Since their first annual exhibit in 2017, this third edition of “Future Present” is a testament to the evolution and maturing styles of artists in the Philippines and abroad.
The gallery first opened its space in the heritage Casa Tesoro building in Malate. Now in its new location in Greenhills, MONO8 has sustained their push for a forward-thinking curatorial program. With this aim to shake up the art game, the yearly Future Present gallery show captures the essence of art today.
This latest 2022 exhibition quotes Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s A Psalm of Life, how “Art is long, and Time is fleeting” encouraging artists to take action and “create in the now.”
Through various conceptual works, the show asks philosophical questions about the past and future, while celebrating the diversity of the contemporary art scene today. Notable Philippine and international artists rise to the challenge of creating a distinct image and identity: Bjorn Calleja, Clarence Chun, Datu Arellano, Dexter Sy, Edo Pop, Erik Encinares, Gabby Tiongson, Gene Paul Martin, Iabadiou Piko, Jill Paz, Kawayan De Guia, MM Yu, Pinky Ibarra Urmaza, Rico Entico, Rinne Abrugena, Ros Johnson, and Van Tuico. Many of the same artists have participated since the show’s first exhibition Extreme Present in 2017.
Each artist strives to assert that their work captures what is original today. You can see Bjorn Calleja’s paintings, which have been rising in popularity since his presentation at Art Fair Philippines last March 2022. Layers of paint peel off a brick wall, matching the same red bricks of the exhibiting space. Art world veteran Van Tuico plays with industrial materials to create a sculpture of tools used in a typical gallery installation. Dexter Sy creates a rare sculpture that suggests traditional Chinese healing. Kawayan de Guia, a regular participant of the yearly show, also exhibits a more sensual mixed media work. Indonesian artist Iabadiou Piko also paints in-between figuration and abstraction, while U.K.-based artist Ros Johnson experiments with the intricacies of textiles. There is a common strain running throughout the works that hints at the exciting possibilities of art in the future.
The third exhibition of Future Present opened last September 2 and will run until September 29, 2022. You can catch the show from Wednesdays to Sundays, 2-7 PM at MONO8 gallery, Fox Square, 53 Connecticut St., Greenhills, San Juan City.