“From Above and From Below” exhibit at NCCA

FOR the third time, Buklod Sining, the oldest art organization of the University of the East College of Fine Arts, Architecture and Design (UE-CFAD) is recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as one of the selected art groups all over the Philippines to receive the 2019 NCCA Gallery Exhibition Grant.

“From Above and From Below: Narratives that Deserve to be Uncovered and Made Known” is the 30th founding anniversary theme of Buklod Sining. It gives reverence to narratives coming from different classes in Philippine society. Through this, the participating artists will be able to understand and contemplate about their immense responsibilities in creating relevant art projects outside the confinement of art studio and salon walls.

This milestone is not only a commemoration of 30 years of being relevant but also the start of another 30 years of its continuous commitment in helping UE in honing young artists in diverse artistic disciplines. The exhibit opened last February 14 at the NCCA Gallery, Intramuros Manila. Exhibit runs until March 6.

The event aims to inspire a community of young creative people capable of identifying powerful visual contributions as well as recognizing the prevailing impact of art in our socio-emotional, cultural and moral development. This reunion exhibition also connects the works of selected and award-winning alumni artists of UE-CFAD and invited artists in the contemporary art scene today.

The exhibit showcases the works of selected Buklod Sining student members, namely Allan Soriano, Angela Nicole Alarilla, Harmsley Bantillo, James Benedict Calleja, Jayrol Bonito, Jerome Daguplo, Jesse Camacho, Kenneth Sunga, Kiko Moran, Maica Borlagdan, Melo Adriano, Reyster Delos Reyes, Rolandson Operio, Shane Delfin, Tatel, Vincent Santos and Ysabela Santos.

Participating Buklod Sining alumni artists are Jay Ragma, Lei Manto, Olan Ventura, Loren Dayrit, John Rey Aquino, Ace Aquino, Angeline Tabilog, Bernadette Banigoos, John Lanbert Rafols, Trish Dijamco, Elvin Macanlalay, Bryan Marticio, Mars Sanchez, Ayan Padilla, Nico Nunag, Kimi Teves, Richard Soriano Legaspi, Bayani Galera, Ronwell Jason Bacani, and Jay Condeno.

Invited artists include Fitz Hererra, Michael Villagante, Wipo, Nikko Pelaez, JM De Olazo, JP Duray and RC Camarines.

Buklod is always true to its core about arts for social change initiatives since 1989. Their first exhibition grant under NCCA gave homage to Philippine Cinema as part of their 20th anniversary in 2009 and it traveled to two more relevant exhibition spaces such as the former PhilAm Life lobby in Manila and Ishmael Bernal Gallery in UP Diliman. The second exhibition grant was for Buklod’s 25th Anniversary, which was entitled “Pinaeba: Filipina sa Lahat ng Panahon,” an art exhibition dedicated to the Filipino woman throughout the century and how they triumphantly surpassed the challenges of the times through their huge global contributions in diverse fields.