UPV Museum opens three galleries for Arts Fest 2021

UPV joins the Iloilo Arts Festival 2021 with the opening of its three galleries – the Ed Defensor Gallery, the Nelfa Querubin Gallery, and the Lantip (Changing Exhibition Gallery) – in the UPV Museum in the city campus on December 6.

On display in Lantip (Changing Exhibition Gallery 1) is Hublag-Subong featuring the recent works of some Ilonggo artists who began their art careers in the 1980s and 1990s through Hublag the Iloilo Festival of the Arts. These artists inarguably propelled the Iloilo art scene to the heights it has reached today. They include Ritchie Baylon, Anthony Castillo, Ritchie Condesa, Ed Defensor, Boy Dolar, Jun Jun Duarte, Vic Fario, Voltaire Fernandez, Martin Genodepa, Ronnie Granja, Guijo Hubo, Joey Isturis, Jeline Laporga, Madhu Liebscher, Boy Masculino, Joms Moleta, Rheo Nepomuceno, Frank Nobleza, Fred Orig, Al Provido, Eric Tacorda, and PG Zuluaga.

The two other galleries are the Ed Defensor Gallery and the Nelfa A. Querubin Gallery, named after, and dedicated to, the two pillars of the Ilonggo art community in the 1970s and early 1980s.  These galleries showcase a wide range of Defensor’s and Querubin’s works – sculptures, prints, paintings, ceramics, and pottery – dating from the 1960s to the present that belong to the University art collection.

UPV Chancellor Dr. Clement C. Camposano gave a message on behalf of the university; Iloilo City First Lady Mrs. Rosalie S. Treñas, who is an avid patron of the arts, did the ceremonial ribbon cutting.  The occasion was also graced by UPV Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Philip Ian Padilla, and Iloilo City Councilor Rudolph Ganzon, and Philippine Consul General to Hong Kong Leo Tito L. Asuan Jr., who is a notable UPV alumnus and member of the UPV Teatro Amakan.

Prof Martin Genodepa, Director of UPV Office of Initiatives in Culture and the Arts, curated the exhibitions.

All three galleries are now open on Mondays to Fridays (except holidays) from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Due to health and safety protocols of the Covid-19 pandemic, only ten persons at a time may be allowed inside the galleries. The wearing of face masks and practice of social distancing are strictly observed.