PH Contemporary Art Showcased in Seoul Exhibit

As part of the series of cultural events celebrating the 70th Anniversary of Philippines-Korea Diplomatic Relations, Philippine contemporary art took center stage in Seoul through the exhibition entitled “The Hybridity and Dynamism of the Contemporary Art of the Philippines” held at the Insa Art Center from 04-10 September 2019.

The exhibit was organized by the HansaeYes24 Foundation and was supported by the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the ASEAN Korea Centre, and the ASEAN Culture House.

The HansaeYes24 Foundation presented the works of 11 Philippine artists, namely, Victor Balanon, Zean Cabangis, Chati Coronel, Patricia Perez Eustaquio, Alvin Gregorio, England Hilgado, Kitty Kaburo, Lui Medina, Ged Merino, Norberto Roldan, and John Frank Sabado.

At the opening ceremony, HansaeYes24 Foundation Chairperson Dr. Cho Youngsoo remarked that the Philippines is the first ASEAN country to establish diplomatic ties with Korea. HansaeYes24 Foundation expressed the hope that the exhibit will be an excellent opportunity to broaden Korean’s understanding of Filipino life and culture.

For his part, Ambassador to South Korea Noe A. Wong thanked the HansaeYes 24 Foundation for the initiative to showcase Philippine contemporary art, contributing to a meaningful and exciting celebration of the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Korea relations.

“The exhibit featured not only Philippine contemporary artworks but also the Filipino artists’ talent, experimentation, and originality which proved their ability to stand among the world’s best,” Ambassador Wong said.

Korean MOFA Director-General for Public Diplomacy and Cultural Affairs Heong Seok-In praised the exhibit as a representation of public diplomacy which introduces various arts from Asian countries.

Curator Choi Eunju described the Filipino artists participating in the exhibit as “serious in their approach to various current issues, conscious of the tradition of Filipino art but reflecting modern characteristics and trends.” She also explained that the traces of artists’ agonizing over the social function of art are revealed in the artworks.

Filipino-American artist Ged Merino described the exhibit as an expression of the diversity of the Filipino and their ingenuity.

The opening reception of the exhibit was well-attended. Before the opening of the Exhibit, an article entitled “Filipino art showcases the diversity, dynamism” was published in the Korea Times. A souvenir book, “PHILIPPINES: The Hybridity and Dynamism of Contemporary Art of the Philippines,” was also published by HansaeYes24 Foundation.

The HansaeYes24 Foundation engages in various activities to strengthen the relationship between Korea and its economic partner countries. The Foundation supports and nurtures activities and programs on overseas volunteer services, scholarships, and arts and academic researches. (DFA PR)