In celebration of the National Arts Month, vMeme Contemporary Art Gallery and Earth Day Network Philippines Inc. (EDNPI), in partnership with SM Supermalls present a multi-venue exhibit to encourage action against climate change on February 18-23 at SM Southmall and February 24-March 2 at SM BF Paranaque. A solidarity ceremony will be held on February 23 at 4:00pm.

 

Over 100 artworks by the country’s best, established and emerging artists are gathered to offer an art ensemble for the environment. The collection is scheduled to be shown in public spaces until May 2014 to reach a wider audience. Also aimed at raising funds for reforestation programs of EDNPI and support more art-based awareness campaigns about climate change, a huge portion of proceeds will go a long way in continuing our journey towards a sustainable world. A mix of veteran and young artists (national artist Napoleon Abueva, Mr. Ramon Orlina, Francisco Verano, Ernie Patricio, Cana, Edgar Talusan Fernandez, Pablo Baens Santos, Veejay Villafranca, Resty Flores, Kay Malilong-Isberto, Kermit Tesoro, Crown Dolot, Little Wing Luna, Jo A. Santos and more) come together to share works that encourage love for the environment, in memory of EDNPI’s founder Ms. Odette Alcantara (a patron of the arts and environment advocate).

 

“Artists in this show do not only aspire for awareness; they aspire for action. Art has always been a means to capture picturesque images, but aside from documenting beautiful scenes, art also expresses challenges in our society in the form of criticism or call for action. Palette for Nature gives you access to both picturesque and critical paintings about our environment to urge you to do something exponentially effective and sustainable about it. It’s a mix of nostalgia, utopia and dystopia but all for one goal”, shares curator Avie Felix of vMeme Contemporary.

 

A group of artists led by Mr. Ernie Patricio will conduct on-the-spot art demonstrations and short workshops throughout the exhibit. Visitors are encouraged to engage with participating artists and environmentalists to share stories and experiences about the threats of climate change.

 

“2013's Super Typhoon Haiyan is already a message to us all. The warming temperatures cause these storms to be powerful than the last, and come faster than humanity can be prepared. And as members of the art community, what we can do is to utilize art to never forget our learnings from Ondoy, Pepeng and Yolanda and make the most of what we can still do now.”, adds assistant curator Krinkle Yap.

 

“With artists supporting environmental causes, it is not hard to imagine a phenomenal day when each and every Filipino embraces humanity’s role to take steps towards saving the environment. We are all the more inspired to continue sustainable projects knowing that more and more sectors (like art) are contributing and making a move.”, shares EDNPI communications officer Ryan Alfred Go.

 

EDNPI’s reforestation project site is located at Barangay Sta. Monica Municipality of Tagkawayan in the province of Quezon. It covers a total of 200 hectares of degraded forestland. For more information about Palette for Nature, contact vMeme Contemporary at nos. 975-0052 / 964-5951 / 09178378897, email vmemecontemporary@gmail.com.