About the Event
The nostalgic feel of old Manila is undoubtedly distinct. Picturesque buildings, familiar walls, and reminiscent streetscapes are all reminders of a bygone era. The façade of some of the city’s iconic structures themselves serve as an important memento of what once was Manila.
Today, the city has become an urban jungle. What artist Benjie Mallari attempts to rediscover via his art are the city’s magnificent origins that once marked this great capital. For him, rediscovering the metropolis is a revival of profound emotions that one’s beloved city can bring upon an individual.
The artist aims to convey how his art supports the gentrification of this part of neglected culture, a revitalizing process by showing its potential. Mallari does not simply recreate the glory days of Manila, he reveals a feasible future even for this long-forgotten town.
Mallari’s works have always placed emphasis on the people underscoring specific periods in the modern history of the Philippines, transporting viewers back in time. Gentlemen dressed in all white suits, traditional straw hats, the rounded cars mixing with Carabao carts all depict scenes during the American Colonial Period or early post-World War II and convey stories of the Manila we remember.
Mallari’s artistic sensibilities go back several decades. A former art director of Meralco, he would also moonlight as a cartoonist of the daily opposition paper Ang Pahayagang Malaya during the Marcos dictatorship. Mallari, now based in Baguio, also designed the centennial calendar of National Artist Fernando Amorsolo, and jacket covers of albums of works by National Artist for Music Lucio San Pedro. He has a degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Advertising, from the University of the East.
“If I Had a Time Machine” will be on view from June 21 - 30, 2018 with the Artist Reception scheduled for Thursday, June 21 at 6PM. The exhibit is a continuation of the 15th anniversary celebrations of Galerie Joaquin through its second branch in the new wing of The Podium Mall. The gallery is located on the 3rd level of The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City. For inquiries, contact Galerie Joaquin at +632-634-7954 or +632-723-9418 or email podium.galeriejoaquin@gmail.com.