The UP Visayas Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage (MACH) opened three new exhibitions among its seven galleries.
Fifteen pieces of works by ceramist Nelfa Querubin from the 1990s and onwards were loaned from the Central Philippine University (CPU) for Gindáp-ung: Querubin’s Ceramic Art exhibition in the gallery named after her.
These colorful pieces were made by the artist in the United States using electric and gas kilns. Giving a good picture of the artist’s development as a ceramist, 10 wood-fired pieces from the UPV Art Collection, made in the 1970s until the 1980s, using local clays were exhibited with the works from CPU.
At the Ed Defensor Gallery, the foray of Iloilo contemporary art pioneer Ed Defensor into the art of sculpture is featured in Súpat: Sculpture by Defensor.
The exhibition features works in wood, clay, metal, and resin from the personal collections of Prof. Dea Doromal, former Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr., and Wilmer and Marianne Escuadro as well as from the collection of UPV.
The exhibition also featured images and information on the three major public artworks made by Defensor: the Donato M. Pison Monument at the rotunda in San Rafael, Mandurriao, Lin-ay sang Iloilo that crowns the Iloilo City Hall, and St. Ignatius of Loyola in Ateneo de Iloilo.
The Visayan patadyóng also takes center stage in Naúg: Patadyong as Form and Function in Lantip Changing Exhibition Gallery 1.
The exhibit primarily focuses on the embroidered patádyong produced in Bugasong Antique, which is mostly created by male weavers these days. It also features pieces woven in Miagao, Iloilo as well as old hand-sewn patádyong tube skirts from the 1950s.
Enriching the exhibition are artworks made by artists like Nunelucio Alvarado, Benji Belgica, Manuel Baldemor, Levi Salmon, Nelson Ferraris, Margaux Blas, and Kristoffer Brasileño that feature the patádyong.
Photographs taken in 2004 by aspiring art photographers that show how people use the patádyong further enhance the viewers’ appreciation of the native garb.
Also included in the show is a Filipiniana ensemble worn by former Tourism Secretary Narzalina Lim, which highlights the contemporary use of the patádyong fabric. The dress was made by acclaimed designer Patis Tesoro who also traces her roots to Iloilo.
The reception for the new exhibits held on May 8, 2023 was attended by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, Mrs. Rosalie Treñas, UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano, Prof. Dea Doromal, Prof. Ed Defensor, and CPU Director of Libraries Cynthia Peleña who represented CPU President Teodoro C. Robles.
All three new exhibitions were curated by Prof. Martin Genodepa.
Other current shows in the UPV MACH are Panaput: Articles of Clothing, Lubiok: Hiligaynon Art, Duna, and Kasikas, The Visayas Exhibition of Bagong Biswal 2023.
UPV MACH is open Mondays through Fridays, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Interested individuals may call 3379159 or message UPV OICA on Facebook for inquiries.
