Legarda Lauds Developments on PH Contemporary Art, Hailed Ties of History Exhibit

Senator Loren Legarda expressed her elation that contemporary art in the Philippines is now gaining a lot of support and interest in the global scene and likewise hailed the Philippines hosting of the Ties of History: Art in Southeast Asia as a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"It makes me proud to see that the Philippines is now making a visible and important part in the global contemporary scene. At the same time, I laud the country for hosting the Ties of History: Art in Southeast Asia. This initiative is only the beginning of a vision to bring the Filipino talent in its rightful place," Legarda said.

"This collaborative endeavor further puts the ASEAN countries in an in-depth understanding of the remarkable artistry and unique culture of each nation that may also reveal what we have in common, for us to find unity amidst diversity," Legarda added.

The exhibit titled Ties of History: Art in Southeast Asia is a phrase culled from a document signed by ASEAN's founding members on August 8, 1967 that describes "a region already bound together by ties of history and culture."

Curated by art historian, scholar, and curator Patrick D. Flores and presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) through the Dalubhasaan Para sa Edukasyon sa Sining at Kultura (DESK) with the support of the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the exhibition will feature works of 10 artists representing each ASEAN member state --Roberto Feleo (Philippines), Amanda Heng (Singapore), Anusapati (Indonesia), Do Hoang Tuong (Vietnam), Chris Chong Chan Fui (Malaysia), Yasmin Jaidin (Brunei), Min Thein Sung (Myanmar), Vuth Lyno (Cambodia), Jedsada Tangtrakulwong (Thailand), Savanhdary Vongpoothorn (Laos).

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and a staunch advocate of arts and culture, commended the dedication of Dr. Patrick Flores for contributing in promoting the relevance of arts in nation building.

"I would like to commend Dr. Flores for making this exhibition possible as we conclude the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the historic founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). We have a lot of opportunities to engage in the global contemporary art discourse and may we never get tired of taking the challenges offered by these opportunities to further enrich the Philippine art," Legarda said.

Moreover, Legarda encouraged ASEAN neighbors to strengthen collaboration and partnership to further boost art and culture appreciation and promote unity despite the diversity of our cultures.

"I invite our ASEAN neighbors to continue this art project annually or in the form of a biennial in the same manner by which we host political and economic affairs in ASEAN," Legarda concluded.

The Ties of History: Art in Southeast Asia opening reception will be held in three major art institutions in the Philippines: the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (MET Manila) on August 8, the University of the Philippines Vargas Museum on August 9, and the Yuchengco Museum on August 10 at 5pm, while the exhibition will be open for the public to view from August 10 to October 6, 2018.