Vexed Contemporary at MCAD

MANILA, Philippines - Defiant and intriguing, a recently-launched exhibition called the Vexed Contemporary at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) of the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde features the works of 16 Filipino artists, with pieces that deal with the concept of disputing the manifestations and ideals of art on multiple levels.

Lending themselves to the dynamism of the various ideas on what define “contemporaneity,” the innovative contributors challenge perspectives of the conventional through the language of art. An integral part in the selection was to address the reflective dilemma of remaining authentic to oneself as an artist vis a vis global trends in the industry.

Participating artists are Pio Abad, Poklong Anading, Victor Balanon, Yason Banal, Lena Cobangbang, Louie Cordero, Kiri Dalena, Leslie De Chavez, Kawayan De Guia, Patricia Perez Eustaquio, Cocoy Lumbao, Gina Osterloh, Gary-Ross Pastrana, Ikoy Ricio, Maria Taniguchi and The Weather Bureau.

The overall goal of the gallery is to “create an environment of participation and mediation, of visual and spatial challenges,” thereby compelling visitors and spectators to reflect on the very experiences that arise from the visual, auditory and tactile qualities of the compositions.

This is part of the MCAD’s series of temporal displays and projects, from the avant-garde to minimalist thought-provokers, which serve as an avenue for both established and rising talents from the Philippines to further enrich the country’s pool of creatives in the art scene.

The exhibit runs until Nov. 21 and the museum is located at the ground floor of the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, School of Design and Arts Campus, Dominga St., Malate, Manila. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesdays to Saturdays.