Filipino Women Artists Featured at the 60th Anniversary of Philippines-Switzerland Diplomatic Relations
Ambassador Joselito A. Jimeno poses with the three Filipino women artists
24 November 2017 LUGANO — The 60th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Switzerland in Canton Ticino showcases the talents of three Swiss-based Filipino women in an art exhibition held at Villa Sassa Hotel on November 18.
The exhibit, which runs from 18 to 25 November 2017, was formally opened with a vernissage in the evening of November 18 during which the three artists - Pamela Gotangco, Marissa Gonzalez, and Tina Heiter - were introduced to the Ticinese community.
Minister and Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro introduces Ms. Pamela Gotangco to the guests
Zủrich-based Pamela Gotangco is Bachelor of Arts in Communications graduate from Miriam College in the Philippines. Having started painting professionally in 2010, her work has been received well in Switzerland and abroad. Her work has been curated several times by renowned curators from acclaimed museums and galleries, and has been exhibited and included in notable exhibitions and art fairs including Saatchi Gallery, Times Square New York, Art International Zủrich, Art Basel, Manila Art, and Art Shopping in Carrousel de Louvre in Paris.
A brief introduction about the works of Geneva-based artist, Ms. Marissa Gonzalez
Geneva-based Marissa Gonzalez is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts degree with major in Mass Media from De la Salle University in Manila. She spent most of her professional life working at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Geneva until her recent retirement.
Ms. Gonzales was first a photographer before she discovered her passion for painting. Her all-time favorite is painting on Jusi (Philippine Silk), which she has been doing since 2000.
Artist, Ms. Tina Borja-Heiter and Minister Lazaro during the art exhibition
Tina Borja-Heiter holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Foreign Service and History from Maryknoll College in Manila. She initially worked for her family’s business in electric power distribution. Later, she opened and managed her own restaurant until she married a Swiss and migrated to Switzerland.
Ms. Heiter’s work has evolved in many stages using different media and styles starting with oil, aquarelle, gouache, soft/oil pastels and acrylic using different techniques and styles from traditional or realistic, impressionistic and currently going deeper into abstraction.
The vernissage was attended by Mr. Marco Romano, Member of the Swiss National Council from Ticino locals from Lugano, representatives of media in Ticino and northern Italy, Swiss-based foreign artists, and some members of the Filipino community.
Filipino soprano Armela Fortuna-Widmer provided the entertainment at the vernissage with her rendition of Mutya ng Pasig, a classical Filipino love song composed by the well-renowned Filipino composer Nicanor Abelardo. END
For more information, visit www.bernepe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSwitzerland.