(L) Artist Nona Garcia and a sample of her work (R), “Planted 13” (2017), oil on wood, 198,5 x 113,5 cm. Photos by Hannes Wiedemann/Arndt Art Agency.
Filipino artist Nona Garcia opened her second solo exhibit in Berlin with a special evening reception organized by the Philippine Embassy and Arndt Art Agency (A3) last January 18 at the latter’s gallery.
The distinctive works on display go beyond the painted image and incorporates the qualities of the surface itself. The wooden surface provides its own unique grain, which in turn becomes an attribute to the form – a part of the composition as a whole.
The event drew the attention of the diplomatic corps and Filipino and expatriate communities, as well as local art enthusiasts, with over a hundred guests in attendance. Garcia’s exhibit, the 10th exhibit of contemporary Filipino art organized by A3 in Berlin, signals the growing recognition for Filipino artists in Germany.
A3 Founder Matthias Arndt describes Garcia as an international artist that speaks a universal language. “What excites me about the art in Southeast Asia is that the art is not an art world phenomenon. It’s not locked in the artistic world but it’s a cultural phenomenon. There’s always a connection to their land and culture and at the same time, it’s a universal language,” Arndt said.
Garcia was born 1978 in Manila, Philippines. She studied at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, Major in Painting. Garcia lives and works in Manila. The Philippine artist staged solo exhibition “Recovery” at the Bencab Museum in Baguio City, Philippines in 2014.
Some of her institutional group exhibitions include: “Passion and Procession: Art of the Philippines”, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia (2017); “5th Anniversary Special Presentation: Revision I”, Mind Set Art Center, Taipei City, Taiwan (2015); “Prague Biennale”, Prague, Czech Republic (2009); and “3rd Fukuoka Triennale,” Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, Japan (2005).
(Clockwise from top left) Ambassador Melita S.Sta. Maria-Thomeczek (4th from left) is flanked by gallery owner Matthias Arndt (3rd from left), Nona Garcia (5th from left), and staff and officials of the Philippine Embassy and Arndt Art Agency. (Right, photos below). Photos by Hannes Wiedemann/Arndt Art Agency.
“Planted” is open to the public at Arndt Art Agency (Fasanenstraße 28, 10719 Berlin) until March 9, 2018. For more information, visit www.arndtartagency.com. END
