11 September 2020 – As part of its virtual cultural diplomacy initiatives and in support of the Filipino artists affected by the pandemic, the Philippine Consulate General in Frankfurt, in partnership with Transwing Art Gallery, launched today an online art exhibition with an opening event streamed live on its Facebook page.
The online exhibition entitled, “Envisioning Healing and Inspiration from Abroad: Overseas Filipinos Supporting Filipino Artists in Times of Pandemic,” featured the artwork of self-taught Filipino artists from Transwing Art Gallery. The art pieces represent the responses of these artists to the pandemic, or the so-called ‘pandemic art.’ They show different emotions of the artists, including expressions of pain and anguish which could turn into hope and healing. A total of 31 art pieces from different artists were showcased during the online exhibition.
In her remarks during the opening event, Consul General Evelyn D. Austria Garcia said, “It is vital that we recognize and protect the work of our artists both for their economic well-being and for the preservation of a part of our culture.” The Consul General further called on Filipino-Germans to lend their support to Filipino artists especially in these unprecedented times. “Let us ensure that they emerge even more nuanced and vibrant,” she added.
It is hoped that through this virtual art exhibition, the audience may find another means to cope up with the anxiety and stress brought about by the pandemic.
“The creativity of the featured artists is cathartic as it unleashes their pain and fears, and turns them into hopes and aspirations for a better tomorrow through their artwork,” Mr. Klaus Hartung, President of Transwing Art Gallery said during the live opening event.
Some of the notable artwork include the ‘Genesis’ oil on canvas by Kristian Karlo Gonzalez; ‘Lockdown Stories’ oil, acrylic and magazine on canvas by Joshua Villena; and ‘Colors of Valley’ acrylic on canvas by Jerelyn Donguines.
The Facebook livestreaming event garnered over 320 views during the live broadcast and stirred online interests among viewers. END
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