HIGH SPIRIT

A Showcase of Women’s Excellence

“High Spirit” the art exhibition commences public exhibition on February 1, 2013 and will go on until March 27, 2013 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.  Exhibiting artists are all alumnae of the College of the Holy Spirit (CHS), which is celebrating the centennial anniversary of its founding.  Leading the lineup of artists are Imelda Cajipe Endaya, recipient of Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Centennial Honors for the Arts and New-York based Lenore RS Lim, recognized as one of “100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the US”.  They organized artistic contributions from accomplished alumnae in different parts of the world to form this collection as an expression of gratitude to their school whom they credit for the strength of their inner formation.  Endaya’s polymer collage entitled “Kasibulan” on middle-age woman’s blossoming, and Lim’s lithograph series “Simple Abundance” with colorful chine colle are highlights of the exhibition.

Aurora Go Bio Shakespeare, an industrial and graphic designer from Mallorca Spain, participates with “Angel Wings” and “Flight” from a series of abstract floral forms depicting empowered femininity.  Chi Panistante, an accomplished graphic designer who has lived in Dubai for eleven years, presents her circular compositions reflective of the efficient dynamism of everyday life in UAE, illumined by her strong Biblical perspective.

Mimi Tecson, who recently concluded a 3-month art residency in Yokohama Japan, created new sculptural assemblages especially for this show.  She gathered mementoes of popular culture into pieces of bottled vistas that articulate the connection between emotion and memory.  Veteran artist Rhoda Recto unveils her recent watercolor landscapes inspired by the classic letras y figuras.  Emi Masigan Mercado’s canvases are evidences of her strength in fine portraiture.

Celine G. Borromeo, professor and interior designer, shows her landscapes in pastel and chalk, and illustrations “For Now and Lifetimes Ago” and “Circles with Open Ends.” Athena Santos Magcase Lopez, painter and children’s book illustrator from New Jersey, share with us her landmark illustrations for “The Magic Jeepney”, and a mixed media collage about the life of social activist Betty Makoni.

Rona Buenaseda-Chua, art teacher and owner of Rona’s Art Center, exhibits her delicate still life works in pencil and watercolors.  Elaine Ongpin Herbosa, plein-air painter and owner of the gallery L’Arc en Ciel shows her delightful pictures lanscapes and interiors.  Pastel paintings of lush marshes and waters by the late Gracia Gargantiel are part of the collection. There are lithographs by Rosita Tayag Natividad, Chinese paintings by Maria Antonia Gonzalez-Cruz, and digital art by Tiffany Elaine Ty.

“High Spirit” the exhibition represents the spirit of excellence in various modes of articulation:  free/disciplined, spontaneous/designed, playful/eloquent, stimulating/harmonious, ambiguous/lucid, constructive/analytic, meditative/narrative--- qualities that are seemingly contrary, but are not mutually exclusive. The artworks selected altogether inspire its viewers into looking at art as a humanly integrative and creative process.

The exhibition can be viewed at the CCP’s second floor hallway and little theatre lobby until March 27, 2013.