The mere mention of Orlina conjures a legendary status in the art world, eliciting raves like “Wow, this is an Orlina.” The invitation featured a photo of his Volkswagon adorned with flowers. The Flower Power birthday dinner was held last week at Manila House, and garbed in his customary scarf, the man of the moment mingled with his diverse group of guests. Ramon Orlina welcomed his guests with: “You are my dear and special friends. I want to acknowledge my fellow artists and their spouses, friends in the arts and culture, and in historical conservation, fellow music lovers, my classmates from UST, my kumare and kumpares, my balae Robert and Remy Miso, my gallery friends and collectors, some of my Singapore gang friends from the ’80s, my friends from Volkswagon Philippines, my glamorous friends, and some of my oldest and closest friends.” It truly was a gathering of those closest to the birthday celebrator’s heart, and, together with his gracious wife Lay Ann and their children Anna, Michael, and Ningning, it was a warm birthday celebration for the beaming Ramon Orlina. Some of the artists who attended were Tiny Nuyda, Ross Capili, Raul Isidro, Ephraim Samson, and Cid Reyes.
Ramon told us that he is extremely grateful to God, for a fruitful and successful career in the arts for the past four decades. He is thrilled that his very first sculpture, called Arcanum Paradise created in 1976, has found a new home in the lobby of the newly refurbished building of the National Museum of Natural History that will officially open on May 2018. The relief sculpture is impressive at six by 10.5 by two feet and weighs three tons.
One of the most visible and esteemed personalities in the art scene, Ramon is a master of his craft. The much loved artist will have a combimed exhibition with Olivia D’Aboville hosted by YOD Gallery, an Osaka based gallery, at the Link, Ayala Center from March 1 to 4. He is also proud of the fact that his Museo Orlina, which opened in 2013, is today the number one tourist destinations in Tagaytay, according to Trip Advisor and Google Search.
Entertainment ensued and Audie Jamora brought the house down with his song; and the highlight of the evening was a song by Ramon for the revellers. His talent, his cool and focused persona, and approachability have earned the artists adoring fans worldwide.
Raul Isidro: Abstract Meditations
An artist who needs little introduction, renowned Filipino modernist Raul Isidro showcased “Abstract Meditations,” his latest exhibit at the Conrad Manila Gallery C. As this year’s curtain riser of Conrad Manila’s “Of Art and Wine” 2018 series, the exhibit was presented in collaboration with AWC Clarendelle, Bordeaux, France. The artist and his lovely wife Bella, together with ardent supporters of modern art, Elizabeth Sy and Nes Jardin, welcomed the guests from the world of art, business, and society.
Best known as one of the primary artists of the 70’s associated with Philippine modern art, the ongoing exhibit features Raul’s contemporary works. Being one of 1979 Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), his early works earned him a solo exhibition at the famed La Solidaridad Bookstore’s Gallery in 1969. Throughout Raul’s career, he has had 50 solo exhibits. His vibrant palette evoked his naturalist sensibility combined with his abstract technique. His paintings draw a nonverbal form of emotional expression, and his innovative procedure is celebrated- being one of the leading voices of the second generation of Philippine modernists. Curated by Gallery Valentina, the exhibit will run until April 15 at third level of Conrad Manila Gallery C.
