In the heart of Paris, under the grand arches of the Carrousel du Louvre, a unique exhibit thrummed with energy and the unmistakable warmth of Filipino artistry. Isang Lahi, a phrase meaning “One Nation” in Tagalog, had transformed the gallery Mecenavie booth into a vibrant mosaic of Filipino art, as part of the Paris Art Week’s prestigious Art Shopping. From October 18 to 20, 2024, the exhibition drew art lovers from around the world, celebrating the Philippines’ cultural identity and creative depth.
Curated by Norlie Meimban, Isang Lahi brought together a brilliant lineup of Filipino artists, each displaying a distinct yet complementary style. Charmaine Taus’s canvases greeted visitors with bold, colorful patterns in abstract forms, lively and intricate, like a kaleidoscope of Philippine fiestas. Nearby, Harold Khan’s pop art portraits, layered with pink sunglasses, gold, and red, exuded a playful energy, echoing the modern pulse of Manila streets. The unmistakable gaze of a tiger captured by Ronnie Lim, rendered with haunting hyperrealism, drew spectators into the wild depths of the Philippine jungle.
Traditional portraits by Rey Aurelio offered a grounded, reverent homage to classic Filipino faces, each one steeped in nostalgia. Addie Cukingnan’s floral works burst forth in delicate petals and lifelike colors, reminiscent of blooms one might find in a lush Filipino garden after monsoon rains. And in striking contrast, Direk Louie Ignacio’s abstract landscapes in gold and silver evoked a sense of timelessness, with every brushstroke reflecting a shimmering horizon.
Other artists infused the room with rich textures and avant-garde perspectives. Valen Valero’s mixed-media pieces presented a tactile experience, her abstract works feeling almost sculptural in their depth, while Arnel Garcia’s cubist forms and Noel Nicolas’s rhythmic shapes added a sense of dynamism to the gallery walls. The space was alive with Filipino diversity, each piece reflecting a unique part of the nation’s soul.
The event was organized by Sige!, the Vienna-based Artist Network, in partnership with the Manila-based Bastedor Art Project. Notable figures graced the exhibition, mingling and exchanging insights about art, culture, and heritage.
Margo Babilonia Calderero of A.C.C.E.S., Filipina artists Mylene Myse Salonga and Phoebe Beltran-Almazan, Junever Mahilum-West, the Ambassador of the Philippine Embassy in France, and Honorary Consul Charmagne Garcia-Laconico were among those who attended. Their presence underscored the pride and passion shared by the Filipino diaspora for their culture.
For three days, Isang Lahi was more than an exhibition; it was a powerful testament to the rich tapestry of Filipino artistry. In Paris, the City of Light, Filipino artists lit up their own corner of the Louvre, reminding the world of their vibrant, resilient, and unified creative spirit.
