Historic Hong Kong Exhibition Showcases Filipino Artistic Talent Across Borders
A vibrant celebration of Filipino creativity unfolds in Hong Kong with the exhibition "Unity in Diversity: Filipino Artists Across Borders," showcasing over 70 master works from artists in Hong Kong, the Philippines, New York, and the UK. Running from February 26 to March 3, 2025, it highlights diverse artistic expressions, inviting reflection on identity and cultural heritage. Curated by Hong Kong-based artists Rodolfo Canete Jr. and Abigail Camaya-Hills
HONG KONG - A vibrant celebration of Filipino creativity is captivating audiences in Hong Kong, where the community of Filipinos in the city is finding inspiration in the works of their compatriots. An art exhibition titled 'Unity in Diversity: Filipino Artists Across Borders' opened this week, featuring more than 70 masterpieces crafted by Filipino artists from Hong Kong, the Philippines, New York, and the United Kingdom. This is probably the single biggest overseas exhibition of contemporary Filipino artists ever.
The exhibition, held at the Hong Kong Visual Arts Center from February 26 to March 3, showcases an array of artistic expressions, including intricate sculptures, vivid paintings, woven textiles, and other stunning creations. Consul General of the Philippines in Hong Kong, Germinia Aguilar-Usudan, hailed the event as a testament to the ingenuity and spirit of Filipino artists, whose works are resonating not only with the Filipino diaspora but also with a broader international audience.
Among the exhibition's standout participants is Ferdinand Cacnio, the guest of honor, whose presence elevates the opening festivities. Renowned for his mastery in sculpting, Cacnio unveils a stunning collection of brass sculptures that meld fluidity with precision. For the first time in Hong Kong, he also presents his paintings, offering a rare glimpse into the versatility of this celebrated artist. His works serve as a bridge between tradition and innovation, setting the tone for an exhibition that promises to push artistic boundaries.
Joining Cacnio is Norman Dreo, a painter par excellence whose meticulous attention to detail pays homage to the Old Masters. Dreo's two paintings are a labor of love, each stroke echoing the timeless techniques of classical artistry while infusing them with a contemporary Filipino spirit. His works invite viewers to linger, uncovering layers of meaning in their intricate compositions.
The exhibition also celebrates the evocative power of abstract expression through Lydia Velasco's striking Filipino female figures. Velasco's bold forms capture the essence of womanhood, blending strength and grace in a dance of shapes and shadows. Equally compelling is Richard Dela Cruz's storytelling, where Rococo-inspired engravings come alive with narrative depth, drawing viewers into a world of ornate elegance and hidden tales.
Innovation takes center stage with Boholana artist Nicole Asares, whose outline-embossed paintings defy conventional boundaries. Her creations leap across the canvas, intertwining form and imagination in a mesmerizing dance that challenges the viewer's perception. Similarly, Jeff Dahilan's meticulous triangular mosaics offer a geometric symphony of color and texture, each piece a testament to patience and precision. Meanwhile, "rockstar" painter Kenneth John Montegrande enchants with his sublime blue-toned landscape, where serene hues evoke a meditative stillness that resonates deeply.
A significant highlight of this exhibition is the debut of Kareem Moumina, a prolific Filipino-Arab-American artist based in New York. Marking his first appearance in a Filipino art exhibition, Moumina's huge oil painting commands attention with its fusion of tropical settings and dreamlike elements influenced by visits to the native land of his Filipino mother. His work explores the beauty of diversity—an interplay of cultures and visions that mirrors the exhibition's overarching theme. Through his bold brushstrokes and vibrant palette, Moumina invites viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of identity and environment, making his contribution a fitting crescendo to this artistic celebration.
This landmark exhibition not only showcases the brilliance of individual artists but also underscores the collective strength of Filipino creativity on the global stage. From Cacnio's sculptural innovations to Moumina's cross-cultural narratives, each contributor weaves a thread into a larger story—one of heritage, imagination, and resilience. For a full list of participating artists, click here, and prepare to be inspired by a display that transcends borders and redefines artistic possibility.
'These works are more than just art; they're a bridge connecting Filipinos across the world and showcasing our talent to others,' Aguilar-Usudan said during the opening ceremony. Visitors from various backgrounds have expressed awe at the skill and creativity on display, with many noting the universal appeal of the pieces.
The event underscores Hong Kong's role as a cultural hub for the Filipino community, which forms one of the city's largest expatriate groups. For the artists, it's an opportunity to share their heritage and stories through a kaleidoscope of mediums, proving that creativity knows no borders.
The exhibition is jointly curated by Hong Kong-based artists Rodolfo Canete Jr. and Abigail Camaya Hills of Galleria Camaya.
As the exhibition continues through the week, it promises to leave a lasting impression on all who witness the remarkable talent of Filipino artists thriving across the globe.
Media Contact
Company Name: Galleria Camaya
Contact Person: Gail Hills
Email: Send Email
Country: HongKong
Website: https://galleriacamaya.art
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
15 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Valérie Bah wins Amazon Canada First Novel Award for ‘Subterrane'
TORONTO – Valérie Bah's speculative comedy 'Subterrane' has won the $60,000 Amazon Canada First Novel Award. The Quebec author and filmmaker accepted the prize at a ceremony in Toronto on Thursday night. The novel follows a filmmaker documenting the lives of queer and Black characters who are pushed underground by urban prosperity in the fictional city of New Stockholm. The documentarian focuses on the death of an activist protesting a construction project. In addition to writing and filmmaking, Bah is a massage therapist. Other finalists include Benjamin Hertwig for 'Juiceboxers,' about four young soldiers serving in Afghanistan, and Vancouver-based Myriam Lacroix for the genre-bending 'How It Works Out,' in which a lesbian couple's relationship is reimagined through multiple scenarios. Also in the running were Andrew Boden of Burnaby, B.C., for 'When We Were Ashes,' about disabled children in Nazi Germany; Halifax writer David Huebert for 'Oil People,' about two families locked in a bitter rivalry that lasts generations; and Calgary's Natalie Sue for the tender comedy 'I Hope This Finds You Well,' about loneliness and love beyond our computer screens. Each shortlisted novelist receives $6,000. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 6, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
18 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Free Press Head Start for June 5
Widespread smoke. High 23 C. UV index 7 or high. While images of wildfires capture their ferocity, data can provide insight into how bad a fire season is. Such is the case with two graphics, powered by satellite data, that showcase a Canadian wildfire season off to a wild — and scary — start. Twice a day a NASA satellite sends images to the ground, giving a real-time view of where fires are burning. This is especially useful for remote areas where no sensors are stationed. The Associated Press has more here. What's happening today Toronto-based former Winnipegger and bestselling fantasy novelist Guy Gavriel Kay comes back to town to launch his latest novel, Written on the Dark , tonight at 7 p.m. at McNally Robinson's Grant Park location. Kay will be joined at the launch in conversation by Bruce Symaka. Ben Sigurdson has a preview here. Guy Gavriel Kay (Ted Davis photo) There's plenty of family-friendly entertainment to be found at The Forks this week during the annual KidsFest event hosted by the Winnipeg International Children's Festival. The party kicks off at 10 a.m. today with a showcase of Francophone performers, including local singer-songwriter Micah Baribeau, a.k.a Micah!, and Montreal theatre duo Les Soeurs Kif Kif. Today's must-read The NDP government has asked the provincial auditor general to probe Project Nova, the doomed technology project undertaken by Manitoba Public Insurance. In a letter to auditor general Tyson Shtykalo, which was obtained by the Free Press , Finance Minister Adrien Sala stated that after spending $165 million on Nova, most of the promised features — including full online access for Autopac customers — remain unfulfilled. Sala stated in his letter that an internal government review identified a number of 'concerns' about MPI's management of Nova. Dan Lett has the story. The NDP government has asked the provincial auditor general to probe Manitoba Public Insurance's Project Nova.(Mikaela MacKenzie / Free Press files) On the bright side An adolescent loggerhead sea turtle named Dilly Dally crawled into the Atlantic Ocean Wednesday morning, months after having a front flipper amputated at a Florida turtle hospital. The turtle was brought to Loggerhead Marinelife Center in January suffering from predator wounds to the front flipper. The veterinary crew at the Juno Beach facility assisted in Dilly Dally's rehabilitation and care. 'Every time we can release a turtle back into the wild is special and not just for us but for all the interns and volunteers and everyone that puts an effort to getting these turtles back out there. It's always a really special day,' said Marika Weber, a veterinary technician at the centre. The Associated Press has more here. An adolescent loggerhead sea turtle named Dilly-Dally crawls into the Atlantic Ocean after being released on Wednesday. (Rebecca Blackwell / The Associated Press) On this date On June 5, 1956: The Winnipeg Free Press reported city council told its public safety committee to draw up new specifications on boots for the Winnipeg fire department and call for tenders again; the decision was a victory for boot salesman William Gelfant, who a month earlier had caused an uproar at city hall when he charged the city was buying footwear that did not meet the city's own specifications. Read the rest of this day's paper here. Search our archives for more here. Today's front page Get the full story: Read today's e-edition of the Free Press .
Vancouver Sun
18 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
Cook This: 3 Middle Eastern recipes from Lugma, including springtime fattoush
Our cookbook of the week is Lugma by Bahrain-born, London-based cook, author and recipe developer Noor Murad. Jump to the recipes: 'cheese and olives' (halloumi with spicy olives and walnuts), springtime fattoush and coffee, cardamom and chipotle-rubbed lamb chops . Noor Murad is used to straddling two worlds. Growing up in Bahrain, an island country in the Persian Gulf, with an Arab dad and British mom, machboos and saloonat dajaj were as likely to be on her family's table as bolognese and mushroom risotto. Her mother, a self-taught cook, found far-ranging inspiration in recipes by authors such as Anissa Helou and Madhur Jaffrey . 'My curiosity about cooking was more than just the food of Bahrain. It was everything,' says Murad. 'I was always curious about other cuisines because I knew mine so well.' Discover the best of B.C.'s recipes, restaurants and wine. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of West Coast Table will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. In her cookbook debut, Lugma (Quadrille, 2025), Murad features more than 100 recipes from Bahrain and its neighbouring countries 'with a slightly Westernized take, thanks to my English roots.' Writing the book in London, England, gave her the distance she needed to reconnect with her upbringing. 'Being away from home helps pull out the stories even more because you have a lot more time to reflect when there's some distance between you and all these nostalgic memories. Being able to sit down and write, it comes out of you. And sometimes there are all these suppressed memories, and then all of a sudden, (you put) pen to paper, and everything appears.' Murad started working in kitchens at 16, as a summer job in hotel banquets. After studying at the Culinary Institute of America and working in restaurants in New York and Bahrain, in 2016, she moved to London for a job at Ottolenghi Spitalfields . Murad went on to co-author two cookbooks with Yotam Ottolenghi — Shelf Love (2021) and Extra Good Things (2022) — and ran the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen until April 2023, when she left and started writing Lugma. After being part of the Ottolenghi empire, Murad sees Lugma as 'a reflection of me and my cooking, and a chance to find my feet in the food world and use my voice in my own personal way.' Although Murad's palate was well-versed in the food of the Gulf, it wasn't something she sought to make. 'It wasn't until I started working at Ottolenghi in London that I noticed this gap in Middle Eastern food. I was like, 'OK, there's a lot of hummus, a lot of falafel, a lot of shakshuka — all the hits. But there's not much of my food from my part of the Middle East.'' She adds that more voices need to be added to the conversation about the Middle East and its people, history and heritage. 'It's such a rich region — very colourful and very diverse. And I think the more we can talk about this and invite these conversations, the better. And what better way to do it than through food? It's the most universal language we can all understand and speak.' Writing Lugma, Murad dove deep into her memories, reflecting on and recreating dishes she didn't necessarily have recipes for. She says that in Bahrain, many aren't written down but relayed by demonstration — and every house has its way of doing things. 'It was a lot of relying on my palate, tastes and memories to bring things back to life.' Murad has always seen herself as having one foot in the East and the other in the West. As a chef, she naturally likes to experiment with different foods. With each of Lugma's recipes, she asked herself, 'Does this fit? Should I change it? Should I tweak it? Should I keep it more traditional?' The answer wasn't always easy. 'It really made me question, 'What are the recipes I want to put into this book?' And also, 'What do I want to say, and what do I want to showcase?' So I tried to balance traditional and reimagined dishes and then really hone into what it means to be a child of two cultures.' Lugma means 'a bite' or 'a mouthful' in Arabic. Murad often thought of her grandfather while writing the book. He was skilled at eating with his hands, creating the perfect mouthful of rice, meat and chili sauce between his fingers. 'That's kind of what inspired the book,' says Murad. 'I love eating with my hands, and I think that making someone a bite of something is a way of showing them that you love them.' Murad didn't set out to write a Bahraini book, but as time passed, she realized how much the island had shaped her palate and made her who she was. At the heart of Lugma is the generosity of hospitality in her Bahraini home, just 50 kilometres long (the same size as Singapore), with a fascinating food culture. 'I wanted to show how this small but mighty island pulls from so many different influences. Through history, it was a seaport and centre of trade. Because it was so small, it almost created its own identity by pulling on other identities. So this fusion of Arabic, Persian, Indian flavours all rolled into one is so unique. That's what I wanted to shout about from my corner of the Middle East.' Serves: 4 For the salsa: 4 tbsp olive oil 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tsp coriander seeds, roughly crushed using a pestle and mortar 1 tsp Aleppo chili flakes 70 g (2 1/2 oz) jarred red (bell) peppers, very finely chopped 1 tbsp rose harissa 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tsp maple syrup 50 g (1 3/4 oz) walnuts, well toasted and roughly chopped into 1-cm (1/2-in) pieces 70 g (2 1/2 oz) pitted Nocellara (Castelvetrano) olives, roughly chopped 5 g (1/8 oz) mint leaves, roughly chopped 10 g (1/4 oz) parsley leaves, roughly chopped 2 tsp pomegranate molasses For the halloumi: 2 x 225 g (8 oz) blocks of halloumi, drained 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp maple syrup Make the salsa by adding the oil and garlic to a small frying pan and placing it over a medium heat. Cook until beginning to bubble and smell fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes, then add the coriander seeds and chili and cook for about 30 seconds more. Stir in the peppers, harissa, vinegar and maple syrup and cook for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature, then transfer to a large bowl, add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine. Preheat the oven to 180C convection (200C/400F). Halve each of the halloumi blocks lengthways (so they are the same shape, but thinner now) to give you four rectangular pieces. Pat them well dry. Use a small sharp knife to make a crisscross pattern across one side of each piece, with incisions about 1.5-cm (5/8-in) deep. Heat the oil in a medium frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the halloumi pieces and fry until nicely golden on both sides, about 4-5 minutes in total. Transfer to a small tray, crisscross side up, and pour over the excess oil left in the pan, followed by the maple syrup. Bake for 7 minutes, or until really nicely softened through the centre. Transfer to a plate, pouring over any juices left in the tray, then spoon over the salsa. Serve right away, while the halloumi is still warm. Serves: 2-4, as a side 150 g (5 1/2 oz) red round radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced into rounds 2 celery sticks, trimmed, stringy bits peeled, then thinly sliced at a slight angle (120 g/4 1/4 oz) 150 g (5 1/2 oz) fresh or frozen fava beans, soaked in boiling water for 5 minutes, skins removed (100 g/3 1/2 oz) 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons (50 g/1 3/4 oz) 90 g (3 1/4 oz) pomegranate seeds (about 1/2 large pomegranate) 10 g (1/4 oz) mint leaves, roughly torn 10 g (1/4 oz) parsley leaves, picked 1 tbsp olive oil, plus an extra 2 tsp to serve 2 tsp lemon juice 3/4 tsp sumac, plus an extra 1/2 tsp to serve 2 tsp pomegranate molasses For the fried pita: 500 mL (2 cups) vegetable oil, for deep frying 2 Lebanese pitas, opened up, then cut into 2.5-3-cm (1-1 1/4-in) cubes (see note) Fine sea salt First, fry the pitas. Line a tray with paper towels. Add the vegetable oil to a small, high-sided saucepan and place it over a medium-high heat. Test the oil is hot enough by dropping in a cube of pita — it should start to sizzle but not brown immediately. Working in two batches, fry the pita cubes for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently with a slotted spoon, until golden. Transfer to the lined tray and sprinkle with a little salt. Repeat with the second batch. Set aside to cool and crisp up completely (save the oil for another use). In a large mixing bowl, combine the radishes, celery, fava beans, onion, pomegranate and herbs. In a small bowl, whisk together the tablespoon of olive oil, the lemon juice, 3/4 teaspoon of sumac and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the radish mixture and season with another 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss everything together, then transfer to a shallow bowl and pile as much of the pita in the centre as you like, serving any extra in a bowl alongside. Sprinkle over the extra sumac, then drizzle with the pomegranate molasses and extra oil. Note: Feel free to bake the pita here instead of frying, if you prefer — just make sure you open the pita pockets up first, for thin, crisp pieces. If you can't find Lebanese pitas (khobez Lebnani), which are thin and flat, then flour tortillas will work just as well. Serves: 4 Marinating time: 1-3 hours 8 lamb cutlets 3 tbsp olive oil 1/2 lemon 4 spring onions (scallions), trimmed and sliced lengthways in half (60 g/2 1/4 oz) 1 green chili, left whole Fine sea salt For the rub: 1 tbsp finely ground coffee beans Seeds from 15 cardamom pods, finely crushed 1 tsp cumin seeds, finely crushed using a pestle and mortar 5 g (1/8 oz) dried chipotle, stem and seeds removed, finely crushed, or 1 1/4 tsp chipotle chili flakes 3/4 tsp paprika 1 tsp soft light brown sugar For the sumac onions: 1/2 red onion (75 g/2 1/2 oz), finely sliced 2 tsp sumac 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice Combine all the ingredients for the rub in a medium bowl. Pat the lamb well dry on paper towels and season all over with 3/4 teaspoon salt. Coat well with the rub, then leave to marinate at room temperature for 1 hour, or refrigerated for up to 3 hours (but not much longer). Make the onions by placing all the ingredients in a bowl with a pinch of salt and using your fingers to massage everything together. Set aside to pickle gently while the lamb is marinating (you can do this hours ahead). If you've refrigerated the lamb, be sure to bring it back up to room temperature before cooking. When ready, place a large cast-iron sauté pan over a medium-high heat. Toss the lamb with the oil. Once the pan is hot, cook the cutlets for 2-3 minutes on each side, for medium-rare. Adjust the cook time if you prefer your cutlets more or less well done (or if they're smaller or larger in size). Arrange them on a serving plate and pour over all but a couple teaspoons of the fat left in the pan, then squeeze over the 1/2 lemon. Return the pan to a medium-high heat with the spring onions, chili and a tiny pinch of salt and cook for about 3 minutes, flipping over as necessary, until softened and lightly browned. Pile the spring onions onto one side of the serving plate with the whole green chili alongside. Top the cutlets with the sumac onions and serve right away. Recipes and images excerpted with permission from Lugma by Noor Murad, published by Quadrille. Photography by Matt Russell. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our cookbook and recipe newsletter, Cook This, here .
