MANILA, Philippines—A new haven for artists and art lovers formally opened on October 23 at the SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City, in Taguig, promising guests an immersive viewing experience of the visual arts.
With its museum-like setting, Art Elements Asian Gallery presents a diverse collection of artworks in four distinct sections.
In the gallery’s Featured Artist section, UNICEF greeting card artist Wilfredo Alicdan has created happy and colorful vignettes of family life in an exhibit dubbed “Indissoluble.” Referring to the unbreakable bond that keeps families together, he draws on his childhood memories of being “Kuya” (older brother) to seven siblings.
Alicdan populates his canvases with faceless rotund figures set against a solid, bold-hued backdrop. He depicts children at play with their parents, tender mother-and-child scenes, couples in a tight embrace and other fun-filled moments. His bright and color-infused paintings, often laced with humor, never fail to elicit smiles among those who see them.
In the Masters section, Art Elements showcases select works by the country’s most outstanding artists. These include pastel-on-paper nudes by National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera, evocative portraits by the late famed expressionist Onib Olmedo, iconic pieces by multi-awarded sculptor Julie Lluch and charming townscapes of Tallin, Estonia by noted painter Manuel Baldemor.
The Elements section, meanwhile, is dedicated to the works of in-house artist Lizanne Uychaco. Said to be the first and only feng shui artist in the country, Uychaco is known for painting the art of good fortune. In the exhibit “Auspicious Art,” she continues to capture ancient beliefs and symbols of luck in her artworks, rendered in contemporary style and aimed at eliciting harmony and bringing about happiness, prosperity, longevity, wealth and success.
The gallery also has an Art Shoppe, featuring art applied on decorative, functional and wearable merchandise such as tea sets, mugs and t-shirts.
Guests are encouraged to linger in Art Elements, appreciate what’s on exhibit and learn about the artists who created them through well-placed information panels. Serious collectors have a chance to procure the finest artworks while enthusiasts may select from exquisite, modestly priced art collectibles, souvenirs and gifts.
Current exhibits will run until November 5.
Art Elements is located at Level 3, SM Aura Premier, beside the entrance to the newly inaugurated SMX Convention Center. For inquiries, please e-mail artelements@surfshop.net.ph.