THE love of art is a fundamental aspect of Filipino culture, firmly ingrained in the country’s history, societal ideals, and daily life. Art in the Philippines goes beyond just aesthetic expression.
Art may be used to communicate stories, preserve history, and provide profound social commentary. Filipino Generation Zs, in particular, have demonstrated a great aptitude for art.
This demonstrates their distinct viewpoints and creative impulses. Their passion for art stems from a combination of cultural history, technical breakthroughs, and a drive for self-expression and social transformation.
Photo Courtesy: Iloilo City Government | Facebook
This is wonderful news for Iloilo residents, since masterpieces from the Lopez Museum and Library will be delivered to the city beginning in November of this year.
The included classics are works by some of the best and most notable Filipino painters, including Fernando Amorsolo, Juan Luna, and Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo.
Furthermore, this would be a memorable occasion for art lovers in Iloilo City, as it will be the first time these artworks have been presented or exhibited outside of its own premises since its inception in the 1960s.
These artworks will be shown in the University of the Philippines (UP) Visayas Main Building, which was previously the old municipal hall and was donated by the late Fernando Lopez.
“It has come full circle. These masterpieces will pay homage to the building donated by the late Fernando Lopez,” former Senator Franklin Drilon remarked, according to ABS-CBN News.
“Bringing these masterpieces to Iloilo will help place Iloilo on the arts, culture, and heritage map. This exhibit will attract art enthusiasts and historians from across the country and beyond.”
Photo Courtesy: Iloilo City Government | Facebook
On May 20, the Iloilo City Government, led by Mayor Jerry Treñas, signed a Tripartite Agreement with the Lopez Group Foundation, UP Visayas, and Sen. Frank Drilon to co-develop exhibitions and cultural works at the Lopez Museum and Library at the City Mayor’s Office.
“We’ve always wanted to do this. Any opportunity to give back, that we can help with, we always want it,” said Mercedes Lopez-Vargas, President and Executive Director of the Lopez Group Foundation, Inc.
“It will create a buzz for Iloilo as a hub for a lot of cultural enrichment activities,” she stated. The first cycle of displays will span from November 2024 to April 2025, with a second cycle from November 2025 to April 2026.
The Lopez Museum and Library, which opened in 1960, is the oldest privately owned and operated museum and library specialized on Philippine heritage, emphasizing the significance of this event for Iloilo residents.
