Flor G. Tarriela l March 9, 2023 l Manila Bulletin
Do you know that art is vital and exposure to art increases productivity by 15 percent? This is according to a study by Denver-based company Nine Dot Arts. And understanding Philippine Contemporary Art helps one understand the current culture, the innermost thoughts, and experiences of an artist — reflecting life and in a sense, preserving history for the future generations. Art is essential because it enriches our lives in countless ways. How? It allows us to connect with others, to understand ourselves, and to make sense of the world around us. Without art, our lives would be much poorer and less meaningful. Knowing its importance, FINEX has an active Liaison Director and Committee on Arts and Culture.
As there were no cameras before, traditional paintings were almost like photographs. Now with everyone having cameras through their cellphones, contemporary art can take on many forms — from a manipulation of normal materials into unique pieces, to videos, paintings, photographs, fabric art, to unusual sculptures. It may not make sense immediately upon viewing the piece, but upon further inspection and insight, the viewer either responds or reacts and it becomes relevant to his/her being/psyche, or he/she gains insight into what the artist is trying to say. Either way, contemporary art is more about dialogue, an interaction, between the art, the artist and the one experiencing it. You take from it as much as you put in.
Menarco Tower in BGC, “the Healthiest Building in Southeast Asia“ was recently transformed to a vertical museum of contemporary art. “It is our dream to uplift not just the real estate development scene, but the arts and culture milieu of the Philippines,” says Carmen Jimenez Ong, Menarco Founder/CEO. Carmen is the youngest daughter of my only sister Carolina, the “Bamboo Queen” and Menardo Jimenez. Carmen says, “As stewards of what God has gifted to us, Menarco has an obligation to not only build better for people and for planet, but also to sincerely help with nation building along the way.” “A work of love and honor for 7 years,” claims Isa Lorenzo, Founder of Silverlens, a prime mover of making the Menarco dream come true.
The opening of the Menarco Vertical Museum was a joyous gathering after three years of pandemic restrictions, of family and friends and the art connoisseurs of the Philippines. Art tours by Isa Lorenzo, Kagi Umpad and the Ateneo Art Management team took everyone on an inspiring journey thru the collection of 39 art pieces.
Among Carmen’s’ favorites, perhaps because of the painstaking workmanship, or because of the message they communicated are artworks by:
Isabel & Alfredo Aquilizan
The wing appears light and lofty as it floats in the air — from afar, but upon closer inspection, the feathers are made of daggers. The wing is the heaviest piece in the whole Menarco Vertical Museum collection. This represents the weight of life and the levity with which one can take. It is all about perspective.
Pam Yan Santos
The many drawers where one can store and send off burdens, prayers, well wishes, and thoughts. This is so relevant today when we carry so much. It is good to be able to pack away and share our thoughts in a private way with the community. There is strength in it.
Gregory Halili
The artists eyes, spanning over generations, painstakingly done by the artist on shells, wood, and other found objects show the reverence for the past and for the former artists who paved the way for today’s artists. This is Filipino craftsmanship at its best.
Wawi Navaroza
Her piece speaks of a woman’s resilience. As you see her self-portrait after having deadly dengue, a photograph of her with crutches, surrounded by color and life from biophilia, she remains triumphant over the challenges of life.
So, why not experience and learn something new? Visit the Menarco Vertical Museum (email mvm@menarco.com.ph for tours) and see how art reflects life, culture, and history!
*** Ms. Tarriela, a FINEX trustee, was former chairman of Philippine National Bank. former Undersecretary of Finance and the First Filipina Vice President of Citibank N.A. She is a trustee of FINEX. A gardener and an environmentalist, she founded Flor’s Garden in Antipolo.