Dubbed as “Ama” and “Straight from the Heart,” the back-to-back shows, the third major event since the gallery opened in December, showcase a star-studded cast of artists, including Ramon Orlina, Kublai Milan, Melissa Yeung Yap and Meroy Catrillo, among others. Part of the proceeds generated from one the shows will fund the medical needs of Ino Pagkatipunan, ailing son of artist Agi Pagkatipunan.
Since opening its doors to the public last December, Galerie du Soleil MNL, an emerging art and culture hub in the heart of Taguig, now launches its third exhibit, two back-to-back group shows titled “Ama” –a Lenten offering– and “Straight from the Heart,” ongoing until April 23.
“Ama” was conceptualized by artists Danny Rayos del Sol, Agi Pagkatipunan and Jik Villanueva as an annual Lenten exhibition, an offering and sacrifice, as well as an invitation to reflect and contemplate on how the divine relates to humankind, manifesting especially in fatherhood and its many faces.
The show’s first run highlights nine artists, all fathers whose works centered on spirituality and faith. Each artwork expresses their Christian faith and life and how it grounds their respective approaches toward and understanding of fatherhood.
Villanueva shares that the team would like “Ama” to evolve into a mobile exhibit that can be mounted anywhere, while consistently highlighting works centered on Christian faith. Each edition aims to devote its proceeds to a chosen beneficiary.
Such bayanihan efforts continue in “Straight from the Heart,” whose proceeds will also go to Ino Pagkatipunan, Agi Pagkatipunan’s son who’s in need of medical assistance.
Both established and emerging artists donated their artworks to the show. Galleries like Artes Orientes and Artologist also sent artworks to aid in the cause.
Participating artists include Ramon Orlina, Kublai Millan, Ram Mallari, Ombok Villamor, Marge Organo, Melissa Yeung Yap, Richard Buxani, Jeff Dahilan, Wencyl Mallari, Meroy Castrillo and Elias Pernecita.
Given such variety of works, collectors and visitors may purchase artwork for as low as P 4,000.00. Many participating artists did not know Agi personally but still decided to help.
Overwhelmed and grateful for such generosity, Rayos del Sol can’t help but recall a particular bible verse, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Galerie du Soleil MNL also doubles as a museum, housing the permanent collection of the Rayos del Sol family. It aims to be a destination that highlights the creative scene in Taguig, spotlighting visual art, music, dance, spoken word, creative writing and various other art forms, all helmed by Taguig artists but also fast becoming a haven for creatives beyond the city borders.
Rayos del Sol, a former officer in the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), reveals that “preservation, promotion, enriching and developing arts and culture was always my advocacy.” It’s not so much giving back as it is “paying forward, as we need to support living artists in their profession.”
Today, he continues this mission in his capacity as a private individual, working hand in hand with the Taguig City government as a partner through its Think Big Taguig and I Love Taguig programs.
For updates, follow Galerie du Soleil MNL on Facebook. For inquiries, message Tess Rayos del Sol at 0919 991 8765 via SMS or Viber.
