DFA Inaugurates “Imagination Takes You There” Art Exhibit of Ambassador Norman Uriel Garibay in Celebration of 2024 National Arts Month

(Left to Right) Undersecretary Antonio A. Morales, Mr. Emmanuel “Manny” Garibay, Ambassador Uriel Norman Garibay, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, Asst. Secretary Celia Anna M. Feria, and Asst. Secretary Arvin R. de Leon during the inauguration of the “Imagination Takes You There” art exhibit. (Photo credit: DFA-OPD James Ryan Artiaga)

PASAY 28 February 2024 – The art exhibit “Imagination Takes You There” was inaugurated at the Department of Foreign Affairs Main Lobby in celebration of the National Arts Month. The exhibit featured the works of retired Ambassador Uriel Norman Garibay and eight (8) of his fellow artists from the Linangan Art Residency. 

After retiring from the Foreign Service in 2021, Ambassador Garibay, with the guidance of his brother, renowned visual artist Emmanuel “Manny” Garibay, embraced his artistic side and immersed himself in the Linangan Art Residency in Alfonso, Cavite, a trailblazing alternative art residency program that offers art education and mentorship  through consultative sessions with in-house artists and visiting mentors.

The exhibition “Imagination Takes You There” explored the intersection of diplomacy and art. The artworks reflected the convergence of Ambassador Garibay’s personal experiences, diplomatic career and interpretations of the political and economic landscape of the country. 

In her welcome message, Assistant Secretary Celia Anna M. Feria called out to the artist in each one of us.  She pointed out that we just need to listen to that inner artistic voice, that voice that most of us no longer hear  because it is  enveloped  in layers of deadlines and rushed assignments and other thoughts of surviving our daily grind.

During the program, Ambassador Garibay shared that it was his introspective and transformative sojourn at the Linangan Art Residency that awakened his passion for art and produced a body of work that not only paints a picture of personal expression but also contributes to the bountiful harvest of the Philippines as a creative nation. 

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo’s message emphasized the evocative power of creativity and imagination in initiating dialogues and shaping perspectives from diplomatic experiences, while celebrating Filipino artistry.

As part of the art exhibit, the OCD and Linangan Art Residency organized two art workshops that will be conducted on 01 and 06 March 2023 for the DFA employees.

The “Imagination Takes You There” art exhibit will run from 22 February to 06 March 2024 at the DFA Main Lobby. END

Asst. Secretary Celia Anna M. Feria of the Office of Cultural Diplomacy delivers her welcome remarks during the launch of the art exhibit. (Photo credit: DFA-OPD James Ryan Artiaga)

Government officials and members of the diplomatic corps, DFA employees and retirees attend the opening of the art exhibit. (Photo credit: DFA-OPD James Ryan Artiaga

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo and Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano with the artists from the Linangan Art Residency. (Photo credit: DFA-OPD James Ryan Artiaga)

(Left to Right) Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano, Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo, Ambassador Uriel Norman Garibay and Mr. Emmanuel “Manny” Garibay during the unveiling of the “Matuwid” collaboration painting donated by artists from the Linangan Art Residency to the DFA. (Photo credit: DFA-OPD James Ryan Artiaga)