Quezon City, Philippines – In celebration of the National Museums and Galleries Month, SEAMEO INNOTECH launched the second group art exhibition of its White Room Gallery titled, “Don We Now Our Gay Apparel.”
Well-known figures, art enthusiasts, and cultural aficionados, attended the opening event of the art convergence, held on 12 October 2023 at the newly expanded White Room Gallery located in the International House of SEAMEO INNOTECH at Diliman, Quezon City.
“Don We Now Our Gay Apparel” featured a diverse collection of art pieces that beautifully merged traditional and contemporary forms, offering a visual feast for all art enthusiasts. The title of the art exhibition, a familiar line from a popular Christmas carol, “Deck the Halls,” aims to edify the spirit of everyone and hail the advent of Christmas.
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, as the guest of honor, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony with SEAMEO INNOTECH Director Dr. Leonor Magtolis-Briones and White Room Gallery Artistic Curator Professor Rubén DF Defeo of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts.
Aside from congratulating the artists on their work, Senator Angara also recognizes how vital art is. “Art is really something that makes life worth living,” he shared during his opening remarks. “You cannot put a value to it—it is difficult. But we can agree that it makes life worthwhile.”
(Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara delivering his message as the guest of honor)
Director Briones also welcomed the artists who participated in the conception of the art exhibition, “We are proud to have provided a space for artists, accomplished and amateur ones, to showcase their artistic innovations and inspire community engagement.”
She once again emphasizes the productive relationship between Arts and Technology. “Technology and science cannot be separated from the humanities. One enhances and enriches the other. The White Room Gallery of SEAMEO INNOTECH celebrates this joyful unity,” Briones said in her welcome message.
(Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, SEAMEO INNOTECH Director Leonor Magtolis-Briones and White Room Gallery Artistic Curator Professor Rubén DF Defeo with the featured artists)
This year-ender exhibition features 41 art pieces, in 45.72 x 60.96 cm and 7.6 x 7.6 cm canvases and sculptures.
Among the esteemed and renowned featured artists in the exhibition are former Deans of UP College of Fine Arts Virginia DANDAN and Nestor Olarte VINLUAN, Professor Emeritus Benjie CABANGIS, Father of the Philippine Art Workshop Fernando SENA, National Artist Nominee Fil DELACRUZ, Father of Environmental Surrealism Raul Hembra LEBAJO, actor Reb BELLEZA, Lito CARATING, Pablo BIGLANG-AWA, Nina LIBATIQUE, Jeff DIZON, Mario PARIAL, Anton QUISUMBING, Manuel RODRIGUEZ, Jonahmar SALVOSA, Phyllis ZABALLERO, Popo SAN PASCUAL, JUNYEE, and Binibining Pilipinas 2000 – Universe Nina Ricci ALAGAO.
They are joined by the “INNOTECH 13+1” artists, namely: Ramon Arsenio ACEVEDO, Hoche Magtolis BRIONES, Ryan Alison CUA, Denes DASCO, Joy DASCO, Jes EVANGELISTA, Karen FABIE-CONCEPCION, Reymar GACUTAN, Carmela GEISERT, Jay LOZADA, Nesty Angeles ORTIZ, Byron Valenzuela, Michael VELASCO and Jefferson VILLACRUZ.
The opening ceremony concluded with a performance from the world-renowned and multi-awarded Manila Concert Choir, showcasing prominent Christmas carols that heightened the spirit of this auspicious event.
The art exhibition will be on display until 31 December 2023. The White Room Gallery is open to public viewing every Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
For more information about the gallery and their upcoming exhibitions, visit their social media pages: White Room Gallery or email at si.whiteroomgallery@gmail.com.
