MANILA, Philippines - As The STAR celebrated its 25th year of championing truth in journalism and unflinchingly presenting all sides of the story, artworks by National Artist Arturo Luz, Ramon Orlina, Juvenal Sanso, Lor Calma, Jose Mendoza, Claude Tayag, Maxine Syjuco and Igan D’Bayan were featured in an exhibit organized by The Crucible Gallery for the newspaper’s anniversary party at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel.
It was not only a celebration of Truth (in journalism) for The STAR, it was also a celebration of Truth (in giving form to the inexpressible) for the aforementioned artists.
STAR Lifestyle editor Millet Mananquil approached The Crucible owner Gallery Sari Ortiga to help out in mounting the exhibition. Ortiga recalls, “Millet wanted a way of involving Filipino artists into (an event that marks a) milestone in Philippine journalism, to make it even more special — and so she thought of a sculpture exhibition.”
He adds that the artists dwelled upon the theme of the show (“Truth”) and came up with their own idiosyncratic takes on the subject. Luz came up with a sculpture titled “Tribal,” which is part of his “Star” series. Orlina came up with a classy, glass piece that extols the value of following one’s own timeless music. Calma ruminated on the juxtaposition between steel (the architect-artist’s material of choice) and a folded piece of paper (could be something that came fresh from printing press — dig the connection).
Ortiga explains, “A logical choice for Lor, considering the size of the space and the concept related to paper. What can be done with paper — like what The STAR has proven all these years.”
The other artists — Sanso, Mendoza, Tayag, Syjuco and D’Bayan — came up with their own forms and figures to illuminate what The STAR holds dear in the innermost heart of its pages: Truth.