A pillar of Philippine art
(From left) The Life and Times of Purita Kalaw-Ledesma authors Eileen Legaspi-Ramirez and Clarissa Chikiamco, editor Purissima ‘Petty’ Benitez-Johannot and author Patrick Flores pose beside the portrait of art cognoscenti and archivist Purita Kalaw-Ledesma by artist Jaime de Guzman.
Renowned for her prolific work as a writer and art critic, the late great Purita Kalaw-Ledesma’s remarkable life was recently revisited with the launch of the book The Life and Times of Purita Kalaw-Ledesma, a once in a lifetime look at the archives of the founder of Art Association of the Philippines.
Written by Patrick Flores, Clarissa Chikiamco and Eileen Legaspi-Ramirez and edited by Purissima “Petty” Benitez-Johannot, the book examines Purita’s invaluable contributions not just in Philippine modern art but also her contribution as an archivist.
More than a historical and critical look at the art that revolved around the pivotal figure of Purita, the book serves as a splendid half-a-century retrospective of Philippine art as it consciously strived for relevance even as it simultaneously broke away from the past.
Led by Purita’s daughter and Kalaw-Ledesma Foundation (KLF) president Ada Ledesma-Mabilangan, the launch also displayed some of Purita’s collections via the art exhibit Piecing Together: Selections and Stories from the Purita Kalaw-Ledesma Collection, which runs until December.
Congratulations to the Kalaw-Ledesma Foundation for this exciting new achievement!
Greetings
Happy birthday to our celebrators today, Jewelmer Joaillerie SVP and creative director Gaelle Branellec and FCCP’s Mars Lambino.
Advance birthday greetings to Lilibeth Virata and Tobias Perry, June 12; Robinsons Land Corp. president Frederick Go, Tony dela Rea and Isel Litton, June 13; Dario Gardini, June 14; Jullie Yap Daza, Sam Eduque, FCCP’s Letty Syquia, Allure columnist Michelle Dayrit-Soliven, Margot Fragante, Amalie Azanza, Carrie Bautista and Margot Rodriguez, June 15; Jacqui Maniquis, June 16; Jun Lagman, John Osmeña, Metrobank Foundation president Chito Sobrepeña and Willin Chan, June 17.
Happy wedding anniversary to Joe and Marivic Concepcion, June 15; Alex and Marixi Prieto, June 16. May you share many, many more cherished years together.
So, how was your week?
(For comments and inquiries, please e-mail me at jjlitton@indanet.com.)
