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Celebrated German artist Gerhard Richter once said, “Art is the highest form of hope.” And in the exhibition and upcoming auction “The Pink Room: A Gallery for Good,” 27 of some of the Philippines’ most celebrated contemporary artists will demonstrate exactly what art can achieve when they come together for ICanServe Foundation’s 25th anniversary to support breast cancer awareness and treatment.
With a prompt to reinvent customized Nike Air Force 1 Triple White sneakers, each artist adds their unique style and touches to the shoes to create one-of-a-kind pieces that have an undertone of hope and artistic expression.
Pam Yan Santos, “The Homemaker’s Shoes” paper collage on Nike Air Force 1 ‘Triple White’, fabric, wood, cast resin and acrylic casing 12.40 x 14.76 x 11.02 in. 2024
Curated by designer Carol Karthe, the 27 established artists include Arce, Benedicto ‘BenCab’ Cabrera, Carlo Calma, Carlo Tanseco, Ciane Xavier, Christina Dy, Daniel Dela Cruz, Elmer Borlongan, Gerry Tan, Gus Albor, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Jose Santos III, Katrina Cuenca, Lilianna Manahan, Lydia Velasco, Manny Garibay, Max Balatbat, Melissa Yeung Yap, Mm Yu, Monica Delgado, Pam Yan Santos, Plet Bolipata, RM De Leon, Ronald Ventura, Toym Imao, Tracie Anglo Dizon, and Vien Valencia.
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The exhibition will be held in two locations, on Sept. 1 and 2, 2024 at The Estate Makati, SM Aura, Taguig, followed by an exhibition from Sept. 4 to 14 at L2 The Brittany Hotel, BGC. The event culminates in a live auction on Sept. 14, 6 p.m. at the Brittany Hotel BGC, where art enthusiasts, collectors, advocates, and philanthropists will have the opportunity to bid on the pieces.
For the artists, many of the works carry a deeply personal connection to the cause, with many having had direct experiences with cancer through family members or their own experiences with the disease.
Lydia Velasco, “Been There, Beat That” acrylic leather paint on Nike Air Force 1 ‘Triple White’ 16 x 15 x 12 in. 2024
Christina Dy, “Bloom” acrylic leather paint on Nike Air Force 1 ‘Triple White’ 16 x 15 x 12 in. with acrylic case, 2024
Proceeds from this auction will support the ICanServe Foundation’s vital work in funding treatments and medical procedures for breast cancer patients, launching literacy campaigns, training healthcare workers, and developing comprehensive breast cancer control programs.
Highlights include National Artist BenCab’s “Solemates,” which feature a portrait on his first painted pair of shoes. The great Emmanuel Garibay paints “Hakbang” for The Pink Room, incorporating elements like a pink rose that a woman clutches to her chest in a symbol of strength.
Meanwhile, Jose Santos III’s “Shoe Strings” challenge conventions by wrapping a net of abaca and cotton strings. Sculptor Daniel dela Cruz creates the form of a horse with wings in his “Pegasus” piece. Another sculptor, Jinggoy Buensuceso, known for his large-scale metal sculptures, creates “Relic,” casting the Nike Air Force 1s in aluminum with an accompanying box.
Jose Santos III, “Shoe Strings” resinated fabric, string, and Nike Air Force 1 ‘Triple White’ 7.5 x 16.5 x 14.5 in. 2024
Artist Vien Valencia, known for his work with mixed media, creates an untitled piece for The Pink Room, transforming ordinary shoes with putty and fillers. Artist and architect Carlo Calms crafts “The Exoskeleton” with an apparatus made of wood locks in the shoes.
Playing with color distinct to their practice, MM Yu transmutes her distinct practice of dripping paint on the sneakers, while Monica Delgado wraps the shoes in vibrant acrylic paint, noting the challenges faced by women in her own family with breast cancer as well as honoring the courage and vulnerability of her loved ones who have experienced it.
The renowned female figurative artist Lydia Velasco herself experienced and survived breast cancer. Her inspiring piece “Been There, Beat That,” testifies to her own experience with a distinct figurative painting of a woman.
Max Balatbat, “Waterproof” Nike Air Force 1 ‘Triple White’ assemblage on canvas 18x 24 x 4 in. 2024
Meanwhile, husband and wife Elmer Borlongan and Plet Bolipata collaborate on two pairs, each infused with their personal styles. “It’s a Puzzlement” serves as a tribute to Bolipata’s best friend, who passed away after a long struggle with cervical cancer. The angel wings represent their surrender to a higher power, honoring those who have passed on.
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Artists Lilianna Manahan and Ciane Xavier also generously donated their own art pieces to the project, making each available for raffle.
Kara Alikpala, a board member of the ICanServe Foundation, emphasizes the significance of this milestone event: “As we reach our 25th year as a foundation, we are acutely aware that our journey is far from over… The Pink Room is more than an exhibition… It is a powerful symbol of collective action, a vibrant and inspiring testament to the power of creativity and the art of advocacy.”
“The Pink Room: A Gallery for Good” will be exhibited from Sept. 1 and 2, 2024 at The Estate Makati, SM Aura, Taguig followed by an exhibition from Sept. 4 to 14 at L2 The Brittany Hotel, BGC. The live auction will be held on Sept. 14, 6 p.m. at the Brittany Hotel BGC.
For those interested in participating, registration for in-personkryptosino, telephone, and absentee bidding is available. Contact Joy at 0967 114 7876 or email [email protected] for more information.