ARTEMIS ART and PARALLEL +
present
“East X South-East: Converging Cultural Horizons”
at Ground Floor, Arthaland Century Pacific Tower
5th Avenue corner 30th Street, Taguig City, 1634 Philippines
Date: October 1 to 25, 2024 / Opening Preview: October 1 from 4pm to 7pm
The Opening Preview on October 1, 2024 will be officiated by His Excellency Dato' Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Republic of the Philippines and Mr. Jaime C. González, Vice Chairman and President of ARTHALAND.
In the Encounters of East and Southeast Asian artistic territories, a vibrant ensemble of creativity unfolds, where diverse cultural history, artistry, and techniques intersect. This intersection represents a dynamic crossroads, transcending boundaries and fostering a meaningful exchange of visual storytelling.
Artemis Art and Parallel + are delighted to showcase the works of seven exceptional artists hailing from Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines in the exhibition “East X South-East: Converging Cultural Horizons.” Each artist brings unique perspectives to Manila—an enclave for artistic expression—offering innovative viewpoints manifested through diverse mediums, forms, and disciplines. Underscoring the significance of cultural inclusivity, the voice of each artist contributes to a harmonious visual narrative, transforming the space of Arthaland Century Pacific Tower with a fresh approach to immersive creative perception.
Arthaland Century Pacific Tower, the world's first EDGE Zero Carbon-certified building and Arthaland's flagship multi-certified office development, will proudly host this exhibition, underscoring its commitment to fostering cultural exchange in the Philippines. Strategically located at 5th Avenue corner 30th Street, Taguig City, Metro Manila, this prestigious tower is one of the most coveted business addresses in Bonifacio Global City (BGC). It boasts LEED Platinum and BERDE 5-star certifications, the highest accolades in sustainable architecture, and is on course for WELL v2 certification, further cementing its leadership in green building innovation.
Special Message from The Most Honorable Mrs. Akie Abe, wife of the late Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe.
“As a patron of contemporary artists, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the East and South East: Converging Cultural Horizons exhibition in Manila, Philippines. This exhibition significantly contributes to our society, serving as a channel and torchbearer for exploring and understanding the artistic foundations of each artist. It fosters an enlightening cross-cultural journey that promotes solidarity and paints a profound atmosphere rooted in appreciation, familiarizing us with diverse artistic expressions. May this inclusive spirit rejuvenate our sensibilities and continue to champion art as a healing force, enriching our understanding of Japanese, Malaysian, and Philippine art forms. I extend my gratitude to Artemis Art, Parallel+, and Arthaland for graciously hosting this event.” -- from Akie Abe.
For additional information regarding the artwork presented by Artemis Art, please click the link provided here.
ARTISTS
Gil Bien
Junichi Ito
Kan-Zan-Loc
SC Shekar
Syahbandi Samat
Toshio Iezumi
Yoichiro Nishimura
Turn Me On by Filipino artist Gil Bien
Medium: Mixed Media on Canvas
Dimension & Year: 122 x 92 cm & 2018
The composition bears a stark reminder of the purpose of life. Everyone wants to go to Heaven, but they are afraid to. Though it may seem grim, it can be seen as a moment of brilliance, lighting up the way for others to follow.
About Gil Bien
The simple, everyday things viewed from a different perspective are the subjects of the works of contemporary artist Gil Bien. His concept of representation or imitation of reality taking place is allowed to flow freely without regard for strict rules.
Gil uses illusionistic depth to a great effect, either leaving the center as an empty field or concentrate all activities on it. His visual composition is dramatic yet always tempered by lyricism, using the darkness of gray with contrasting bright and vivid colors for warmth.
Himalayas 04
by SC Shekar
To bring mankind together, we might learn from the Himalayas the virtue of patience, the strength in standing tall yet unmoved by pettiness. For peace to prevail, it will take a collective climb, a journey where we leave behind the weight of our grudges and ascend towards a summit of understanding. It will require us to look beyond our immediate horizons, to appreciate the vastness of the human experience as seen from the lofty heights of empathy and compassion.
Medium: Photography Print on Hahnemühle paper
Dimesnion: 66 x 91.4 cm / Editions of 3
Educated in Malaysia and Australia, SC Shekar is a renowned award-winning photojournalist with over 35 years of experience. He began his career at a major Malaysian newspaper in the early 1980s and then went abroad to work for several international news agencies. Shekar’s passion for documenting rich and diverse cultures has taken him throughout Asia and around the world. But his travels have always brought him back home to Malaysia, which he considers to be the ‘heart of it all’.
Shekar describes his work as a combination of documentary photography and ethnographic portraiture which is rooted in the fields of anthropology and sociology. It is a study of mankind, ways of life, customs, beliefs and behaviours.
“Can’t Have Everything”
by Syahbandi Samat
Medium: Ballpoint Pen on Canvas
Dimension & Year: 73 x 41.5 cm & 2024
Observing the concept of Japanese Ma and the Zen spirit of Kuu.
The arrangement of artworks by each artist embodies a deep engagement with the Japanese concept of Ma and the Zen spirit of Kuu. These principles, which highlight the importance of space, interval, and emptiness, allow meaning to emerge in the interplay between form and absence.
On this wall, the sequence of Earth, Beauty, and Heaven is carefully arranged (viewing from left to right). Here, Whispering Blue represents humanity, serving as a bridge to the shared belief that links us all to the transcendent. This theme is echoed in the placement of Junichi Ito’s works, where Prayer symbolizes the harmony between Earth and Heaven, with his artistic message aspiring to resonate for a thousand years.
Each piece is more than a mere artwork—it becomes a meditation, a silent dialogue between the viewer and the infinite. The surrounding Ma, or empty space, is as integral as the art itself, inviting quiet contemplation and an appreciation for what lies beyond the visible.
Further along, Toshio Iezumi’s installations capture the fluidity of time. Through the interplay of light and shadow, these works evoke both the ephemeral and the perpetual, emphasizing the dual nature of existence. As viewers move through the exhibit, they are invited to experience time's passage and reflect on the impermanence that shapes reality.
Yoichiro Nishimura’s photographs of flowers symbolize the transition of seasons, highlighting the passage of time in this exhibition and serve as a counterpoint that challenges the status quo.
In this space, visitors are encouraged to pause, reflect, and discover their own connection to the exhibition’s themes. It becomes an inward journey, a search for the subtle beauty of Ma and its profound impact on the human spirit.
Blue Flower - Japanese Tree Peony and Life Series 3
by Yoichiro Nishimura
Nishimura's work challenges traditional perceptions of photography and art. By blending modern digital techniques with historical methods, he bridges the gap between the past and the present, creating something timeless. His “Blue Flower” series not only pays homage to the classic art forms but also pushes the boundaries of contemporary photography, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the subtle and often overlooked details in our daily lives.
Medium: Epson Print on Semi Glossy Photo Paper Mounted on Aluminum Board
Dimension & Year: 70.7 x 100 cm, 2019
Edition 1 of 8
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Projection Series by Toshio Iezumi
One of the most innovative art forms that captivates viewers with its exceptional precision and elegant style is the glasswork of Toshio Iezumi. As a master of his craft, he creates glass art that transforms functional items into sophisticated, one-of-a-kind cascading sculptures. A pioneer and visionary in the technique of laminating glass sheets, these translucent mediums are transformed into mesmerizing emerald green art pieces. Perfecting a craft is no simple feat, and with four decades of experience, Iezumi delivers a powerful yet delicate presence in his work, defining space with a refined sensibility.
“Projection Series P.240301”
Medium: Heat Reflective Glass, Ultraviolet Adhesive
Handmade, Carved & Polished
Dimension & Year: 60 x 25 x 5 cm, 2024
Endless Column of Glass
Endless Column of Glass continues the exploration of movement central to the Move series.
Medium: Heat Reflective Glass, Ultraviolet Adhesive
Handmade, Carved & Polished
Dimension & Year: 180 x 15 x 10 cm, 2024
For this exhibition, Iezumi showcases his dedication to his craft and his deep understanding of the Japanese concept of “ma.” The strategic placement of his works within the space is a reflection of this concept, emphasizing the harmony between objects and the voids that surround them. Each piece is meticulously positioned to create a dialogue with its environment, inviting viewers to contemplate the balance and interplay between presence and absence. This thoughtful arrangement not only highlights the beauty of his works but also enhances the overall spatial experience, transforming the exhibition into a serene and reflective journey through the art of “ma."
“Move Series - M.150701”
Medium: Plate Glass, Ultraviolet Adhesive Handmade
Carved & Polished
Dimension: 70 x 12 x 7 cm, 2024
His sculptures intricately capture the essence of undulating waves, using alternating convex and concave shapes to evoke a perpetual sense of motion, much like the Kegon Falls from his hometown in Tochigi. By placing a semi-transparent mirror between the layers of glass, Iezumi further enhances the reflections and light diffusion.
A master of his craft, Toshio Iezumi employs an angle grinder as a key tool for shaping glass, demonstrating a mastery that stems from extensive experimentation in grinding and polishing the glass surface. Utilizing heat-reflective glass, he skillfully traces concavities and convexities, creating a visual effect reminiscent of ripples in water.
TERRA
by Kan-Zan-Loc
This artwork encapsulates the essence of Earth and aligns with the thematic focus of this exhibition. Lines are central to Kan-Zan-Loc’s artistic process, achieved through a meditative approach. In this piece, the lines interact with each other, extending to the farthest reaches of the space, becoming the language that conveys our interconnectedness. It is the foundation and becomes all-encompassing [in his practice], an expression the artist defines as a "prayer that purifies our inner self."
“Terra | Earth”
Medium: Lapis-lazuli, Malachite and Mica on Silk
mounted on Museum Board
Dimension & Year: 89 x 89 cm & 2022
In the domain of the color blue, it is within this space that we perceive the light. Blue, evoking calmness and serenity, enables contemplation and encourages us to express appreciation beyond the norm, nurturing a sense of inclusivity.
Kan-Zan-Loc invites the viewers to engage in a deeper reflection on our relationship with the very Earth. It is a visual meditation on the beauty and fragility of our world, prompting us to recognize our role in its preservation.
ZEN Q-u - View of Zen
This artwork marks the second installment in a series dedicated to visualizing the essence of Zen. Zen philosophy emphasizes the importance of being fully present in every moment, practicing mindfulness and awareness. It aims for enlightenment through direct experience rather than mere theoretical knowledge. This philosophy advocates for simplicity, meditation, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all facets of life, with the purpose of nurturing inner peace and harmony amidst life's complexities.
In this iteration, “I crafted a darker shade of blue that may initially appear black. This effect was achieved through a meticulous combination of lapis lazuli, azurite, and malachite pigments, layered with indigo and ganryo. This distinctive approach not only enhances the depth of the color but also lends a sense of refinement, setting it apart from conventional watercolors and oil paints.
Embodying a Zen-like tranquility, the lines take shape in a form that resonates with every individual. Kan-Zan-Loc’s interpretation of color field, one of the tendencies in abstract expressionism, where he believes that embracing imperfections creates a harmony in which everyone feels loved. Utilizing lapis lazuli, azurite, and malachite as the cornerstone of Love Planet, the blue hues symbolize inclusivity, while the lines serve as connections, ultimately shaping into a heart.
Love Planet
From his Divided Water series, Love Planet continues his exploration where the blue represents water that nurtures the lines, forging connections and ensuring that no one is excluded.
Medium:
Lapis lazuli, Azurite, Malachite, Silver Powder
coated with Titanium, Shell Powder on Canvas
and on Handmade Panel
Dimension & Year: 54.7 x 49.9 x 3.8 cm, 2024
Junichi Ito will present two of his significant calligraphy pieces - "No War" and "Heaven", highlighting his hopeful vision for addressing contemporary issues and challenges.
"I truly believe that by embracing different cultures and their beliefs,
we can achieve our shared aspirations."
To express my prayer for peace, I deliberately inked the dot in the upper right corner. This time, the signature appeared in black ink instead of the traditional red vermilion, symbolizing a shift away from its associations with blood. This change marks a deep aspiration to remove blood from the narrative of calligraphy, signifying an end to the conflict. With fervent prayers and hopes, I envision a future where peace prevails and war becomes history.
“戦 | NO WAR”
Medium: Sumi Ink on Japanese Paper
Dimension & Year: 90 x 90 cm, 2023
“祈 | Prayer No.5"
The deliberate choice of colors and the careful blending of ink and acrylics symbolize a deeper connection and mutual understanding beyond the surface-level conflicts. The characters for "祈" (prayer) act as a bridge between the two nations, reflecting a collective wish for peace and reconciliation.
This piece is not just a visual representation but also a narrative that speaks to the power of art in transcending cultural and political barriers. It invites viewers to contemplate the possibility of harmony and the importance of empathy in resolving disputes. The fusion of traditional and modern techniques further underscores the dynamic nature of culture and the ongoing evolution of artistic expression.
As viewers engage with this artwork, they are encouraged to reflect on their own perceptions and the role of unity in a world often divided by differences. The prayer captured within the strokes and colors is a call to embrace our shared humanity and to strive for a future where harmony prevails.
Prayer holds deeper significance beyond a mere single stroke; my intention is to maintain this practice for a thousand years.
Medium: Sumi Ink & Acrylic on Japanese Paper
Dimension & Year: 89 x 123 cm, 2022
