MANILA, Philippines—In Ancient Chinese mythology, a Great Race was held by animals in order to see the Jade Emperor. The goat, monkey, and rooster helped each other cross a river—an act that greatly impressed and pleased the Emperor. Because of this, each animal was given attributes. The goat, the animal featured this year in the Chinese new year, is known for being patient, calm and intellectual, and depictions of the goat in the Chinese zodiac reflect these attributes.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, Galerie Joaquin will hold a special group exhibit starting Feb. 16 at the North Court of Power Plant Mall in Rockwell, Makati.

Included in the exhibit are works by Presidential Medal of Merit Awardee Juvenal Sansó, masters Raul Isidro, Raul Lebajo and Dominic Rubio.

Other participating artists: Richard Arimado, Michael Cacnio, Joe Datuin, Jomar Delluba, Jovan Benito, Jerry Morada, Jeff Dahilan, Ross Capili, Ram Mallari, Rudolf Gonzalez, Arnel Borja, Camille Ver, Francis Nacion, Carlo Ongchangco, Carlo Magno, Karina Baluyut, Pinggot Zulueta, Herbert Pajarito, Toym Imao and Caress Banson.

Exhibit runs till Feb. 19.

Sansó’s abstract “Prismatic Fantasies” features the colors of Chinese New Year—red, yellow and blue, as well as the green that is normally associated with the zodiac goat.

Rubio’s “Cross Culture” is a double portrait of a Chinese sangley with a mestizo businessman.

Arimado’s “Ongpin South” is a charming birds-eye of a dragon dance winding through Manila’s Chinatown.

Delluba’s contribution features a delightful portrait of the bearer of the dragon’s head. Nacion painted “Metamorphosis Goat,” which builds on his mythology-based aesthetic. Morada, an award-winning artist, presents robust contemporary interpretations of a ram, the male goat, as do metal sculptors Mallari and Datuin.

Call Galerie Joaquin at 7239418; e-mail [email protected].