. Others said they want to take revenge. But all of them want justice and they want the rule of law to reign.”

By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat

MANILA — At seven years old, Flora Mae lost her father Lindo Lupugan, one of the 58 individuals who were brutally killed in barangay Salman, Ampatuan town, Maguindanao on Nov. 23, 2009.

Flora Mae, the youngest of three siblings, was her father’s favorite, her mother Arlene told Bulatlat. Now a Grade 8 student, Arlene said that after Lindo was buried, Flora Mae never had another chance to pour her grief out.

When Flora Mae was invited to participate in an art workshop organized by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines and Kapatiran at Ugnayan ng Natatanging Sining at Talento (KUNST) last Nov. 19, the pain buried deep within surfaced again.

Together with four other children of Ampatuan Massacre victims, Flora Mae painted a blindfolded woman. On top of her head is a backhoe, which symbolizes the infamous massacre that took place seven years ago.

Virgilio Cuizon, president of KUNST and one of the NUJP directors, said the art workshop became a psycho-social therapy for the children.

He asked the children what they feel whenever they hear the word “Ampatuan.”

“Most of the children admitted they feel anger. Others said they want to take revenge. But all of them want justice and they want the rule of law to reign,” Cuizon told Bulatlat in an interview.

The children ended up crying. “The parents said they never had the chance to talk about it at home,” Cuizon said. “At least they were able to unload some of the heaviness.”

Joining Cuizon were other KUNST members Emmanuel Nim, Vincent Gonzales and Ian Maigan.

The Philippine Embassy organized and hosted the exhibition of the Filipino artist Sam Penaso. The formal opening of the contemporary art exhibition was held on October 28th at the Philippine Embassy in Berlin, and ran until October 31st.

On October 28th, the Philippine Embassy hosted the first solo art exhibition in Berlin of the Filipino artist Sam Penaso,in collaboration with Kunst Gallery. The multi-awarded artist has a large collection of paintings, sculptures hybrid works and performance art. In this exhibition, Mr Penaso presented more than 20 paintings of his collection of contemporary art paintings with colorful geometric patterns, natural scenes, fictional characters, and human figures painted on canvas.

H. E. Amb. Theresa Dizon-de Vega in her speech extolled the artist for his talented work, and for the prizes that he already won. Aditionally, the exhibit’s curator, and Kunst Gallery Managing Director Virgilio Cuizon spoke about Philippine culture and the importance of cultural exchange in the world. In his speech the Filipino artist Mr Penaso expressed his gratitude for the people’s attendance and the hosting of Philippine Embassy. The event was attended not only by people and diplomats from the Philippine Embassy and the Filipino community in Berlin, but also by members of the German community. The opening event closed with traditional Filipino snacks and cocktails, made by the popular Filipino rum “Don Papa”.

Mr Penaso’s innate passion for art and determination are among the qualities that supported him during all his brilliant career. Indeed, this young Filippino artist comes from a humble family, and  paid for his artistic education by winning scholarships and doing student jobs as artist. He successfully concluded his Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Major in Advertising at Technological University of the Philippines. After his studies, he immediately started to work as an artist and present his work all around the world. He has held 27 solo exhibitions in Japan, Thailand, Austria, Germany, Singapore, New York and Abu Dhabi. Furthermore, he represented the Philippines in many international prestigious art competitions: the 8th Beijing International Art Biennale-China 2019, Exhibition Exchange-Hanoi Vietnam 2018, Nippon International Performance Art Festival in 2005 and 2011, Asian International Art Exhibition in Bandung, Indonesia, and the Art Triangle, Malaysia and Young Art Philippines, in Luxemburg with his “Stripewalker” performance. Mr. Penaso has also won important national and international awards and grants such as Don Papa Rum residency in London in 2019 and an Asian Cultural Council (ACC) International Studio and Curatorial Program in New York in 2013. In addition, the Philippine Art Awards granted him an award of merit in 2018. Now, Mr. Penaso will exhibit his paintings from the 28th to 31st of October to the Philippines Embassy in Berlin for the first time, and is already planning to organize other exhibits in Berlin, London and other European cities. According to the Kunst Gallery Managing Director Virgilio Cuizon, over the last twenty years, many new art galleries have opened all around the Philippines. The successful career of Mr Penaso shows how the Philippines is not only a country where artists are supported, and different artistic forms are appreciated, but also how this country wants to play an increasingly relevant role on the artistic international stage.

Lakbay Sining
Patuloy na pinalalakas ang pagpapakilala sa kultura at sining sa Batangas.

Katuwang ni Cuizon, bilang chairman ng Batangas Culture and Arts Council-Visual Art Committee, ang GSB na pinamumunuan ng batikang pintor na si Lino Acasio. Isa sa mga proyektong isinusulong ng komite ang Lakbay Sining — isang linggong painting exhibition ng mga pintor ng GSB na may temang ‘Bayan Mo, Ilakbay Moʼ. Una nang nakapaglakbay-sining ang grupo sa mga bayan ng Agoncillo, San Juan, Tanauan at Taal nitong nakaraang Hulyo.

Sa unang araw isinagawa ang workshop at pagtalakay sa ‘art appreciationʼ sa mga guro na nagtuturo ng sining at dalawang estudyante ng mga ito.

Bukod sa workshop ay nagkaroon din ng painting competition at iginawad ang unang gantimpala kay Jorge Banawa ng Taal na tumanggap ng P25,000, pangalawa ang obra ni Carlos Alferez ng San Juan (P15K,000) at Teri Buiser ng Bauan (P10,000) na siya ring nakakuha Viewers Choice Award (P10,000).

Kaagapay ng komite ang Province of Batangas Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PBTCAO) at ang lokal na pamahalaan sa proyekto na patuloy na isasagawa sa ibaʼt ibang bayan ng lalawigan.

Media migrant advocates from the Philippines and abroad conferred with the MAM AWARDS By The Manila Times  January 25, 2020

In his speech, CFO Secretary Francisco Acosta emphasized that being a recipient of the MAM Awards is both a responsibility and a privilege. He said “Higit sa pribilehiyo, kalakip ng gantimpalang ito ay responsibilidad. Isang tungkulin ang pag-imik at hindi pananahimik. Maraming salamat sa pag-ako ninyo sa responsibilidad ng pagkukuwento, lalo na para sa mga Pilipinong nangangailangan ng boses. Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang paglikha ng mga obrang tumatalakay sa buhay ng mga kababayan natin sa ibayong dagat. Ang inyong mga likha ay maagang pamasko sa sambayanang Pilipino.”

The awardees received a specialized trophy sculpture of a migratory bird which symbolizes journey, peace and prosperity – fitting themes surrounding Filipino migrants. This piece of art was designed by a local artist, Aris Bagtas, with the help of his team of artists from KUNST Pilipino & Gallery based in Batangas. They worked under the guidance of Virgilio Cuizon, a 2004 Presidential Banaag Awardee from Germany. Furthermore, the awardees received cash incentive, which was provided and generously sponsored by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Art Exhibit Opened at Press Club Brussels Europe to Pay Tribute to Filipino Migrants in Celebration of Philippine Independence

Source: Department of Foreign Affairs dfa.gov.ph

01 July 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Brussels, Kunst Pilipino, and the Kunst Gallery organized “Quo Vadis … Migrants” an art exhibition at the Press Club Brussels Europe from June 15 to 19. The exhibit paid tribute to the efforts and sacrifices of Filipino migrant workers all over the world by chronicling their stories in visual form.

Featured artist Aris Bagtas, a renowned visual artist who used acrylic as his primary medium to depict  mother and child and houses as a fitting reminder that Filipino migrant workers are attached to their families and to their home country.

“Quo Vadis … Migrants” also showcased the works of winners and participants of Quo Vadis Overseas Filipinos competition held in the Philippines.  The Grand Prize and Viewers Choice winner of that competition is Eman Sia’s “From the Land of Honey”. Wilfredo Rufon’s “Modern Heroes” won second place while Sherwin Paul Gonzales’ “Reflection of a Hero” won third.

Filipino community leaders and friends of the Philippines attended the exhibit opening on June 15.

Photos right:

Kunst Gallery, headed by Mr. Virgilio Cuizon, also organized the painting competition in the Philippines.(Left photo) Philippine Ambassador to Belgium Victoria S. Bataclan (4th from left) cuts the inaugural ribbon with Ms. Maria Laura Franciosi of the Press Club Brussels Europe, Mr. Ver Cuizon of Kunst Gallery and artist Mr. Aris Bagtas. Looking on is Mr. Abet Arevalo of Kunst Pilipino.

(Right photo) Mrs. Franciosi of the Press Club Brussels Europe(2nnd rom left) shows off paintings of Aris Bagtas (3rd from right). Here together with (from left) Philippine Consul General Robespierre Bolivar, Ambassador Bataclan, Mrs. Elizabeth Aguiling-Pangalangan, and Philippine Honorary Consul Antonio Guansing.

Source: Department of Foreign Affairs
dfa.gov.ph

Artists, journalists, remember slain journosPosted on November 14, 2016 by THE MURALLALeave a commentJohn Gabriel Pabico-Lalu  |  Editor-in-ChiefPearl C. Guzman  |  Managing Editor  |

Local artists and journalists commemorated the 32 lives that were lost in the Ampatuan massacre by raising funds from the sales of an art exhibit, which would support the education of the slain journalists’ children.PintaSayAwit para sa K-32, an exhibition of visual and performing arts, is a consorted effort between Artasia Gallery, Kunst Gallery and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

Thirty-one artists from different parts of the country, including Olympic art medalist Joe Datuin, donated their artworks.  During the launch last Thursday at the Artasia Gallery in SM Megamall, performing arts groups Douglas Nierras Powerdance, A Capella Manila and Nightingales also dedicated their pieces and performances for the bereaved families.The move seeks to help the ‘true’ victims of the massacre, the children of the journalists.

ART FOR A CAUSE | The artists who donated their artworks for the fund-raising exhibit that would help the children of the slain journalists pose with NUJP member Virgilio Cuizon, who initiated the cause.(2 pictures on right with Art for a Cause Photo by John Lalu)The Ampatuan massacre is considered to be the single-deadliest attack on journalists.  Fifty-eight individuals, including 32 journalists, were killed on the way to file the certificate of candidacy of Esmael Mangudadatu, who was challenging Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., for the mayoralty.  Ampatuan is the son of then Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr.

NUJP member Virgilio Cuizon, an art critic who is also the founder of Kunst Gallery, felt that there is a need for artists to help not only the relatives of the journalists, but the public as well, so that the people may not forget what happened.“We all know that seven years after the Ampatuan massacre, nothing much has changed,” Cuizon said.  “They (slain journalists) have relatives who needs our help.  Since one of the quickest ways to raise funds is to sell art, we decided to put this up.”“We hope and pray that the families attain justice, and that impunity and extra-judicial killings as a whole may end,” Cuizon said.Datuin, on the other hand, commented on the bond between journalism and the arts, saying that events like these should happen more often, considering the hardships and the dangers that journalists face.

“Let us not do these (fund-raising exhibits) just because there is a massacre,” Datuin said.  “Let us do it because they (journalists) are the constantly facing risky situations.”

Art and healing

NUJP said that some of the contributing artists will also conduct art workshops, which would help the children to recover from the tragic events they faced.  They also noted that while a program memorializing the victims happens every year, it will be the first time for most of the children to go to the site.

“Some of the artists here would go to General Santos to help the kids of the victims of the Ampatuan massacre,” Dabet Panelo, secretary-general of the NUJP, said.  “They (children) will be guided in creating an artwork and a mural, which will be about how they fared after seven years.”

“On November 20, they will go to the massacre site where their artworks and the mural will be exhibited.”

OBRA FILIPINISMO 2

28 September 2016 一 Consul General Julius Caesar A. Flores attended the opening of ^MObra Filipinismo II” art exhibit opening on August 23 at Art Asia Gallery. SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.

The exhibit, which featured 23 visual artists along with guest artist Rene Robles, was organized by Kunst Gallery led by Mr. Virgilio Cuizon, Managing Director; Mr. Aris C. Bagtas, Art Director and Mr. Bill Perez, Project Coordinator.

In his remarks during the opening program, Consul General Flores commended the visual artists for being “ambassadors of goodwill” in their own right as they project the -heart and soul” of the Philippines and the Filipino people to the world. He encouraged the artists to continue their excellent work and help promote the country’s rich and unique arts, heritage, and culture through their artworks.

The exhibit showed different art styles, themes, and media. It demonstrated the versatility and skill of the visual artists such as Rene Robles, Joseph Albao, Yeye Babatuan, Aris Bagtas, Dale Bagtas, George Banawa, Noel Bueza, Zorrick Enriquez. Rigor Esguerra, Roi Espinosa, Jojo Garcia. Bon Gonzales, Sherwin Gonzales, Vincent Gonzales, Anna Lumpas, Ian Maigan, Mischa, JC Mizuse, Zhyra Ann Nedia, Wilfredo Rufon, Sr., Eman Sia, Nelson Tandas Jr., and Melvin Vargas. Mr. Bagtas previously had a solo exhibit in Xiamen titled “Faces to Phases” organized by the Post on 6-14 November 2015. This coming November 2016, the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen will feature the works of Mr. Robles as part of its cultural diplomacy program for 2016. END

ABS-CBN News Posted at Oct 29 2016 04:05 PM | Updated as of Oct 29 2016 04:14
Exhibit to help kids of slain journalists
A total of 31 Filipino visual artists donated their artworks to benefit the children of journalists killed in the worst single attack on the press, the Ampatuan massacre.
The launch of PintaSayAwit para sa K32 will be held 6 p.m. November 2 at Artasia, 4th floor of the SM Megamall. The exhibit will run until November 5.
All masterpieces will be up for auction including the artwork of the first Filipino Olympic Art Gold medalist, Joe Datuin.
The event will be highlighted by performances from Douglas Nierras Powerdance, A Capella Manila, and Nightingales.
Part of the sales from the exhibit will be donated to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Journalists’ Orphans Fund.
The fund aims to help the education of children of fallen journalists.
Currently, the NUJP is assisting 68 children of slain journalists, including 24 kids orphaned by the Ampatuan massacre.
Of the 24 children, eight are in elementary, 14 in high school and two in college.
The country will be marking the 7th year memorial of the Ampatuan massacre on November 23.
A total of 58 people, including 32 journalists, were killed in the massacre in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province on November 23.