You would think that three exhibits happening on the same night and around fairly the same areas would constitute a convenient night you will remember forever! Turns out, it’s not that “convenient.” Practical, probably, but you keep missing the people because they leave when you arrive, and vice versa. There was actually another exhibit I wanted to go see, but couldn’t because of the time constraints.

Three group exhibits happened in mo_., Manila Contemporary, and the Pablo Fort. Incidentally, I was part of two of these—MC and Pablo—which is why it was imperative for me, personally, to hit at least those two.

Our first stop was Manila Contemporary, for Through the Looking Glass: José Rizal, a Rizal-themed exhibit, aiming to encapsulate a multi-faceted Rizal. It was interesting to see what everyone else came up with.

This was my work, playing on Rizal’s (arguably) most famous work, Noli Me Tangere. I wrote some passages from the book in Braille, a slight nod to his being an opthalmologist, and also picked pictures that connect to Rizal, though sometimes just vaguely. I find that it’s always exciting to guess at what an artist means by some things instead of being told, flat-out, what the intention behind something was.

Luis Santos

Zeus Bascon

Jacob Lindo

Francis Kommeyne

Louie Talents

My other photos aren’t so good, so you can see the other works here.

What opened along with this show was Rizalpabeto, a project by poet Vim Nadera and artist Elmer Borlongan for Canvas, I think. This was introduced back in August at Manilart 2011. Now, Mr. Borlongan has completed all 26 letras y figuras. If I’m not mistaken, this will be turned into a book.

A picture I made Sarie pose for, hehe.

Our next stop was Pablo Fort for Hairy Things, an all-female (!) show that I was part of with Maria Jeona Zoleta, Catalina Africa, and Tin Garcia, and curated by Lena Cobangbang. It looked like a pocket of a party from the outside. :)

Catalina Africa

Catalina Africa and Maria Jeona Zoleta

Maria Jeona Zoleta. Sometimes, I really wish I could be as brave with my art as this girl right here. Maybe not in the same way as she is, but just gustier, I guess.

Tin Garcia.

I did my book assemblage series, including two self-portraits. If it interests you, you can see them all (badly-lit) here.

Our last stop, after a hefty meal at Chuck’s Deli was mo_. for a group show curated by Geraldine Javier, entitled Incidental Pleasure. I really enjoyed looking at all the pieces in this show, because it reflected an almost obsessive intricacy in the works. These skulls covered in wax and thread are Javier’s creations.

Ryan Villamael’s Stellar series. A variation of his usual cut-out mirror images—using pictures of constellations and nebulae as the base.

Ryan Villamael

Juan Alcazaren

Eugene Jarque—velcro!

Mac Valdezco

All that walking made me glad that I brought along my camera and wore somewhat sensible shoes.

Through the Looking Glass: José Rizal is on display until June 17 at Manila Contemporary. Hairy Things is on display until June 23 at Pablo Fort. Incidental Pleasure is on display until June 24 at mo_.

P.S. “Art Hop” stolen from art announcements at the Bratpack Blog.