PARIS — Though spring had officially started on March 25, our kababayans braved the chilly winds (touted as the longest winter in 50 years) by the Seine in their Filipiniana regalia, coming in from all over Europe and Manila. It was the opening night of the much-awaited exhibition “Philippines: Archipel des échanges (An Archipelago of Exchange),†the first exhibition of this scope dedicated to the Philippines archipelago in Europe. It features quite a number of essential works of pre-colonial indigenous Filipino art (wood carving, textile, gold, terra cotta), selected from within public and private collections in the Philippines, the US and Europe. It is curated by our very own anthropologist Corazon Alvina, and Constance de Monbrison, in charge of the Insular Southeast Asia Collections at the Musée du quai Branly.
The presence of the French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault, and Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay flying in from Manila, not only underscores the importance of this milestone exhibition, but also adds enhancement to our two countries’ political, economic and cultural relations.
The Musée du quai Branly features indigenous art, cultures and civilizations from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. It is located close to the Eiffel Tower, on 37, Quai Branly - Portail Debilly, 75007 Paris. The Philippine exhibition will run until July 14.