27 February 2017 MANILA —The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the Office of Senator Loren Legarda jointly presented to the media the Philippines’ official participation in the 57th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia: The Philippine Pavilion — The Spectre of Comparison.
The Spectre of Comparison, curated by Ms. Joselina Cruz, brings two artists, Lani Maestro and Manuel Ocampo, for the 2017 Philippine Pavilion. With Jose Rizal’s phrase of el demonio de las comparaciones (translated to “spectre of comparisons”) as a spectral pivot, the Philippine Pavilion will look at both artists as emblematic of the experience of Jose Rizal’s “devil of comparisons” and a reading of both the Philippines and the West through their artworks.
NCCA Chair Virgilio Almario provided a background on the phrase el demonio de las comparaciones, which encapsulates the experience of Rizal’s protagonist, Crisostomo Ibarra, as he sees the botanical gardens of Manila and simultaneously sees the gardens of Europe.
DFA Undersecretary Linglingay F. Lacanlale commended the collective efforts in bringing to the world stage the unique sensibilities and perspectives of Filipino artists, and in showcasing to international audiences the best of Philippine art. The Venice Biennale is the oldest and most prestigious contemporary art exhibition on which others elsewhere in the world are modeled.
Senator Legarda, principal advocate of the Philippine participation in the Venice Biennale, underlined the importance of investing in art and culture stating that it is an investment in “our people, humanity and spirit’.
“We will continue to improve our place among the other national pavilions in the Venice Biennale in order to better engage the world through our artists and the Philippine art. “We are ready to let the world to hear our truth and vision,” she said.
Italian Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. Massimo Roscigno, Ms. Joselina Cruz, the curator of the Philippine Pavilion, and Ms. Lani Maestro, one of the participating artists attended the Press Conference.
The 2017 Philippine Pavilion will hold its vernissage on May 11. It will be mounted in the Artiglieri of the Arsenale in Venice Italy. The Arsenale is one of the two main exhibition spaces of the Venice Biennale. END
