Filipino artists shine once again in France and Belgium, showcasing their works in commemoration of the National Arts Month under the theme “Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain” (Harvest of Art, Creative Nation). The exhibit, held at the Philippine Embassy in France, presented a diverse array of styles, mediums, and themes in paintings and photography.
One of the standout pieces was by Francis Eric, featuring a tree growing from a toilet bowl and bearing money, inspired by his experiences as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).
“I easily expressed my feelings, my emotions through this artwork because I am an OFW, proud not only for myself but also for our fellow Filipinos working as housekeepers,” said Francis Eric Dimarucut, Visual Artist/OFW, in an ABS-CBN News report.
The exhibit also featured works by Ambassador Junever Mahilum West and her spouse John West, including gouache paintings on paper showcasing tomatoes and guavas, previously exhibited at the Carrousel du Louvre.
Meanwhile, in Belgium, Filipino artist Gerardo Crisostomo’s clay paintings garnered admiration in an exhibit titled “True Colours: The Colour-Blind Artist’s Journey,” reflecting Filipino culture such as devotion to the Translacion.
Among his pieces, “Bahay Kubo,” “Bohol,” and others, the artwork “San Miguel” deeply resonated with attendees, depicting the exact location where the artist once lived. Highlighting his clay art were his two children peering from a window, unable to buy taho due to extreme poverty. Ambassador Jaime Victor Leda praised Crisostomo’s journey as an inspiration, being born with deuteranopia, or Red-Green Colour Deficiency.
“We are very honored to be able to join this event to showcase the talent, creativity, artistry of Gerry and we’re happy you have used a very unique medium to convey this, clay. And be able to overcome the challenges of being colour-blind,” said Ambassador Jaime Victor Leda of the Philippine Embassy in Belgium.
Notable guests at the event included Claire Bury, the EU Commission Deputy Director General for Food Sustainability, and Roger Cambridge, former Director for Corporate Affairs of the British embassy, among others.
Proceeds from the art exhibit will contribute to free workshops for children in Indang, Cavite, the hometown of the artist, enriching the local community with art and creativity.