Each summer, the Academic Oval at the Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines transforms into a public museum, with banners featuring the artworks of dozens of Filipino artists lining the popular running and biking destination.
This year, “Looking for Juan: Revolution” celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of the Katipunan’s supremo Andres Bonifacio with more than 70 artists contributing their paintings, sculptures and interpretations on the theme, “Revolution.”
The “Looking for Juan Outdoor Banner Project” is an annual show organized by The Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (Canvas), which seeks to promote Philippine art and culture. “Looking for Juan: Revolution” is Canvas’ fifth in the series that hopes to bring Philippine art to a wider audience. Hence, the shows are set in popular and “non-intimidating” spaces—such as parks and underpasses—where people can interact freely with the images.
Original works are on display at the Vargas Museum in UP until June 18, while tarpaulin banner reproductions are on view along the UP Academic Oval and gardens at the BenCab Museum in Baguio.
Among the participating artists are Leonard Aguinaldo, Alee Garibay, Palma Tayona, Gerry Leonardo, Jef Carnay, Michael Cacnio, J. Pacena II, Chloe Dollosa, Elmer Borlongan, Jim Orencio, Pablo Baen Santos, Gavin Escolar, Jhom Centeno, Ed San Jr., Ronson Culibrina, Joven Mansit, Don Salubayba, Emard Canedo, Juanito Torres, Robert Alejandro, Kuleng Manzanero, Raymond Legaspi, Reymar Gacutan, Fernando Sena, Jerson Samson, Erwin Leano, Franklin Cana Valencia, Sam Penaso, Julius Samson, R.A. Tijing, Dansoy Coquila, Rommel Joson, Felix Amoncio, Mark Arcamo, Janelle Tang, Gerrico Blanco, Raul Agner, Dante Lerma, Wilfredo Offemaria Jr., Ferdinand Doctolero, Buen Calubayan, Dawani de Leon, Anton del Castillo, Philipp Ines, Imelda Cajipe-Endaya, Sergio Bumatay, Juan Elani Tulas, Liv Vinluan, Aldy Aguirre, Weena Espardinez, Mark Salvatus and Farley del Rosario.
After the exhibit, the tarpaulin banners are recycled into tote bags and balikbayan box bags—functional pieces of art for sale—the proceeds of which fund Canvas’ other projects promoting Philippine art and culture.
“Looking for Juan: Revolution” is made possible in part by Sun Cellular.
Visit canvas.ph or e-mail info@canvas.ph.