The Philippine Consulate General Calgary (PCGC) featured Edmonton Filipino-Canadian visual artists in an exhibit “Contemplating the Tapestry of Filipino-Canadian Connections”. The art exhibit was presented in partnership with Philippine Arts Council, with the support of Alberta Immigration and Multiculturalism.
This year’s exhibition was truly special because aside from celebrating Philippine Heritage Month, it was also in commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada, thus, the theme of exploring Filipino-Canadian connections. It was also a cross-over project with two Consul Generals for Alberta and Saskatchewan - the outgoing Consul General Zaldy Patron and incoming Consul General Emma Sarne, with the assistance of Deputy Consul General Victor Dimagiba Jr., and Vice Consul Vida Soraya Verzosa.
The exhibit is the third exhibition organised by PCG Calgary featuring the works of Filipino-Canadian artists from across Alberta, and Saskatchewan, beginning with the “Alaala” Exhibition featuring two (2) artists from Regina, Saskatchewan (2022), and the “Malaya” Exhibition which featured six (6) artists from Calgary, Alberta (2023). This year, Contemplating the Tapestry of Filipino Canadian Connections, curated by Ida Beltran Lucila, featured 18 Filipino-Canadian Edmonton artists, as well as selected works from the students of the St. Oscar Romero High School Filipino Class under Dr. Jimmy Buena. Participating artists included: Antonio ‘Val’ Ludovico; April ‘Lianne’ Angeles; Cedric Cyrus Usman; DOMI; Eoshanelle Francisco; Giselle General; Harlijk Mirasol; Katherine Gerola; Mariana Abano; Mark ‘Moxies’ Lopez; Mary Escano; Michael Parillas; Mila Bongco Philipzig ; Noel Balbin; Oliver Rabara; Sandy Lubuguin; Shaun Manuntag; Ting Pimentel Elger; and from St. Oscar Romero High School - Adelle Ingram, Aleksandra Castro, Christine Yabut, Grace Nalagay, Jhomel Magahis, Kiersten Liamry Quijano, Kimzen Valleramos, Lorijoy Antoinette Lanuza, Miguel Acupan, Nicole de Leon, Patricia Nicole Rojas, Peter Jacob Ferdinand, Sadie Malea Macalolooy, and Zhoe Ylliana Gonzales.
At the opening of the art exhibit on June 3 at the PCGC, Acting Head of Post Dimagiba noted that the artworks of the artists “serve as bridges connecting our two countries, capturing the essence of their Filipino roots while embracing the Canadian experience.” In her video message, curator Ida Lucila shares that the exhibit features the “diverse cultural narratives, shared experiences between the Filipino and Canadian communities,” and that the exhibit also “weaves the intricate fabric of FIlipino-Canadian identity and heritage.”
At the closing ceremony on June 29, Consul General Emma Sarne remarked that the artworks have transcended visual appeal and have shared a piece of the artists’ identity, history and dreams making it an exceptional celebration of 75 years of Philippines-Canada bilateral relations. She also commended Philippine Arts Council’s Executive Director Ida Lucila, “for her vision, passion and commitment to Philippine art and culture, and for the meticulous curation that has brought a diverse array of artwork that collectively tell a powerful story of cultural fusion & artistic excellence”.
This art exhibit actually had two legs, i.e. in Edmonton for May Asian Heritage Month and in Calgary for the whole month of June for Philippine Heritage Month. Some of the art works were also featured at the PCGC’s Independence Day Celebration and formal introduction of Consul General Sarne last June 28, at the Calgary Petroleum Club. We are thrilled to share that our art exhibit has received rave reviews from visitors, who have been deeply moved and inspired by the incredible talent and powerful stories showcased by our Filipino-Canadian artists - “Amazing pieces of art! Love how the artists have a deep sense of our history and culture as Filipino Canadians!”; “Thank you for raising the Filipino flag through the Tapestry of Art!”; “You are all so talented!”; “This is a great masterpiece.”; “Make Filipinos proud.”... are but a few comments in the guest book.
The success of the art exhibit has paved the way for exciting future collaborations with the Philippine Consulate General Calgary and talented artists from Calgary. We look forward to continuing to celebrate and promote Filipino-Canadian culture together in the years to come.
* This article was published in the July 2024 article of the Alberta Chronicle.
** Do you know of a Filipino, or of Filipino-descent artist/creative, or an art and culture event that should be featured? Let us know at PhilippineArtsCouncil@gmail.com.
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