MANILA, Philippines—A new group of Filipino artists has made its presence felt Saturday with its first major exhibition, which opened Saturday at the Exhibition Center for Contemporary Art (ECCA) at Valle Verde, Pasig City.
“United Colors of Pinoy na Pinoy Visual Artists” is composed of 370 painters from all over the Philippines, and 62 artists are displaying their artworks in the exhibition, which will run up to March 2.
One of the featured exhibitors is fast-rising artist Arlene de Castro-Añonuevo, or Adecastroan.
Adecastroan started painting in 2003 after years of relegating creative expression in favor of family and career. Her early retirement from Cathay Pacific Airways as stewardess, and later from Midtown Hotel allowed her to devote fulltime to honing her art.
An AB Sociology graduate of the University of the Philippines, Adecastroan learned the basics from Filipino master artist Fernando Sena, and Arte Pintura artists Addie Cukingnam, Azor Pazcoguin and Rey Ademis.
Art beckoned early in Adecastroan’s life, her childhood hours spent sketching and drawing instead of playing. Born and raised in Zambales province, her keen sense of the beauty found in the countryside permeates her art – a delicate insouciance punctuated by the elation of living with nature. This interplay of the real and unreal draws the viewer to explore the mystery of her subjects.
“I have a very creative mind, and often the products of my creative mind manifest first in my dreams,” Adecastroan told INQUIRER.net.
Adecastroan had her first one-artist show in The Heritage Art and Antiquities Gallery in 2009 and has participated in various group exhibits. She is an active member of the Pinoy na Pinoy Visual Artists, and the Tuesday Art Group. Her other interests include membership in the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the proceeds of her work support her advocacy for animal rights and welfare.
The participating artists in the event also include Yolanda de Castro Cabuco, Buboy Dinapo, Armida Francisco, Dante Palmes, and Jams Granpa. The exhibit is curated by Marila Burgos of the ECCA Gallery.
Paintings on exhibition are for sale.—Rick Alberto
The ECCA Gallery is located at Atis St. corner Kaimito St., Valle Verde I, Pasig City. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday. ECCA Gallery is closed on Mondays. For more information, you may call 6723103; 3467140; or 09228377876 or log on to www.eccagallery.com.