Philippine Art

UNLIKE in the United States and Europe where art is highly appreciated, evidenced by the number of art galleries around, the Philippines is not too particular with it.

However, it is not to say that Filipinos are ignorant with art, but that it only caters to a minority.

Art is a broad term, but we are talking about paintings and sculptures, and the likes we see in galleries.

To those enthusiasts, thank God for Finale Art File, a surviving gallery institution in the Philippines.

From taking shelter at SM Megamall and Lao Center, Finale Art File finally finds its own home in a warehouse in Makati City. The building holds three multi-functional galleries because it is with the intention of holding ambitious exhibitions.

Ambitious is exactly what Filipino artists need to strive for.

For the month of August, Finale Art is winding down on the exhibit of Paulo Vinluan. The gallery will also hold a silent auction early September with the rest of the month devoted to the art of Lyra Garcellano.

Auction in the gallery is not limited to paintings and sculptures, by the way; artifacts, jewelry, furniture and antiques are on display for the collector’s taking.

However, of course, artifacts, jewelry, furniture and antiques are modes of art that could just melt anyone’s heart.

Ateneo auction takes four days in October while Soler / Mona Santos exhibit her stuff afterwards.

Nona Garcia takes November while Liv Romualdez Vinluan winds down 2009.

These are just in the Tall gallery.

The Upstairs gallery has Redd Nacpil for August, Jojo Serrano in September, and Poklong Anading in October.

MM Yu and Manuel Ocampo get ready for November and December, respectively.

Like any established galleries, Finale Art also published books: Ang Kiukok: Deconstructing Despair and Ang Kiukok, Recent Works 2000-2004.

It also compiled catalogues for artist: US-based Manuel Ocampo: Mumu Territorium.

Also, as an added service, the gallery restores and cleans art. They have hired artists-workers that are experts in restoring art without diminishing its quality.

Finale Art has been in existence for more than two decades, and it has given artists a venue to express themselves, in a bold or minimalist manner…or even in a commercial aspect.