In the lively center of Vienna, the Steiner Gallery was alive with excitement. Art enthusiasts, critics, and fellow creators came together for Isang Hagod, an exhibit that showcased the vibrant world of Filipino contemporary art.
This event was put together by Sige!, a local artist network, in partnership with the Manila-based Bastedor Art Project, and it ran from September 23 to October 19, 2024. Curated by Norlie Meimban, the collection celebrated the rich diversity and spirit of Filipino artistry, highlighting themes of identity, boldness, and cultural blending.
Each artist brought their own unique flair, transforming the gallery walls with a mix of styles ranging from the whimsical to the hyperreal. Charmaine Taus, famous for her drag-queen-inspired abstracts, created a corner filled with a burst of colors. Her large, vibrant brushstrokes celebrated self-expression and freedom, leaving the audience both amazed and entertained. Nearby, Harold Khan’s pop-art portraits took the spotlight—his realistic pieces were alive with energy, combining bold color blocks with intricate details that gave a fresh twist to traditional portraiture.
Norlie Meimban also showcased his work, adding a touch of elegance and contrast to the exhibit. His black-and-white portraits, highlighted with delicate gold accents, brought a timeless feel to the display. The approach was both striking and personal, paying tribute to Filipino heritage. Next to him, Ejem Alarcon’s pop-art realism cleverly mixed popular Filipino icons with Western influences, playfully blurring cultural boundaries. Ela Andal completed the lineup with her street art—a blend of Filipino and European styles—that wrapped around the gallery’s pillars and walls, giving it an edgy, urban vibe.
The opening night saw notable figures in attendance, like Minette Padilla Caces from the Philippine Embassy in Vienna and celebrated local artist Lisa Antes-Pangan. The crowd included international luminaries like Haydar Ekinek, Markus Helbing, and Desy Kamen, who exchanged ideas and inspirations, their conversations flowing as freely as the wine.
Throughout the evening, the room hummed with awe and admiration. Guests moved from piece to piece, pausing to absorb the energy of each artwork and the layers of stories that lay behind each brushstroke. Norlie Meimban, the curator, could be seen mingling with visitors, his face beaming with pride. For him and the artists, Isang Hagod was more than an exhibition; it was a testament to the Filipino art scene’s evolution and resilience, a reminder that their voices—through color, texture, and imagination—would continue to reach across oceans and bridge worlds.
