US, Phl, Korean artists in widely diverse programs/Lessons from the Japanese

The US Embassy sends this announcement of a unique unprecedented program. Two artists from DanceAbility International, which seeks to bring together through dance, people with and without disabilities are conducting a workshop on its methods May 14-18 at CCP’s Bulwagang A. Hernandez.

Alito Alessi, its artistic director-founder, and Karen Daly, a DanceAbility teacher, cancer-survivor and wheelchair-user, are interacting with Filipino dancers, artists and teachers, both able and disabled.

Arts envoys of the US Department, Alessi and Daly will share the DanceAbility methods to both groups. DanceAbility International, based in Eugene, Oregon, US, with its very selective and prestigious program, aims to share the best of the US arts community with the world and foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

Alessi and Daly are the first to hail from a “mixed-abilities” dance company integrating able and disabled dancers. A one-day workshop yesterday was for students/young artists; a four-day orientation for teachers/choreographers/dancers will be on May 15 (today) - 18. For a wider reach and impact, the US Embassy and the CCP are bringing in selected regional participants for the five-day workshop-orientation.

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The Rev. Fr. Pedro Galende, San Agustin Museum curator, has sent out invitations to “Santificado”, an exhibition of the leaf collage of Fernando “Pando” Manipon. The event, which opens on May 17, 6:30 p.m. and ends on June 17, celebrates International Museums Day, and will be an exhibit on illustrious Philippine churches.

Manipon was inspired to use dried leaves in his art works when he saw a documentary of the leaf paintings by the famous Japanese artist Katsuo Akasaki. Manipon started creating his own style in 2009 when he gathered leaves after typhoon Ondoy. His first collage of Malate Church was finished in three months.

A mere hobby became an obsession, and later, the artist finished 22 detailed works on churches, including the four Baroque churches declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Highlighting the exhibit will be a collage of the Shround of Turin and an image of the Virgin and Child.

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Also opening on May 17 will be “A Midsummer’s Night Reunion”, a display of contemporary works by noted Filipino and Korean artists. The exhibit runs until July 31.

In Korea, spring stands for new meetings and friendships. The exhibit will feature the various trends and influences in both Korean and Phl contemporary art, and present the best works.

The arts exchange exhibit hinges on our summer season as it seeks to find a common ground for  aesthetics for contemporary tastes. Filipino participants are National Artist Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera; prominent installation artist Luis “Junyee” Yee Jr. whose artwork was sourced through Galleria Duemila; Angono-based Nemesio “Nemiranda” Miranda Jr.; the abstractionist Raul Isidro; watercolorist Ephraim Samson and printmaker Fil Delacruz, known for integrating indigenous elements in his works. Representing the younger generation are Geraldine Javier, Mark Orozco Justiniani, Michael Adrao and Alfredo Esquillo Jr. whose works for this show were collectively sourced from Tin-aw Gallery.

Korean artists are Hwang Sung-joon, Park Gye-hoon, Oh Seung-min, Jeong Hye-jeong, Choi Uk, Lee Dong-jae, Hong Kyeong-tak, Choi Sung-du, Yoo Bong-sang and Hong Da-seul.

Their works were sourced from the Korean Art Bank, which was established under the auspices of the National Museum of Contemporary Art as a support system for their homegrown talents through purchases of outstanding pieces.

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In the Japan Bulletin is this letter from Filipino student John Panganiban:

“One thing I observed during my stay in Japan was the outstanding discipline. In the Yuriage Junior High School, the valuables of the evacuees during the disaster (tsunami), like school bags, instruments, picture frames and clothes are properly stored in the gymnasium. They respect every property that belongs to the victims, believing that one day the owners will find them. Being disciplined is a norm in their society, an exceptional pride that everyone has.”