Explore contemporary art and culinary creativity like never before
SM Aura goes beyond being just a place known for its exceptional shopping and dining options. It consistently impresses by transforming urban art spaces, and fostering initiatives that aim to make art more accessible and appreciated by all.
The upscale mall recently underwent a creative transformation. Those familiar with this mall in Taguig would observe that it has evolved beyond being merely a destination for shopping and dining in BGC.
Thanks to the ongoing art and walking tour Life as we know it. Curated by chef and food writer Angelo Comsti and ongoing until July 14, it features seven contemporary Filipino artists: Joshua Limon Palisoc, Michael Sagaran, Vincent Diñoso, Bryant William Cuison, Belle Dinglasa, Jefre Figueras Manuel, and Archie Oclos.
Located in various spaces around the mall, the works depict a slice of everyday life – be it a particular moment in history, a daily chore, key society figures, or the evolution of gender identities.
For a thoroughly immersive experience, five off-the-menu specialties inspired by the artworks have been created by the mall’s restaurants and cafes: Gelato by Chef Miko, Puffy’s Soufflé Pancake Café, Teakha, Lé Chon Prime, and Yardstick Coffee.
Sculptor and visual artist Joshua Limon Palisoc’s piece Sa Bingit ng Pagbabagong Anyo ng Diwata depicts a diwata as a courageous spirit of nature, symbolizing freedom and transformation. Crafted from stainless steel, LED lighting, and found objects, it features a hybrid body adorned with animal elements like fins, wings, and horns. Holding a Bahagharing Ahas (Rainbow Snake), a symbol of healing and renewal, the rainbow connects worlds and genders. Indulge in a scoop of fior di latte gelato topped with colorful sprinkles and candy bits inspired by Palisoc’s art at Gelato by Chef Miko.
Michael Sagaran’s Taal Volcano 2020 Erupting immortalizes the historic eruption witnessed by the artist. Using acrylic on canvas, Sagaran captures the power and beauty of nature, symbolizing life’s cycle of challenges and triumphs. Enjoy an exquisite strawberry mochi souffle pancake at Puffy’s Soufflé Pancake Café, specially crafted to represent the unpredictable majesty of a volcanic eruption and life itself.
Emotion through Motion by Vincent Diñoso is a captivating, two-sided painting on gauze that captures human movement to evoke emotion. Using layers of translucent gauze, Diñoso explores the complexities of life, blending joy and melancholy, strength and fragility. Lé Chon Prime mirrors the essence of the artwork with their Lechon Porchetta Bao, a fusion of Filipino, French, and Chinese flavors, mirroring the artwork’s multi-layered depth with layers of diverse textures and tastes.
Abstract artist and contractor Bryant William Cuison’s Resonance showcases a series of circular views akin to peering through a door’s peephole. Each circle represents a unique possibility, urging viewers to contemplate life’s myriad options and the power of choice. Teakha’s sweet and sour prawn balls with tofu draw culinary inspiration from Cuison’s art, harmonizing contrasting flavors to reflect diverse perspectives within a delightful fusion of possibilities.
Azucarera, a black and white photograph by Belle Dinglasa, showcases Lolo Melchor, the artist’s late grandfather, who worked as a maintenance worker in a sugar milling company in Talisay, Negros Occidental during the 1960s. His role involved ensuring the sugar cane transport train remained in optimal condition. The residue from the cane juice extraction process was known as muscovado sugar, contributing to the region’s reputation as the sugar capital of the Philippines. Yardstick Coffee’s Monochrome, a secret menu item, is a café latte with activated charcoal and sea salt foam, drawing inspiration from Dinglasa’s “Azucarera.”
The tour also encourages participants to explore SM Aura’s permanent collection by renowned Fil-Am artist Jefre Figueras Manuel, known as JEFRË. His Contour Sculpture Series, comprising four works, marks his inaugural sculpture commission in the Philippines.
JEFRË’s green Tarsier installation greets shoppers at entrance 2, while other sculptures include the endangered Philippine eagle in the mall courtyard, and a red carabao and blue rooster at the Skypark and chapel garden, respectively.
Alongside JEFRË’s pieces, visitors can admire murals along the mall’s Grand Staircase, featuring works by Archie Oclos. These artworks celebrate national treasures and iconic Filipina figures such as Lang Dulay, the T’nalak weaving master, and Apo Whang Od, the legendary hand-tap tattoo artist of Kalinga.
Register for ‘Life as we know it’, an art and food tour at SM Aura via the SM Malls Online mobile app https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/ARTINAURA for a free DIY tour of the artworks and art-inspired dishes.