Pintô Art Museum in Antipolo City is launching the Taimis Project, a series of linked events inspired by the love story, albeit ending in a failed engagement, between national hero Jose Rizal and fiancee Leonor Rivera.

 

“Taimis” was Rizal’s term of endearment for his erstwhile fiancee. The engagement was broken by Rivera’s mother, who opposed the match and intervened by keeping Rizal’s letters from her daughter.

 

Highlighting the project is the unveiling of a sculptural work by Joel Alonday of a “tomb” of Maria Clara, Rizal’s fictional heroine widely believed to be based on Rivera. The sculpture will occupy a prominent place in a newly developed alcove within the museum grounds, dedicated to the expression of unrequited love. Also featured in the new space is a bas relief version of Jose Santos III”s La Misma Duena, a work on the lovers’ liaison, and executed in cold cast marble by young artist Alab Pagarigan.

 

A special unveiling of the Project on April 6, includes a performance of an original score in cello by Nonong Buencamino and a work of spoken word by Hammed Bolotauolo, Palanca award winner for short story in English in 2012. A lecture on the story of Rizal’s relationship with Rivera will also be delivered by prominent Philippine historian, Ambeth Ocampo at the museum’s Silangan Studio for Education.

 

The Taimis Project events will be launched on April 6 at 4 pm. The project is jointly curated by Dr. Joven Cuanang and Riel Hilario.

 

Pintô Art Museum is at 1 Sierra Madre St. Grand Heights Subdivision, Antipolo City, Rizal. call 632-6971015 or email at Pintô[email protected].