Kabilaan: Palomo + Carrion Art Exhibit Featured in SanFo
Consul General Henry S. Bensurto Jr.’s letter to the editor on the painting exhibit “KABILAAN” featured in the editorial page of The San Francisco Chronicle in its Saturday edition on 27 October 2018. (San Francisco PCG photo)
SAN FRANCISCO 07 November 2018 – Paintings from the Kabilaan (On Both Sides): Palomo + Carrion, a collaborative painting exhibition by Anthony Palomo and Mike Carrion were exhibited at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco’s Philippine Center Kalayaan Hall for Filipino-American History Month 2018
Kabilaan depicts the Philippine diaspora such as the life, aspirations, and dreams of Filipino immigrants in the United States, including those still in the motherland who may be seeking greener pastures in America.
It is also a thoughtful homage to the forefathers and those who came before, recognizing their great sacrifice to pave the way for those who arrived years later. The times may be different, changes may be in place, but for many kababayans (fellowmen), it is a continuing struggle to find and preserve oneself in today’s world.
The exhibit included a large painting that depicts the image of Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal that recalls one of his famous quotes, “Whoever does not love the language of his birth is lower than a beast and a foul smelling fish.”
In another corner of the space, one is met head-on with the ubiquitous balikbayan box (repatriate box), a corrugated box containing items sent by overseas Filipinos to their loved ones in the Philippines. It also symbolizes the generosity of overseas Filipinos and their love for, and strong ties to, family back in the motherland. This image resonated with many gallery visitors as they claim that “This is the story of our lives.”
“The two words that best describe the underlying messages in the paintings of Anthony and Mike are meaningful and memorable. These two words are very relevant in the experiences of today’s Filipino diaspora, not just in the US, but the entire world,” Consul General to San Francisco Henry Bensurto Jr. underscored at Kabilaan’s opening night on 23 October 2018.
Kabilaan was conceived from a simple conversation between friends as Messrs. Palomo and Carrion shared current experiences coming from both sides of the Pacific Ocean, that led to the desire to pass and preserve the Filipino heritage through their art.
Mr. Palomo shared that preparing for the exhibit inspired them to “gather our creative juices into telling our personal and individual stories and to translate them into paintings that embody our highest aspirations as Filipinos.”
The exhibit garnered positive reviews and comments from visitors.
Mr. Carrion was overwhelmed at the public’s reception at opening night. “I never expected a lot of people to relate and find images that were very relevant to their experience as immigrants: from connecting with families back home through social media, to the simple joys of sending boxes filled with necessities to loved ones back home,” he said.
Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy board trustee Odette Keeley remarked that “it is a visually stunning, inspiring exhibit of Filipino-American painters.”
Bank of America Merrill Lynch Senior Vice President Sonia Delen shared how she loves art that represents our culture, and these paintings show that. ABS-CBN Managing Director for North and Latin America Jun del Rosario was struck at how one painting reflected how “[One] can live in today and still be proud of [his] heritage and identity.”
President of the San Francisco League of Consular Corps Mariza Bensurto shared that she was moved with the art on display at the exhibit. “I feel that more people should come and see it. What a blessing for the community,” she added.
The exhibit ran until 09 November 2018.END
Ribbon cutting at the opening night of Kabilaan: Palomo + Carrion. (From left) President of the San Francisco League of Consular Corps Mariza Bensurto, Pia Lopezbanos-Carrion, Consul General to San Francisco Henry Bensurto Jr., Artists Mike Carrion and Anthony Palomo. (Emmanuel Ortencio photo)
Anthony Palomo’s “Lingon” reminds one of Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal’s famous quote “Whoever does not love the language of his birth is lower than a beast and a foul smelling fish.” (Pia Lopezbanos-Carrion photo)
Mike Carrion’s “Handle with Care” resonates with many of the attendees of Kabilaan’s opening night. The balikbayan box represents the generosity and love for family of the overseas Filipino. (Pia Lopezbanos-Carrion Photo)
For more information, visit www.sanfranciscopcg.dfa.gov.ph / www.philippinessanfrancisco.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHinSF/.