Press Release No. 05-2017
(07 March 2017, Jeddah) –The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah organized a 2-week painting exhibit featuring “Amorsolo-inspired” paintings by Filipino artists in celebration of the National Arts Month (Pambansang Buwan ng mga Sining), with the theme, “Malikhain. Mapagbago. FILIPINO.”
A simple ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on 19 February 2017 at the Consulate’s PCG Hall to inaugurate the opening of the exhibit. The activity was led by Philippine Consul General in Jeddah Imelda M. Panolong, together with the officers and staff of the Consulate, including the attached services. Thirty-four (34) paintings by young Filipino OFWs and kids’ artists of AB Punzalan’s Art Class, under the tutelage of Ar. Arnel Punzalan, were featured during the exhibit, which was opened to the public until 28 February 2017.
Most of these young talented artists, ages from 7 to 15 years, are studying at the Philippine curriculum schools based in Jeddah, namely Al Dura Gems International School, Bader International School, Durat Al Sharq International School, and the International Philippine School in Jeddah. They attend art class during weekends wherein they get to learn, appreciate and share love for the Philippine culture through the subjects they are painting which include Philippine national heroes and beautiful scenic spots. The Art Class also introduces to the students the works of Filipino painters such as Fernando C. Amorsolo.
Fernando Amorsolo y Cueto (1892 – 1972) is the Philippines’ first National Artist in Painting. The so-called “Grand Old Man of the Philippine Art”, he was an excellent sketch artist as well as peerless master of light and color. Most of his paintings portrayed the Filipino culture, tradition and customs like Filipino fiestas. He became popular because of his illuminated landscapes and his historical paintings on which you can see the real reflection of a Filipino soul.
Consul General Panolong awarded certificates of appreciation to Ar. Punzalan for his unselfish dedication and commitment to develop the talents and enhance the skills of his Filipino art students as well as to raise awareness in his students on the love for the Philippines’ colorful and rich culture, and the arts. She likewise expressed her grateful recognition to the Filipino artists for their support extended to the Philippine Consulate by participating in the painting exhibit. END.
PHOTOS TAKEN DURING THE PAINTING EXHBIHIT IN CELEBRATION OF THE NATIONAL ARTS MONTH 2017
Consul General Imelda M. Panolong (3rd from right) leads the PCG Jeddah officers and Personnel in the
ribbon cutting ceremony of the 2-week long painting exhibit of the National Arts Month
