An eye to the future: The Ateneo Art Gallery at 50
MANILA, Philippines - Hailed as the first museum of Philippine modern art in the country, the Ateneo Art Gallery celebrated its 50th year with a tribute to the person who started it all with a donation of paintings of the country’s leading modern artists Fernando Zobel de Ayala. The tribute to the art patron came in two parts. One was the world premiere of the composition In the Eye of Modernity — a musical tale of the Ateneo Art Gallery from its humble beginnings to its rise to prestige. The second tribute was national artist Arturo Luz’s sculpture simply called “Homage to Fernando Zobel.” Guests were also treated to a special preview of the landmark exhibition “Lee Aguinaldo: In Retrospect.” The artist, who is also a close friend of Fernando Zobel, holds the distinction of being one of the greatest modern artists in the country.
In the Eye of Modernity composer Francis de Veyra serenaded the audience with his tribute to the late art patron in a wonderful melding of Western and Asian inspirations. The composition is said to be inspired by the range and diversity of the gallery’s art collection started by Fernando Zobel.
The event also launched the gallery’s 50-at-50 Art Endowment Program. It aims to raise P50 million by the end of the gallery’s 50th anniversary celebrations in August 2011. The program was jumpstarted by Security Bank’s donation of Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan’s “Mabini Art Project: 100 Paintings” to the Ateneo Art Gallery for its permanent collection.
The Ateneo Art Gallery has gone a long way from its humble beginnings in Bellarmine Hall. Now in its 50th year, the gallery looks ahead to the bright future as it looks forward to maintaining its status as the country’s leading Philippine modern art museum.
