SEAMEO INNOTECH Further Cultivates the Unity of Arts and Technology Through White Room Gallery’s Year-Ender Art Exhibition

SEAMEO INNOTECH launched the year-ender art exhibition of its White Room Gallery titled, “Don We Now Our Gay Apparel.” The opening event of the art convergence was at the gallery itself, located in the International House of the Center at Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City on October 12, 2023.  

Artists, enthusiasts, well-known figures, and the media attended the event. Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara led the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the latest exhibition. Aside from congratulating the creators on their work, he also recognizes how vital art is. “Art is really something that makes life worth living,” he shared during his opening remarks. “You cannot put a value to it—it is difficult. But we can agree that it makes life worthwhile.”   

Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara with SEAMEO INNOTECH Director Prof. Leonor Magtolis Briones and Prof. Ruben Defeo at the ribbon cutting of the White Room Gallery’s ribbon cutting.

He was joined by the head of the White Room Gallery Artistic Curator, Professor Rubén DF Defeo of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, who introduced the artists included in the exhibition, and SEAMEO INNOTECH Center Director Dr. Leonor Magtolis Briones. Dr. Briones welcomed the artists who participated in the conception of the art exhibition. “I thank you for your attendance in this event,” she stated during her speech. “Enjoy the artworks created by our artists.”  

Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara with Professor Rubén DF Defeo of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts and SEAMEO INNOTECH Center Director Dr. Leonor Magtolis Briones during the Year-Ender Exhibition at the White Room Gallery.

Dr. Briones also encouraged the guests to enjoy the artworks and revel in the creativity and artistic excellence highlighted by the 22 creators featured in the exhibition.  

The title, “Don We Now Our Gay Apparel,” was chosen to embody the spirit of everyone and welcome the upcoming advent of Christmas. The new exhibit, compared to its predecessor “UGMA: Ugnayan ng Sining at Teknolohiya,” welcomed more artists to display their creativity and passion through their artistry. 

The resident “INNOTECH 13 + 1” artists remain active in showcasing their works interpreting the holiday theme. These creators are Ramon Arsenio Acevedo, Hoche Magtolis Briones, Ryan Alison Cua, Denes Dasco, Joy Dasco, Jes Evangelista, Karen Fabie-Concepcion, Reymar Gacutan, Carmela Geisert, Jay Lozada, Nesty Angeles Ortiz, Byron Valenzuela, Michael Velasco, and Jefferson Villacruz. 

These artists were joined by renowned figures in the Philippine art scene. Virginia Dandan and Nestor Olarte Vinluan, former deans of the UP College of Fine Arts displayed their creations in the exhibit. Professor Emeritus Benjie Cabangis, the Father of the Philippine Art Workshop; Fernando Sena, a National Artist nominee; and Fil Dela Cruz, the Father of Environmental Surrealism, also participated in the exhibition.   

Guests take a look at the new artworks for the Year-Ender exhibition at the White Room Gallery.

Other well-known artists were also part of the latest art convergence, such as Raul Hembra Lebajo, Raul Isidro, Lito Carating, Pablo Biglang-Awa, Nina Libatique, Jeff Dizon, Ramon Orlina, Mario Parial, Anton Quisumbing, Manuel Rodriguez, Jonahmar Salvosa, Phyllis Zaballero, Popo San Pascual, JUNYEE, Binibining Pilipinas 2000 – Universe Nina Ricci Alagao, and actor Reb Belleza.  

SEAMEO INNOTECH’s latest exhibition featured art works in 45.72 x 60.96 cm and 7.6 x 7.6 cm canvases and three sculptures. The organization, through Center Director Dr. Briones, believes in the importance and significance of the unity of arts and technology. Art is constantly evolving and ever-changing. Through the work of the artists presented in the exhibition, we catch a glimpse of the possibilities that lie in the future of the art industry and the world as modern technologies and techniques come into play.   

The “Don We Now Our Gay Apparel,” year-ender exhibition will be on display until December 31, 2023, in the White Room Gallery. Visitors may visit the area every Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, where the artworks will be available for public viewing.