Organized by ICanServe Foundation Inc. in time for its 25th anniversary, “The Pink Room” is a fundraiser and exhibit where art meets sole —and where every bid will eventually help bring the community closer to beating breast cancer.
By Franchesca L. Tuazon
The worlds of fashion, art and philanthropy collide in “The Pink Room: A Gallery for Good,” which is set to be staged at the Brittany Hotel in BGC from Sept. 4 to 14.
Curated by Carol Karthe, this unique gallery celebrates art in its most wearable form, showcasing the iconic Ultra White Nike Air Force 1s as canvases for 27 renowned Filipino artists.
More than the shoes though, the exhibit is also about making strides in the fight against breast cancer.
“Cancer is everyone’s business”
For ICanServe Foundation, Inc., The Pink Room is testament to the enduring power of community, creativity and care. ICanServe founding president and breast cancer survivor Kara Magsanoc-Alikpala, explains: “We don’t even have to say anything, the shoe will tell you the story for us. We want to see everyone come together because cancer is everyone’s business.”
To turn vision into reality, ICanServe commissioned the likes of National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto “BenCab,” Elmer Borlongan, Carlo Calma and Lilianna Manahan, among others, to transform the Nike AF1s into stunning works of art.
Co-founder and chairman Crisann Celdran, further shares that the choice to focus on sneakers was a no-brainer. “There’s really a big interest in shoes, shoes becoming an art or a collector’s item,” she explains.
At the end of the exhibit on Sept. 14, these artist-designed Nike AF1s will be auctioned off. Proceeds from the auction will support ICanServe’s initiatives. These include funding treatments and medical procedures for breast cancer patients, launching health literacy campaigns, training public health workers on early detection, and developing breast cancer control programs.
“What we’ve realized is even if you get diagnosed, if you don’t complete it and somebody doesn’t help you or guide you through the way, you won’t finish the treatment and that’s what you need. So parang kaagapay [ a helping hand] to help you navigate the processes,” Celdran emphasizes. “We decided those are the most pressing needs.”
Indeed, The Pink Room is a reminder that art can be a force for good and that each of us can play a role in making a difference. “I hope people see that everyone in can use what they have, their talents, to contribute to the greater good in their own way. I always say I’m not a doctor, how can I help? Cancer is such a big problem. But in your own little way, you can do something good to help others,” Christina Dy, one of the artists for the event who also happens to be a breast cancer survivor, said.
So, lace up those shoes, walk through The Pink Room, and take part in this inspiring movement.
