Ann Pamintuan’s art in the city

MANILA, Philippines – “We Filipinos have the talent and skill to do art,” says multi-awarded metal artist Ann Pamintuan. “I myself never studied it formally. I want to give everybody that opportunity to appreciate art.” 

At the launch of her public art exhibit in Greenbelt 5, Makati last February 26, the jewelry maker, furniture designer, and metal artist took center stage as her pieces were chosen to be displayed at the Greenbelt ArtPark. This is the same public art space where renowned Filipino artists like Arturo Luz, Lor Calma, Impy Pilapil, and Ramon Orlina previously displayed their works for the appreciation of museum-going folk and more.

“I’ve been wanting to do something like this for a long time now,” Ann shares. 

The Davao-based artist’s artistic career began with a love for all things beautiful. Beginning with simple arts and crafts, she moved on to flower-arranging then to jewelry-making. It was there that she discovered her skill in creating amazing trinkets and accessories out of wire and steel. 

Hoping to hone her jewelry-making hobby some more, she began to study electroplating, the process of coating precious metals. In her factory-turned-foundry in Davao, Ann does everything herself. “When I did my first exhibit on metal photo frames, I had to buy my own welding machine, but I didn’t really know how to use it. So when I hired some workers to help me, I just pretended that I knew. But I learned along the way.” 

Known for her Cocoon furniture series, Pamintuan’s technique of transforming rigid wrought iron into light and flowing woven creations has made her a familiar name in local and international furniture shows. In her Greenbelt ArtPark exhibit, she features 13 life-size sculptures of majestic horses posed in mid-gallop with their steel manes seemingly riding in the wind, creating the illusion of movement and softness.

“I support public art,” she says. “We really need places like this [where everyone can view art] because [art] makes people appreciate everything that is nice and beautiful. When you expose them to art which is something different from their usual, everyday life, it gives them a different point of view. Hopefully, art will become a normal thing for them and elevate their appreciation for life.” 

When asked about her favorite places to view art in the metro, she gives us this list:

• The outdoor pieces all over Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City
• The Ayala Museum and their gold exhibits
• The Yuchengco Museum
• The Metropolitan Museum 
• The National Museum

“Everyone has the talent and the gift [for art]. It only needs to be fired up and motivated. If they see something like this, they’ll get inspired. We have to show the others that, yes, it can be done,” says Ann.

Ann Pamintuan’s installations can be viewed until August 23 at the Greenbelt ArtPark in the following areas: the park between Greenbelt 2 and 5, the park fronting restaurants Zuni and Felix, and at the Fashion Walk Garden.

The Gallery at Greenbelt 5 is also holding a selling exhibit of Pamintuan’s large-scale and small-scale works until March 8. – Rappler.com

March is Women’s Month. Read more about inspiring Filipinas here:

• Edna Vida Froilan: Beyond ballet’s legacy
• Nikki Luna: Rebel with a cause
• Margarita Alcantara: From Bamboo Girl to healer
• Marie Alonzo-Snyder: Dance is for everyone
• Miss Universe 2012: Meet Janine Tugonon
• Pinky Amador plays Edith Piaf in new musical
• Monique Wilson and the One Billion Rising movement
• Half-Pinay magician Billy Kidd in new Discovery show
• Let it drip: Pinay star barista’s new way of brewing coffee
• Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s limitless horizons
• Lea Salonga to open American Songbook concert series
• Jennifer Hillier faces her fears

Peter Imbong is a fulltime freelance writer, sometimes a stylist; and on some strange nights, a host. After starting his career in a business magazine, he now writes about lifestyle, entertainment, fashion, and profiles of different personalities. Check out his blog, Peter Tries to Write.