Break before you build

MANILA, Philippines - The late Leo Benesa, one of (if not the most) influential Filipino art critic ever, once posed the question: “What is ‘Philippine’ in Philippine art?” He concluded that the answer can be found in the artist’s intent to, first and foremost, “paint well.” This is what the people behind the group exhibit “Wasak! Filipino Art Today” aim for as well.

From Dec. 8 of last year to Jan. 30, across two locations in Berlin, the best and brightest names in Filipino art joined forces for the group exhibit “Wasak! Filipino Art Today.” Curated by Norman Crisologo and Erwin Romulo, it was arguably the best international showcase of Philippine art in recent memory and was the first of its kind in Europe to exhibit a show of this size. Featuring the works of incredible talents such as Jigger Cruz, Kawayan de Guia, Nona Garcia, Louie Cordero and Manuel Ocampo among others, it was a relative overview of not just what our contemporary art has to offer, but also a unique history lesson on the Philippine’s recent past.

To celebrate the show’s success, an accompanying hardbound publication of the same name was produced by Arndt and Distanz Verlag. Wasak! Filipino Art Today features an intimate look at the 19 artists who exhibited in Berlin feature with exclusive photos by Tim Serrano. Originally available only abroad, Wasak! Will be sold at this weekend’s Manila Contemporary Art Fair and is a true must-have for any fan and supporter of local art.