Press release
RENAISSANCE GALLERY CELEBRATES ITS 15TH
ANNIVERSARY
JUNE 10 – JULY 4, 2018
In
celebration of its 15th Anniversary, Renaissance Gallery, a leading purveyor of
non-representational art in the country, presents “XV” which opens on June 10 till
June 22 at the SM Art Center, with cocktail reception on June 13 at 6 pm.
Featured
are the works of Hermes Alegre, Bien Benitez, Remy Boquiren, Arley Carig, Macoy
Coching, Addie Cukingnan, Melvin Culaba, August Espino, Egai Fernandez, Allain Hablo, Sam Penaso, Jay Ragma, Jucar Raquepo,
Cid Reyes, Genesis Rovero, Ronaldo Ruiz, Aner Sebastian, Resty Tica, Valen
Valero, Mellisa Villasenor , and Janice Young.
Succeeding
this show is “Ambidextrous,” a group exhibition of artists working in both
representational art and abstraction, which opens on June 24, with cocktail
reception on June 25 at 6 pm. The show runs until July 4.
XV
is curated by noted art critic, writer and visual artist Cid Reyes.
The
Art Center is on the 4/F, Bldg. A, SM Megamall, EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Ave.,
Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, call Margaux Romero-Oracion at mobile: 0925-555-7790.
“XV”
THE
FIFTEEN YEARS’ JOURNEY OF RENAISSANCE ART GALLERY
By
CID REYES
Years
and years after leaving college as students taking units in European history,
we may have forgotten pretty much about the rise and fall of empires and the
religious wars that divided Christendom, but it is a safe bet to say that none
of us has ever forgotten the one word that summarizes the whole history of
mankind since the Medieval Age: Renaissance! From the Latin root word meaning
“rebirth,” Renaissance stands for the intellectual flowering of human knowledge
that spanned philosophy, literature, science, and – in the field for which it
is best known for: the arts. Think Leonardo da Vinci! Think Michelangelo, whose
genius inspired the phrase “Renaissance Man!”
Against
this brief background, we come to appreciate the inspiring idea that gave birth
to an art showcase named Renaissance Art Gallery. Not surprisingly, it was a
“brainchild” conceived in 2003 by the
couple Manuel “Noli” and Agnes Romero. Already steeped in the appreciation of
all things beautiful, such as jewellery and painting, Noli and Agnes recognized
the genuine talent and skill of Filipino artists, many of whom have become
personal friends, and whose works have comprised their own private collection.
The Romero couple felt that a genuine way of expressing their appreciation is
to help promote Filipino artists of various generations and artistic
persuasions, both representational and non-representational. The criteria that
are uncompromisingly observed are quality and excellence. And proof of the
Romeros’ commitment to this conviction is the sustained “staying power” of
fifteen years’ existence in the very competitive field of the art market.
And
if further proof were needed, Renaissance Art Gallery continually lives up to
its very name. The past many years have all been a compelling experience of
re-freshening the vision of Philippine art as an essential expression of the
Filipino soul, a “re-birthing” of the ideals that created the Filipino artist.
While only the artist himself can find his own direction, or yes! a
re-direction, Renaissance Art Gallery can be his precious avenue that allows
for experimentation and revalidation, always receptive and sensitive to the
personal journey of artists in their highly individual styles and techniques.
Impressive
indeed is the list of solo exhibitions racked up in the past fifteen years
since Renaissance Art Gallery opened its doors at the SM Megamall’s “ArtWalk,”
where it has remained to this day. Indeed, many of these presentations were
“debut” shows, the first held and granted especially for the younger generation
of artists, who at that stage of their artistic development and maturity,
needed and deserved encouragement and appreciation. In fact, these shows were
so successfully launched and promoted that the artists were said to have
been “discovered” by the art community
and the public at large. In turn, these artists express their gratitude by
continually exhibiting with Renaissance Art Gallery and participating in
significant events such as “XV” – Fifteen Years of Renaissance Art Gallery!
No
doubt: even Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo will be raising a toast!
So: Here’s to the next fifteen years of
Renaissance Art Gallery!
