MANILA, Philippines—“Manila as an international art city.”
This is what widely and critically-acclaimed Filipino artist and curator Manuel Ocampo envisions for the country’s capital city. Ocampo, who has extensively exhibited his works in major art capitals around the world including Europe, Asia, and the United States, is on a personal mission to bring the Philippine art community at par with its global counterparts.
Following the success of the Bastards of Misrepresentation art shows in Berlin and New York, and the recent Art Fair Philippines event at The Link Carpark, Ayala Center, Makati, Manuel Ocampo is again at the helm of curating the works of 23 Filipino artists in a series of shows aptly billed “Manila Vice.”
Manila Vice is slated to open in France in April until September and will be presented in cooperation with the Embassy of France in Manila and the Musee International des arts Modestes (MIAM Sete, France www.miam.org).
“In our aim to strengthen cultural relations between France and the Philippines and in the spirit of promoting the extraordinary talents of Filipino artists, it is our honour and pleasure to be part of this esteemed international art event,” says Embassy of France in Manila’s cultural attaché Ariane Tricaud.
Ocampo remarks, “The Philippine art scene is booming with very talented and progressive artists who are deserving and worthy of international recognition.”
The internationally known artist further adds that, “Through unified and solid initiatives and collective support from various sectors including the government, corporations, individuals such as art patrons, collectors, and enthusiasts, or simply those who appreciate art, our Filipino artists and their works are just a step closer in raising the bar for Manila to be an international art destination.”
The 23 Filipino artists personally handpicked by Ocampo for the Manila Vice series of shows include Gerry Tan, Poklong Anading, Romeo Lee, Gaston Damag, Valeria Cavestany, Carlo Ricafort, Arvin Flores, Bea Camacho, Kawayan De Guia, Dexter Fernandez, Mm Yu, Lena Cobangbang, Maria Jeona Zoleta, Pow Martinez, Maria Cruz, Robert Langenegger, David Griggs, among many others.
Ocampo is also set to do major art shows in Manila, Spain, Luxembourg, and Miami.
Other “Manila Vice” participating partners include 1335 Mabini: B.A.R., Silverlens, Finale, Pablo, Q Bistro, and Don Papa Rum.