Beyond the realms of scripted performances, some entertainment luminaries have found a new platform — the White Room Gallery, where their artistry, as expressed this time on canvas, unfolds in a diverse and vibrant spectacle.
The White Room Gallery kicked off 2024 with a bang as it once again opened its doors to art enthusiasts with its inaugural exhibition of the year. The much-anticipated group art showcase, titled ScreenScapes, was officially launched on 10 January at its home base found inside the Seameo Innotech compound in Diliman, Quezon City.
ScreenScapes takes a fresh approach in presenting a group exhibit that spotlight the diverse and innovative artistic expressions within the entertainment industry. The current presentation seeks to underscore the capabilities and various methods of artistic expression that go beyond the conventional boundaries of performing mediums, such as film, television and theater.
At the heart of The White Room Gallery’s mission is the celebration of creativity and mastery. The participating artists see their works transcend the limitations of screens and stages, thus finding tangible expression within the gallery space.
The exhibit opened with the ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Seameo Innotech Center director and former Education secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones with Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. Attendees were then treated to an extraordinary array of art pieces spanning a diverse medium, including mixed-media paintings, sculptures, photography, and video installation arts.
In her welcome speech, Briones reiterated her commitment to the integration of technology and the arts, while emphasizing the intersection of arts and education to foster a holistic learning environment. “Art cannot be separated from technology. We cannot create technical objects without considering that we are human beings as well,” she said.
Revilla, in his opening remarks, paid homage to Briones and the event’s guest of honor, National Artist for Film Ricky Lee. The senator also expressed appreciation for The White Room Gallery, describing it as a platform where artists from show business can showcase their diverse talents. “This is a testament that Filipino artists are multifaceted and will always strive in different media,” he stated.
For his part, The White Room Gallery’s artistic curator, Prof. Ruben Defeo, provided insight into the exhibition’s title. He explained, “ScreenScapes is derived from two different words. ‘Screen’ pertains to where the artists came from [show business], and ‘scapes’ pertains to the medium of artistry for visual arts.”
Participating artists included Nina Ricci Alagao-Flores, Leandro Baldemor, Reb Belleza, Shamaine Buencamino, John Lloyd Cruz, Lotlot de Leon, John Paul Duray, Ernie Garcia, Baron Geisler, Louie Ignacio, Jeanette Kamphuis, Maria Isabel Lopez, Jao Mapa, Sandino Martin, Melissa Mendez, Elizabeth Oropesa, Evangeline Pascual, Epy Quizon, Jet Rai and Kris Villanueva.
ScreenScapes is on display until 17 February, with free viewing from Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.