MANILA, Philippines - Maria Pureza “Puchette” Escaño recently showcased her artworks in “Ode to the Father,” a traveling exhibit of praise and thanksgiving, at the LRI Pavilion, LRI Design Plaza, 210 Nicanor Garcia st., Bel-Air II, Makati City.
Archbishop Angel Lagdameo officiated the Mass.
The opening was attended by Rad Escaño, Ric and Rizza Pascua, Raul and Mari Garcia, Bogie and Marge Lorenzo, Joey and Mari-vikk Vinas, Jojo and Koi Jalandoni, Ed and Malou Malay, Jo and Mar Tamayo, Manny Siggaoat, Gerry Cunanan, Tony Suiza, Kiko and Aida Josef, Olive Zamora, Lennie dela Rosa, Dan and Ludy Andres, and Edwin and Babylynne Aguila.
The exhibit presented by BLD Gawad Kalinga headed by Ric Pascua of the Bukas-Loob sa Diyos Foundation.
All paintings in the exhibit were donated to raise seed funds for the Scholarship of Hope of the Bukas-Loob sa Diyos Foundation. The scholarship, a brainchild of Bukas-Loob sa Diyos spiritual director Archbishop Lagdameo, seeks to assist the children of the poorest of the poor.
“Ode to the Father” traces its roots from a prayer poem of the same title penned by Puchette herself. In this poem, she recounts God’s blessings and how He carried her from what she calls the “dark night of the soul” into a new light and life.
Composer Jason Asistores transformed this prayer into a song and performed the song live with singer and fellow Makopa band member Nika Espinosa. Also featured were photographs by Mian Sta.Cruz.
Sponsored by Smart Communications, Inc. the traveling exhibit started at Bliss Café & Art Space, Hotel Elizabeth in Baguio City and featured Puchette’s signature figurative and avant-garde style.
The series in the collection reflects the artist’s search, discovery and affirmation of the inspiration behind her masterpieces — as depicted in all 16 artworks (retrospective of her paintings from 2002-2010) which are experimentations of her varying styles in realism, impressionism and surrealism, executed in either oil, acrylic, and watercolor.
Puchette’s reputation as a Filipino global artist started when she was invited to join a group exhibition at the prestigious Ico Gallery in New York from March to April 2009. She has likewise graced the local art scene via various exhibits.
Escaño is represented by Ico Gallery Chelsea, New York; Sining Kamalig Gallery, Gateway Mall; and ArtAsia, SM Megamall. For inquiries, visit http://puchettescano.weebly.com.