MANILA, Philippines - The artistic development of naïf painter Migs Villanueva follows a trajectory of constant experimentation. Initially focused on her fanciful depictions of children, she has since gone on to bring the world of her characters to life by increasingly adding details to what were once abstract backgrounds. This devotion to evolving her practice has even seen her introduce texture to her paintings. However, the core values that drive her aesthetic remains determinedly the same: a commitment to the Japanese ideal of wabi-sabi — that is, finding perfection in what is imperfect — and visualizing the narratives within her works. After all, Villanueva is, in essence, a storyteller. After leaving a successful corporate career, she charted a productive career in the literary arts, winning three Palanca Awards (2002, 2004, and 2006) and two NVM Gonzales Awards (2001 and 2002). And even after establishing a flourishing visual arts practice, she still has the time to continue her fiction through her second life as a screenwriter.
Thus, Villanueva’s works are inherently narrative in scope. Now, the public has a chance to catch this amazing artist at the country’s biggest art fair, to see for themselves how immersive Villanueva’s art can be. Galerie Francesca will be displaying new works by Migs Villanueva in a special exhibition at ManilART entitled “Sweet Cheeks and Velvet Apples.” Running from October 15 to 19 at Booth D3 at ManilART 2014 in SMX at SM Aura, the exhibition highlights the new developments of a highly regarded artist at the pinnacle of her career.
The exhibition is organized by Galerie Francesca. For information, call (632) 570-9495, (632) 659-2667, or e-mail galeriefrancesca.mega@gmail.com. or galeriefrancesca001@yahoo.com.ph.