30 August 2013 – Philippine Consul General in Sydney Anne Jalando-on Louis, assisted by Mrs. Irene Roces, cut the ribbon for the exhibition, “Four Songs to Oz,” featuring the works of four Sydney-based Filipino artists, Ramon Coloma, Alfredo ‘Ding’ Roces, Alberto Estanislao, and Francisco Rovero at the Arthouse Hotel in Sydney on August 17.

The brainchild of Mr. Ramon Coloma, the exhibit marks the first collaboration of all four artists on the same project. Each artist brings something different into the collaboration. Mr. Roces uses prints of digital art produced with his electronic tablet as well as large assemblages from reycled materials. Mr. Coloma contributes portraits of famous as well as everyday people who inspired him. Social commentary is the theme of Mr. Estanislao in his works, using mixed media such as watercolor, pencil and oil, while Mr. Rovero’s works are spiritually focused.

The venue for the exhibit, The Arthouse Hotel, is in a heritage building at the heart of Sydney’s business district which is frequented by tourists and locals alike.

In her message during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Consul General Louis congratulated the four artists for successfully showcasing Filipino creativity and talent with this collaboration and thanked them for giving Filipinos in Sydney yet another reason to be proud of their heritage.

Consul Marford Angeles, Cultural Officer Rachel Calisin and members of the Filipino community media in New South Wales were present during the ceremony. The exhibit will run until September 14. END