Erehwon Fiesta II: The art of storytelling

MANILA, Philippines —The multi-event Erehwon Fiesta II, which bears the theme “The Art of Storytelling, in Words and Images,” will feature an exhibit in honor of master storyteller and National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin, a multidisciplinary art exhibit, a photo exhibit of poignant images that tell a story, a book launch of the deluxe Erehwon Arts 2013-2014, and a series of storytelling sessions, according to a statement released by organizers.

Presented by the Erehwon Art Foundation chaired by Renato “Boysie” Villavicencio, Erehwon Fiesta II opens on Saturday, August 30, at the Erehwon Center for the Arts Building in Quezon City. It will run until October 10.

The Nick Joaquin exhibit, curated by University of the Philippines Professor Reuel Molina Aguila, Ph.D., is Erehwon’s initial contribution to the National Artist’s upcoming centennial celebration in 2017. It will trace Nick Joaquin’s life story as a master storyteller, and showcase memorabilia items courtesy of the Joaquin family. A life-size resin sculpture of Nick Joaquin by Al Giroy, who worked with National Artist Napoleon V. Abueva on a number of monuments and statues, will be unveiled.

“It is a really tough job to retell the life-story of a master storyteller who is often reluctant to tell his own story,” Aguila says in his curatorial notes. “But one has got to try, for Nick Joaquin’s story has to be shared beyond his generation. And, for the coming generations to look back, as he himself said: ‘to bring in the grandfathers, to manifest roots.’”

The multidisciplinary exhibit for the visual arts, curated by UP Professor Flaudette May Datuin, Ph.D., will include paintings and installation-art pieces. Titled “Yesterday Once More,” it will combine the talents of 15 artists from the Philippines and other Asian countries: Manix Abrera, Benjamin Chua, Lourdes Inosanto, Nikki Lacanienta, Joren Lansang, Thuy Le, Tita Lim, Sarah Moor, Dario Noche, Alma Quinto, Alwin Reamillo, Angelika Rinnhofer, Daniel Angelo Rosario III, Josephine Turalba and Atsuko Yamagata.

The book to be launched, Erehwon Arts 2013-2014, presents annotations and full-color reproductions of paintings and sculptures included in Erehwon exhibits, as well as reports on other Erehwon events held within a 12-month period in 2013-2014.  Written by UP Professor Reuben Ramas Cañete, Ph.D., the book includes an introduction titled “Art as Alterity,” a glossary of art movements, and a directory of participating artists.

The photo exhibit, curated by veteran photojournalist Luis Liwanag, features selected works of four established and five emerging photographers: Liwanag, Gil Nartea, Pat Roque, Angie de Silva, Ateneo Sta. Ines, Joel Mattaro, Maureen Santos, Carmz Lopez, and Erehwon in-house photographer Akira Liwanag.

The series of storytelling sessions will feature Nick Joaquin’s stories for children.

The Erehwon Center for the Arts Building is located #1 Don Francisco Street, Villa Beatriz Subdivision, Barangay Old Balara, Quezon City.  For more information, contact Ryan Murillo at (+63) 927 5753 531, (02) 218 2618, or events@erehwonartworld.com.

 – Rappler.com