13 March 2013 - A major exhibition on Philippine contemporary and traditional art was opened by Philippine Ambassador to Switzerland Leslie Baja and Lugano Mayor Marco Borradori at the Museo delle Culture on March 06.  The exhibit features 36 paintings and sculptures of Filipino artist Ronald Ventura and 35 pieces of traditional Philippine art including bulul sculptures from the Musèe du quai Branly in Paris.

The exhibition, which was jointly curated by Patrick Flores of the UP Vargas Museum and Jessica Savoia of the Museum, was organized by the Canton of Ticino and the City of Lugano. 

In his remarks, Ambassador Baja thanked the City of Lugano and the Museum for organizing this important exhibition which strengthens the cultural and people to people links between the Philippines and Switzerland.  He said that the exhibit, which will last until 1 June 2014, will create greater awareness on Philippine art amongst the Swiss and help promote greater understanding between the two countries.

Ronald Ventura is one of the leading contemporary artists in the Philippines and has exhibited in Manila, Hongkong, Singapore, Taiwan and Milan.  Born in Manila in 1973, his art features themes and references from traditional Filipino culture and western pop elements. END