DFA Opens "Marawi in the Eyes of an Artist" Exhibit

Opening the “Marawi in the Eyes of an Artist” exhibit were (from left) Foreign Affairs Acting Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications and Research Emmanuel R. Fernandez, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo, spouse of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr. Madame Maria Lourdes Barcelon, visual artist Nemesio “Nemiranda” Miranda, Jr., Dra. Rena Cristina Koa Malaya, Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Undersecretary for Administration officer in charge J. Eduardo Malaya and Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Middle East and African Affairs Leslie J. Baja. (DFA-OSCR photo by Philip Adrian Fernandez)

07 June 2019 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) features the art works of visual artist Nemesio “Nemiranda” Miranda, Jr. which highlight the indomitable Filipino spirit shown during the Marawi siege, as the “Marawi in the Eyes of an Artist” opened on 6 June 2019 at the DFA Lobby.

“Through the years, Nemiranda has earned a reputation as a visual historian, whose creations capture some of the most critical moments in our nation’s history. This exhibit is no exception. The series of paintings captures scenes from the epic siege of Marawi City that depict not only the heroism of our men in uniform, but also the courage of innocent civilians trapped in the blockaded city,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy and event Guest of Honor Enrique A. Manalo said in his message.

Sponsored by the DFA Office of the Undersecretary for Administration and the Office of Strategic Communications and Research-Cultural Diplomacy Division, the exhibit showcased works by the Father of Philippine Imaginative Realism and Angono’s Living Treasure, and is a tribute to the heroism and patriotism of Filipino soldiers and policemen and the resilience and courage of the people of Marawi.

“This exhibit affirms the capacity of art not only to record and inform but also to teach and inspire. We thank Mr Miranda for this arts tribute to our soldiers and policemen and for placing his immense talent in the service of our country and people,” DFA-OUA officer in charge J Eduardo Malaya said in his remarks.

The event is also in celebration of the 121st Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence, the 121st Founding Anniversary of the DFA and the Eid’l Fitr with DFA Muslim personnel.

For his part, Mr. Miranda extended his appreciation to the DFA for allowing him to showcase his work at the Department.

“It has been my wish to hold an exhibit at the DFA, and hopefully this goes worldwide. I thank everyone who have made this possible and pray that we will all be inspired by the courage and spirit of our soldiers and the citizens of Marawi,” he said.

The University of the Philippines’ ethnic musical ensemble Kontra Gapi also performed during the event, which also served as a kick-off ceremony for the Pangarap Arts Festival, which will travel to Saudi Arabia and nearby areas later this year.

The Festival aims to enhance the image of Filipinos on the international stage and promote people-to-people engagements through collaborative performance festivals featuring literature, visual arts, music and dance.

The “Marawi in the Eyes of an Artist” at the DFA main lobby will run until 27 June 2019. END

Visual artist Nemesio “Nemiranda” Miranda, Jr. (with microphone) gives a tour of the exhibit. (DFA-OSCR photo by Philip Adrian Fernandez)

Performance by the University of the Philippines’ ethnic musical ensemble Kontra Gapi. (DFA-OSCR photo by Philip Adrian Fernandez)