The 13th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh 21 October - 19 November 2008 1103 times read
4 December 2008 - The Philippines participated in the 13th Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh held at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka on 21 October - 19 November 2008. Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh Zenaida Tacorda-Rabago attended the Inaugural Ceremony of the month-long 13th Asian Art Biennale Exhibit which opened on 21 October 2008 at the Osmani Memorial Hall. The Honorable Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed inaugurated the exhibit and acknowledged the presence of those who participated in the exhibit by expressing that through the Art Exhibit Bangladesh was able to bring friendly nations together.
The Honorable Adviser in-charge of the Bangladesh Ministry of Cultural Affairs also expressed that through the art exhibit, participating countries would be able to enhance and improve further the arts.
Through the encouragement of the Philippine Embassy, a Dhaka based Filipino artist Ramon M. Billanes finally acceded to its request to showcase his masterpieces.
The innovative Billanes presented four recent works portraying his views of the world - in vibrant images of nature, life and the environment entitled: 1) My Own Private Garden, 2) Seven Joyful Mysteries, 3) Door for H and 4) Untitled. The embassy paid the cost of the frames of the first two entries.
The first work “My Own Private Garden” (4 feet by 8 feet, August 2008) utilizing mixed media on wood on a black frame, reveals the artist’s impression of the world. The vivid play of colors presents sadness and failures (blue), strength (red), and life (green), swirling in different directions in rough knife strokes denoting the cycle of life. Joy always follows sadness as seen in the overlapping warm and blue shades.
The second work - “Seven Joyful Mysteries”, is a series of seven pieces mixed media on paper measuring 34 inches by 24 inches (August 2008). The work’s accidental design represents seven different states of happiness. Different strokes - upward, sideways and in circles, signify life’s mysteries using vibrant and warm colors. The unifying element is the insect (beetle) found in each of the pieces in green color also represents life.
The third work - “Door for H” a 37 inches by 30 inches mixed media on wood (June 2008) is a mini-installation. lt is a two dimensional centerpiece with mixed scrap metals representing a door, and life’s many possibilities.
The Untitled fourth work - a 42 inches by 30 inches mixed media on paper (2007), warns against the destruction of nature. Two hands in black and white symbolize humans protecting the environment. A growing seeding represents hope against destruction, with a silhouette in the background signifying Mother Nature.
