Lakbay: Voices Of The Philippine Diaspora

The Art House brings together the unique visions of nine Filipino diaspora artists in “Lakbay,” an upcoming exhibition that pays tribute to the life and works of pioneering modernist painter, Nena Saguil. 

Founded in 2019 by Carlo Pineda, The Art House is a boutique multi-platform dedicated to fostering community engagement, cultural exchange and authentic connections within and beyond the creative ecosystem. Its upcoming art exhibition, Lakbay: Voyages into the Absolute with Nena Saguil, is testament to this purpose, born out of a desire to bring something refreshing and compelling to the local art scene.

Lakbay is one part creative record of the global experiences of Filipino creatives, and another part tribute to the life and works of Nena Saguil—a pioneering Filipino modernist painter who shaped abstract art in the country and beyond. 

Lakbay Nena Saguil diaspora

The show will take place during National Arts Month from February 8 to 10, 2025, in partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), British Council, and Discovery Primea. The Makati hotel’s mezzanine will be housing never-before-seen pieces from Saguil alongside works of international Filipino artists who, like her, have ventured beyond the country and experienced a diasporic reality.

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Bridging Experiences Of The Global Filipino 

A graduate of the University of Philippines School of Fine Arts (and recipient of its Award of Excellence), Nena Saguil established herself as an inimitable voice in Philippine abstract art, being one of its earliest and most influential practitioners. Five years after graduating university, she left the country to pursue further studies in Paris—where she received multiple grants—and continued her creative practice there for forty years. In 1974, Saguil was inducted into the roster of 12 Outstanding Overseas Filipinos, and in 2006, she was posthumously awarded a Presidential Medal of Merit for her outstanding contributions to the field of art. 

There are many other Filipinos who have shared, and continue to share, similar experiences with the late artist: creativity abounds within the archipelago, and in an increasingly globalized world, our local talents travel to other shores in order to hone and broaden their skills. 

Lakbay is a conversation between nine of these creative minds as they react, reflect, and respond to the life, praxis, and works of Saguil. The event is also another big step for The Art House in its mission of uplifting and promoting Filipino talent across oceans and artistic genres or expressions, encouraging creators, audiences, collaborators, and art enthusiasts to engage in meaningful conversations on Philippine culture, heritage, and identity.

“I’ve always been an avid collector of Nena Saguil’s artworks. For Art Month, we wanted to present a different proposition—something new and fresh. We were keen on bringing audiences stories and experiences not usually found in the local art market,” shared Pineda in a press statement, who currently stands as the group’s founder and CEO.

Carlo Pineda, founder and CEO of Art House
Carlo Pineda, founder and CEO of The Art House

He continued: “Our activities, whether it be through public art, explorations in materiality and sustainable art, or reflections on digital art like NFTs, are always about creating collective journeys and conversations. While others might want to gatekeep the artists from collectors, we like to build spaces where both can interact, connect, and be part of one open, inclusive ecosystem or community. We’d like to think that our work as a platform helps to revitalize the patron-artist relationship.”

The World From Their Eyes 

One of Saguil’s preoccupations as an artist was the cosmic, and our relationship to the larger universe beyond. So it makes sense that Lakbay honors the stories of Filipino artists who come from all walks of life, their diverse backgrounds creating a rich and layered conversation on what it means to be a Filipino away from home. 

Participating talents include Jana Benitez (United States), Rose Cameron (United States), Kim Cruz (United States), Lizza May David (Germany), John Wayne Forte (United States), Marissa Gonzalez (Switzerland), Rasco Jugarap (Belgium), Kulay Labitingan (United Kingdom), and Jaclyn Reyes (United States). Each of them were handpicked by The Art House—part of a consolidated list between Pineda and Marika Constantino, who serves as the exhibition’s curator—for their talents, accomplishments, and unique voices based on the recommendations of industry insiders and extensive research. 

“The diasporic experience, which may be consciously or unconsciously manifested in their artworks, is a common linkage with the artists in this exhibition,” wrote Constantino in her curatorial statement. “In Saguil’s words, ‘[…] Your “roots” will always be expressed in anything you do, the Filipino in the artist will always show up in his work; it will show even through his own insecurity. I think we are too conscious of being “Filipino.” The important thing is sincerity […] Therefore, one must free oneself – within one’s self.’ Whether it’s metaphorical, philosophical, literal or figurative terms, there is much to be gleaned from Saguil’s uncompromising and authentic stance.”

Showcasing A Country’s Talent

All nine of the artists from the initial list agreed to be a part of Lakbay, as Pineda detailed during a special preview, indicative of their enthusiasm to reconnect with their motherland and gain a better understanding of the local art market. 

The show will not only aid in cultural exchange and engagement, but also benefit the Nena Saguil Foundation, which chose the works for exhibition. “With every exhibit or activation we do at Art House, there is a giving back component that forges a stronger sense of community and cultural engagement within the ecosystem,” Pineda added. 

Benjamin, the nephew of Saguil, was present during the press preview, and thanked The Art House for the opportunity to not only share his aunt’s works, but also tell the ongoing story that she was an inextricable part of. “It really would have been a dream come true for her, if she was around. The Philippine art community is progressing, and the other side of the world—Europe and the United States—allows artists to showcase an experience that’s unique: being in a different culture while still maintaining your character as a Filipino,” he expressed.

“Lakbay: Voyages into the Absolute with Nena Saguil” will run from February 8 to 10, 2025 at the mezzanine of Discovery Primea, located at 6749 Ayala Avenue, Makati. For more information about ART HOUSE visit, www.arthouseph.com. For updates, follow on Instagram @thearthouse_ .

Photos courtesy of The Art House and Before Deadlines (unless specified).

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