Exhibition showcases Filipino creativity, unity in UAE

The Filipino imagination has begun marching, with 149 days to the 127th Independence Day on June 12, 2025, at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai.

Activation lead is an art gallery in the emirate, borne out of the pure interest of a Filipino who landed in the country in 2005; and, in the two decades as an a expatriate, has collected, among a “significant number of paintings” that his home was already “running out of wall space, sculptures and art figures.”

Consul General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates Marford Angeles explained the January 10 (Friday) debut of the “Museo sa Konsulado,” tied with the “Labindalawa” series: “’Museo’ which is museum in English, serves as the inaugural activation of the ‘Labindalawa’ or 12. Twelve symbolises 12 thoughtfully curated activities that explore and celebrate freedom in its many dimensions.”

“Each activation showcases the Filipinos’ creativity, resilience, and unity in the UAE while fostering pride in their cultural heritage and strengthening community ties.

Though June is the year’s sixth month, the countdown begins in January, building anticipation and enthusiasm for the momentous Independence Day,” Angeles added.

Excited and “honoured” to lead the two-in-one launch was Spectro Lucid Art Gallery founder/curator/lead artist Carlo Garrido, a “World Art Dubai 2024” exhibitor: “Sixteen paintings are exhibited by five Filipino surrealists led by my friend from long time back here, Nestor Perez Ong.”

Garrido, whose enchantment with the arts began at a young age and who typically “doodled and painted” to the delight of the senses – has a strong attraction to surrealism. Dutch Hieronymous Bosch, Mexican Frida Kahlo, and Spanish Salvador Dali are his “Inspiration when curating pieces for my own collection or for exhibits.”

For the “Museo sa Konsulado,” Garrido chose, aside from Ong’s works, those of other Philippine-based artists – Gene Vallesper, Izh Berida, Keenan Garrido and Mark Ronald – that conjure “steampunk surrealism.”

“This is the artistic style that merges the retro-futuristic aesthetics of steampunk – featuring Victorian Era design elements, steam-powered machinery and industrial motifs with the imagination and dreamlike character of surrealism.”

It thereby emits either the subtle or violent triggered persona of the viewers. “Museo sa Konsulado” covers as well the Filipinos’ exposed or hidden artistry in photography, performing arts, and sculpture.

“Add videography and other creative disciplines. We are embracing a broad spectrum of artistic expressions because we are recognising and celebrating the diverse talents of Filipinos all over the world and particularly here in the UAE,” Angeles said.

He also said that the selection of the art which may be on display for a minimum of one week underlines collaboration: “It begins with expressions of interest from Filipino artists, followed by initial dialogues and follow-up discussions. This collaborative approach ensures that the artists’ work align with the initiative’s vision while offering them the support to showcase their creations that may run for at least a week.”

On the decision over “Labindalawa” and “Museo sa Konsulado” versus other possible projects, Angeles went back to the former’s nucleus: “These are meaningful community engagements that contribute to the UAE’s multicultural society. They highlight the rich tapestry of Filipino heritage, emphasising cultural pride, unity and resilience; the core values celebrated on Philippine Independence Day.”

All the current featured surrealists belong to the Steampunk Indio Collective, the group which Ong organised in the Philippines. Villasper is also a contemporary cubist famous for her women artworks, among the more popular is the “Modern Mestiza Series.” Berida and Mark Ronald are “self-taught.” Berida is an Information Technology graduate from the Eastern Visayan province of Leyte. Manileno Mark Ronald learnt to translate on canvas via the “lowbro fusion of pop culture, punk music and humour” in his growing up years in Zambales.