Wazzup Pilipinas!
SM Aura Premier brings local art to fresher spaces with Art in Aura. A year-long affair, Art in Aura was launched on May 4, 2017 at the Courtyard in SM Aura, Taguig. The campaign, in collaboration with creative assembly KAPWA Studio, was kicked off by a showcase of murals by notable local artists Anina Rubio, Mercedes Olondriz, Archie Oclos, and multi-hyphenate Dee Jae Pa’este, whose works can already be found all over the metro.
Art in Aura proudly hosts the first solo exhibit of renowned Filipino contemporary artist Philipp B. Badon, at the SM Aura Atrium, from May 4 to 31, which includes opening cocktails and an artist dialogue on May 6, 4pm.
SM Aura aims to take the art out of the gallery and bring it to urban spaces, to make it more accessible to everyone. The movement started 3 years ago with Filipino-American artist, Jefre Manuel, with "Steel Safari," a public art installation of 4 animals unique to the Philippines, followed by a Christmas showcase featuring Olivia d'Aboville's "Giant Dandilions" and Leeroy New's "Astreopora." Both large scale installations were set to music at the Skypark lawn. The Aura Tower also features artist Eduardo Castrillo's "Colossal Growth." The Colossal Growth depicts the movement of mass from linear to horizontal. It represents the threshold by which a form, or energy crosses a path and explodes to grandness, redefining itself. It was reacquired from Evangelina Gella Luarca in 1989. The Artist kept it in storage and restored in 2013.
Art in Aura redefines the way one interacts with art, by using images and patterns that are rooted to our heritage. For the first part of this year’s campaign, Art in Aura features three outstanding local artists by providing them mural spaces to share their expressive work. One of the featured artists, Anina Rubio, is a freelance visual artist whose art reflects her love for the outdoors. Her work, entitled “Through the Cracks” can be seen at the SM Aura Grand Staircase, featuring common household weeds which she likens to Filipino characteristics like resilience and adaptability. UP Fine Arts graduate street artist Archie Oclos, pays homage to our country’s “National Treasures” through depictions of internationally-revered “mambabatok” Apo Whang Od and Lang Dulay, the T’boli Weave Master. Manila-based Mercedes Olondriz’ “Flaura” to depict her goal to bring back organic elements into the urban landscape. While Philipp Badon’s solo art show at the SM Aura Atrium is an expression of his resurgence in the art world from which he belongs. From a young achiever art student, art teacher, advertising artist, gallery curator and manager, Philipp’s world belongs to his art, his art that he continues to develop and to explore. His exhibit will run from May 4-31. Lastly, the Art in Aura featured artists is joined by digital artist, Ramenrocky, whose works illuminated the Courtyard walls during the launch.
Art in Aura not only opens up space for contemporary visual art, but also for music, as SM Aura also partnered with music collective Stages Sessions in a joint effort to provide an alternative space where today’s rising local independent musicians can be heard by the public. The Grand Launch featured performances by rising local indie musicians Jess Connelly, Curtismith, CRWN, BP Valenzuela and Asch. More live musical performances, alongside art workshops and local artisans and vendors will be available at Art in Aura’s Courtyard Weekend Fair every weekend, starting May 6 and 7.
Art in Aura is a long-standing campaign to promote and welcome art, and will feature more collaboration with artists from all over the country for the rest of the year.
Follow @smaurapremier and @artinaura on Instagram for more updates on the latest collaborations, featured artists, and events.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
