Abueva in Aruga exhibit

Manila, Philippines - A rare exhibit of early works by National Artist Napoleon Abueva will be held at the North Court of the Power Plant Mall from July 21 to 30, and will include some of his most important pieces in the collection of his family.

Joining him in this exhibit for the benefit of the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) are noted young artists Joven Ignacio and Azor Pascoguin.

Abueva is considered the “Father of modern Philippine sculpture.” His mastery of various media, particularly wood, makes his pieces highly prized collectors’ items. While stately and even monumental, Abueva often imbues his works with surprising humor, reflecting the joie de vivre and passion of his life – even now at his advanced age – that find expression in his art.

Ignacio, for his part, is best known for his vibrant flora and fauna series, particularly his series on Philippine birds. This time he has turned his artistic eye on the Philippine abaniko, infusing the patterns of these heirloom pieces with a delicate

“Family of Carabaos” by National Artist Napoleon Abueva.

transparency and dramatic softness. His layering of several fans on top of each other offers a richness in texture that perhaps best sums up his varied roles in life as architect, artist, and conservationist.

Pascoguin grew up in his father’s art gallery in Mabini, and early on mastered subjects like fruits, for which he gained quite a following. He has moved on to landscapes and pastoral scenes and, of late, figures, but his rendering of fruits endures, displaying a new maturity and refinement.

The PSHS’s Godparent program supports scholars in their daily needs of transportation, food and school requirements. “Aruga” is a tradition of caring and nurturing within PSHS. For more information, contact the PSHS Foundation at tel 924-0655 or email [email protected].