Philippines to Make Presence Felt in 60th Venice Biennale
VENICE 18 April 2024 – The Philippines unveils this week, its pavilion hosting a contemporary art exhibition at the prestigious 60th La Biennale di Venezia, marking the 10th year of the country's participation since its return in 2015.
Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda and Chairman Victorino Manalo of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), will open the exhibit at the Artiglierie, Arsenale with a vernissage on Thursday.
The Philippine Consulate General said the presence of Senator Legarda and Chairman Manalo underscores the significance of this momentous occasion for Philippine art and culture on the global stage.
For its exhibit this year, the Philippines will be presenting "Sa Kabila ng Tabing Lamang ng Panahong Ito (Waiting Just Behind the Curtain of this Age)" that features the work of Mark Salvatus curated by Carlos Quijon Jr. This multidisciplinary exhibition explores the ethno-ecologies of Mt. Banahaw and Lucban, the hometown of Salvatus.
The centerpiece is a newly commissioned single-channel video delving into the mountain's profound influence on Lucban's musical traditions since the 1950s. This is complemented by a series of captivating fiberglass rock sculptures.
Consul General Elmer G. Cato said the Filipino Community has been looking forward to the annual event, which the Philippines started participating in again through the efforts of Senator Legarda.
"Our participation in the Venice Biennale-the oldest and most prestigious contemporary art exhibition in the world–is a much-anticipated event for our kababayan in Italy because of the immense pride and honor it brings us Filipinos," Consul General Cato said.
"We cannot thank Senator Legarda enough for opening the doors for a better appreciation and understanding of who we are as a people, through our participation in the Venice Biennale and other international exhibitions that she has been strongly advocating," Consul General Cato added.
He said Senator Legarda's support for the Venice Biennale, the just concluded Bologna Children's Book Fair, and the Frankfurt Book Fair in October, among others, have significantly boosted Philippine cultural diplomacy efforts not just in Italy but in the rest of Europe.
The Philippine Pavilion will be open for public viewing from April 20 to November 24, 2024.
This sustained Philippine participation in the Venice Biennale is a joint undertaking of Senator Legarda, the NCCA, and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
For more information, visit https://www.milanpcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinMilan/.