The shape of things to come

Art and commerce make strange bed-fellows but this will be proven otherwise by a group of dynamic, young, creative sculptors and one of the world’s leading banking institutions, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank.

The rare collaboration unfolds later today when sculptors Juan Alcazaren, Eng Chan, Aba Dalena, Magdiwang Jardiniano, Dan Raralio, Tito Sanchez, Maria Taniguchi and Reggie Yuson unveil their works at the lobby of The Enterprise Center, the Philippine headquarters of HSBC at Ayala Ave. corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City.

Dubbed as The 2001 Young Sculptors Show, the partnership exemplifies how artists and commercial institutions work hand-in-hand for the sake of art. A corporate headquarters is enhanced by the artistic display; artists, in turn, have the venue where they can connect with art patrons and a wider audience who are culturally enriched by the endeavor.

Philippine STAR columnist Ana Labrador, who curates the exhibit, says the eight sculptors were selected not just because of their youth but also because of their fresh approach to contemporary sculpture, a factor that blends well with the very modern design of The Enterprise Center. "Innovative and fresh approaches to sculpture, rather than just youth, distinguish the eight artists participating in this survey exhibition which includes new and reworked pieces that complement the space and context of the venue," she says.

For instance, Tito Sanchez, while inspired in his choice of materials by his apprenticeship with classical master Anastacio Caedo, molds metals into pieces that show a mastery of traditional techniques while being truly modern in appeal.

Dan Raralio, Aba Dalena and Maria Taniguchi also have a preference for modeling but have begun to explore non-traditional materials, like resin, synthetic, marble and sawdust with glue.

Juan Alcazaren, Eng Chan, Magdiwang Jardiniano and Reggie Yuson are names synonymous with assemblage. One only has to see how these artists ingeniously combine found objects, metal scraps, discarded materials with stainless steel, aluminum, and ceramic tiles and reincarnate these into inventive masterpieces.

The creations on exhibit are best described as truly innovative and cutting-edge and it is to HSBC’s credit that this year, the banking institution has decided to focus on sculpture.

Products of this art form have not been favored for exhibition in galleries, owing to factors like size and installation requirements. It is also less popular than two-dimensional works among collectors owing to space constraints.

But given the proper support, as has been done by HSBC, sculpture will be better appreciated and get the attention it deserves.

"By mounting this sculpture showcase to help promote Filipino talent and appreciation for the arts, we found a unique opportunity for artists to display their works before our customers and visitors to The Enterprise Center. We hope that this modest contribution will help recognize our artists and encourage them to continue in their craft," says HSBC chief executive officer Paul Lawrence.