Dimasalang Artists at SM Art Center

The Crucible Gallery presents a collective art exhibition by the Dimasalang III International Artist Group from Canada on Jan. 7, 6 p.m. at the SM Art Center, fourth floor, SM Megamall-A, Mandaluyong City. The show runs until Jan. 20.

Guest of honor is Canadian Ambassador Robert Desjardins.

A dozen Dimasalang artists will exhibit their paintings; 11 of whom are coming to Manila all the way from Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Led by Dimasalang co-founder Sofronio “SYM” Ylanan Mendoza, the Dimasalang III International Artist Group members are Andy Naval, Brooke Anderson, Romulo Galicano, Esmie Gayo McLaren, Edgardo Lantin, Jess Hipolito, Leo Cunanan, Mina dela Cruz, Noel Trinidad, Rod Pedralba, and Simeon Dee. Joining them is Romulo Galicano, one of the two surviving original members of the Dimasalang Artists, as special guest.

One of the highlights of the group exhibit is SYM and Galicano’s collaboration of a “Mother and Child” interactive 40”x30” oil painting.

Another Signature Dimasalang realist/impressionist artist Edgardo Lantin, known for his exquisite portraits, will showcase genre paintings of Philippine scenery and urban life.

Following a successful Vancouver exhibition in November 2008 at the Roundhouse Community Art Center, the group celebrates the 40th anniversary of Dimasalang Artists in Manila where it all began.

Dimasalang is a group of artists co-founded by SYM in Manila in 1968. The word originated from Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal, who used the name Dimasalang as his pseudonym. However, the name Dimasalang Artists was adopted after the street SYM lived on at the time.

Led by SYM, the group promoted impressionism and representational art in the Philippines in the late 60s through the 70s when modern art was at its peak. His strong influence led a “quiet revolt” in the art movement.

The dominance of modern art was slowly challenged by re-emergence of traditional representational art. SYM was responsible for bridging the gap between the two movements in harmony. The Dimasalang Artists played a crucial role in Philippine art history.

The original Dimasalang Artists (Dimasalang I) included SYM, Emilio Abe Cruz (co-founder), Ibarra dela Rosa, Andy Cristobal Cruz and Romulo Galicano.

SYM helped mentor many artists and Dimasalang II consisted mainly of his students in the Philippines, namely Nestor Villanueva, Carlos Cadid, Godofredo Mendoza, and Vic Larosa.

SYM moved to Canada with his family in 1981 where he persisted to share his knowledge and expertise in all nuances of art. He continued to teach aspiring talented artists in Vancouver and formed a new set of Canadian Dimasalang Artists.

Dimasalang III International Artist Group is a registered not-for-profit society in British Columbia directed by a governing board of artists dedicated to promoting awareness of contemporary arts and culture in the community.

The group offers arts-related educational and professional development opportunities to its members and the general public.

Committed to its vision of fostering a positive contribution to the arts movement, the group continues to pursue a high standard of artistic works.

Year 2008 marks the 40th anniversary of the rich and proud history of Dimasalang Artists.

For inquiries, call Chari Elinzano or Inas Amoyo at 635-6061.