09 August 2016 — The Philippine Embassy in Berlin and Transwing Art Gallery, Inc. partnered for a visual arts exhibit called, “Rizal Through the Eyes of Artists” in a joint celebration of the 155th Birth Anniversary of Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal and National Heroes Day in August 2016.
The featured the works of Arnel Garcia, Rene Robles, Ronna Manansala, and Ferdinand Ruiz from July 29 to August 12. It was formally opened at the Philippine Embassy in Kurfürstendamm in July 28.
Pampanga-based artist ARnel David Garcia graced the vernissage and talked about his vision an artist and the inspiration behind his work. Garcia rendered Rizal through relief sculptures in resin and mixed media.
One of his works depicted Rizal’s face being separated in various parts, belying the various facets of the hero. Another relief sculpture positioned Rizal with leaders like Jesus Christ and Mao Tse-tung, implying their impact on people. Garcia is known to work as a sculptor and painter and has participated in solo and group exhibitions in the Philippines. The Berlin exhibition is his international debut.
Bulacan-based painter and graphic artist Ferdinand Rae Ruiz called his work “Rizal Map”. Using acrylic as a medium, he presented Rizal with a map of the places the hero visited in Europe in the background.
Painter and sculptor Ronna Manansala, the granddaughter of Philippine National Artist, Vicente Manansala, used bold brush strokes (oil) in presenting Rizal.
Artist Rene Robles positioned Rizal behind several white doors in a predominantly red milieu. Works of Robles have found their way into the collections of His Majesty King Juan Carlos of Spain, King Khalid of Saudi Arabia, former United States President Bill Clinton, and Malcolm Forbes, among others.
“Rizal Through the Eyes of Artists” is open to the public from Monday to Friday, from 0900h to 1600h, July 29 to August 12, at the Philippine Embassy, 2nd Floor Haus Cumberland, Kurfürstendamm 194, 10707 Berlin. END
