Artists from Batangas and Bulacan provinces staged the first-ever arts and cultural expedition by any Asian country in Pretoria, South Africa.
The exhibit took place in Javett Art Centre, University of Pretoria, South Africa on April 22-30.
In an interview with Manila Standard, Batangueñong Grupo sa Sining at Kultura (BAGSIK) president Remo Valenton said the event was spearheaded of the Embassy of the Philippines in South Africa in partnership with KUNST Filipino.
“It is a good opportunity for other countries to see that Filipino arts and culture continue to progress over the years. It is also a great pride that Batangas and Bulacan arts are well-represented in this historic exhibit,” he said.
Aside from Valenton, Loriel Castillo of Art’e Bauan in Batangas, and Aris and Dale Bagtas of Obrang Bagtas in Bulacan were also part of the delegation named ‘Viaje 5’.
Aris Bagtas said his artworks reflects the Filipino value on both family and God, while his son Dale’s creations encompass artworks that can also be appreciated by the blind underscoring that ‘art is for everyone’.
For Castillo, Filipino culture can be projected through a mix of visual arts and literature that hopes to inspire even foreign cultures such as South African.
The event aimed to promote “Filipinism” or what makes an art Filipino through a blend of traditional art and contemporary techniques which include exhibits, tours, seminars, and workshops.
Likewise, it featured a distinct perspective resonating to local and international audiences by reflecting the culture and history of the Filipinos through arts.
