Sirib, a Cordilleran word for wisdom, is a collective exhibition featuring the works of the Baguio-based Tam-Awan Village Artists (TVA). It focuses on the important individuals, principles of life and values passed down to the next generation of Cordillerans—that have shaped their distinct identities. With the goal of ennobling the heritage inherited by the new past and shares archaic wisdom by showcasing contemporary canvases and sculptural forms.
Unique from TVA’s previous collective exhibitions at the ArtistSpace which explored shared Cordilleran heritage, Sirib focuses on wisdom passed on to the people of Cordilleras by their ancestors and “living legends.” As such, each work in the show presents an interpretation, or unique perspective on time-tested and age-old Cordilleran maxims, beliefs and customs.
Breathing new life into these truisms and adages, 19 contemporary artists descend the highlands to reveal their distinct art at the ArtistSpace: Jordan Mang-Osan (Igorot Solar Drawings), Marge Dela Cruz-Gomez (Family Traditions), Clinton Aniversario (Sacred Creatures), Dianalee Denis (Childhood Memories), Jo-Anne Bray Siadto (Ikat Revival), Art Lozano (Traditional Abstract), Edwin Macadaeg (Sands of Heritage), Marlyn Bulayo (Indigeous Portraits), Eden Cawang (Cultural Colors), Gretta Apolinar (Cosmic Influences), John Frank Sabado (State of Nature), Mark Tandoyog (Mountain Inspirations), siblings Alfred Dato (Contemporary Cordillerans) and Alfonso Dato (Cordilleran Spirituality), Jen Lorenzo (Solar Explorations), Herwin Buccat (Creatures in the Trees), Jerry Buccat (Stories of the Supernatural), and Randy Nimer (The Community in Photographs).
Finally, this exhibition seeks to empower the Cordillerans of today by presenting them as descendants of a great clan, “born from a legacy of nobility, dignity, bravery and survival.”
The exhibit will be on display at ArtistSpace, Ayala Museum in Greenbelt 4 and runs until Feb. 19.
Chanum Foundation
Chanum Foundation Inc. is dedicated to the promotion of arts, culture and heritage. It is behind the noted artists’ haven “Tam-awan Village” in Baguio City. This has been one of the popular tourist destinations in the city for 20 years. It is also a member of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts – National Committee on Art Galleries (NCCA-NCAG). Artists from Luzon, mostly from the north—either seasoned or up-and-coming—compose the Tam-awan Village Artists (TVA).
Since 1998, the TVA have been exhibiting various artworks and conducting art workshops among adults and children interested in art.
ArtistSpace is on the Ground Level, Ayala Museum Annex, Makati Avenue corner Dela Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City.