MANILA, Philippines - Ever wondered how an art gallery is born? Back in 2001, artist-businesswoman Addie Cukingnan, after visiting his grandfather at the eponymous Don Alfonso Sycip Building in Ermita, dropped by an art-gallery-cum-frame shop to have some of her flower paintings framed. Named the Corner Gallery, the shop was literally located at the corner of a street along A. Mabini Street. It was owned by Leopoldo Pazcoguin, who happened to be the brother-in-law of the comedian Pugak — also known as the artist-art dealer Peck Pinon. Pazcoguin had a son named Azor, who was taking up Physical Therapy, but who was also an aspiring artist.
The Pazcoguins wanted to form an artists’ group with friends Abelardo Pasigado, Jessie Martin, Rey Ademis and Azvel Pazcoguin. Having admired the paintings of Cukingnan, the group invited her to join, and Arte Pintura Group was born. It later invited artists Rey Aurelio, Flor Baradi, Nena Frondoso, and Addie’s daughter Tisha Cukingnan. Through several years, the Arte Pintura group was together for communal painting sessions. In time, because of her leadership quality and commitment to her art, Addie Cukingnan, who was also the erstwhile founder and owner of the popular Japanese fast food chain Kitaro, became the acknowledged head of the Arte Pintura Group.
“Bully the Kid” by Azor Pazcoguin
The culmination of the group comes with the establishment of the Arte Pintura Gallery, which launches its inaugural show titled “Doble Kara.”
The two-faced concept is translated in visual terms by pairing two paintings with common concerns in subject, theme, image, form or shape; one rendered in black and white, the other in full color.
The participating artists are: Addie Cukingnan, Azor Pazcoguin, Rey Aurelio, Flor Baradi, Nena Frondoso, Cid Reyes, Toti Cerda, Louie Ignacio, Ronald Jeresano, Arnico Acantilado, Max Balatbat, Sam Penaso, Ryan Duenas, Allain Hablo, Vincent Lavega, Salvador Sierra, Joven Ignacio, Marge Lim, Ronnie Lim, Lei Manto, Jeff Baligad, Jomer Bolesa, Mark Espina, Vincent Padilla, Rodel Omampo, Thomas Daquioag, and Ed Guzman.
“Sa Pula Sa Puti” by Addie Cukingnan
“Doble Kara” runs until Nov. 29. Arte Pintura Gallery is at The Address at Wack Wack, Wack Wack Road, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila. For inquiries, call tel no. 631-08-98. Email: artepinturagallery@yahoo.com. Visit: www.facebook.com/artepinturagallery.manila.