Liwanag: A Journey Through the Philippines Way of Life

The US-Philippines Society invites you to an exhibition by award-winning Filipina artist Maria Mari Murga and Mindanao Craftmakers

Philippine Center New York
presents

LIWANAG

A Journey through the Philippines Way of Life

Public Viewing
The Philippine Center in New York
556 5th Ave. New York City 10036

September 23- October 11, 2019
9 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday

About The Artist

Maria Mari Murga is a Filipina artist based in London. Her Filipino origins hail from Zamboanga City in Mindanao. The granddaughter of a WWII Bataan Death March survivor, Philippine history runs in Maria's veins. Inspired by Filipino modern masters Fernando Amorsolo and Vicente Manansala, Maria challenged the conventions of life and art by travelling to remote areas of rural Philippines as a plein air documenter of the world around her.

Trained in Florence, Italy, she specialized in Renaissance Painting Techniques: Orient and Occident are brought together under Murga’s life vision. Based on her solid expertise in anatomy and humanist ideals, Murga passionately works with a classical light foundation and a contemporary vision to illuminate the powerful authenticity of Filipino provincial life from the shadows of the unknown. Through the artist's eye, the essence of the Philippines is revealed: a multicultural archipelago united in a visual poem of beauty, endurance and human dignity.

Maria has exhibited internationally: The Annigonni Museum in Florence, The City Council in Madrid, Petley's Gallery in Mayfair, The Mall Galleries, The Philippine Embassy in London, The Consulate of the Philippines in Miami and The Philippine Senate in Manila. Her artworks have been awarded by prestigious art institutions such as The Royal Society of British Artists, The De Laszlo Foundation, The London Festival of Architecture, The Derwent Art Prize and The Pastel Society UK at The Mall Galleries in London.

Empowering Mindanao Craftsmanship

The Exhibition showcases a selection of carved frames handmade in Mindanao. Based in Zamboanga City, the Rene Demafeliz Atelier is a team of carpenters, painters and furniture makers collaborating together to create bespoke pieces in wood. Beautifully crafted and unique, each frame is handmade in solid gimelina, resulting in fluid curved silhouettes inspired by nature. These soulful pieces embrace and celebrate the rich cultural history of Mindanao.

Image Above and Part of the Exhibit

Painting by Maria Mari Murga: T’nalak girl, Luvluv, in an evocative gaze from a nipa hut window looking at her future perspectives, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato Province, in a carved frame handmade by a craftmaker of the Rene Demafeliz Atelier in Mindanao.

For more information about the Exhibition including private tours, please contact Maria: mariamarimurga@gmail.com
www.mariamarimurga.com