Looking for a place to contemplate and introspect this Lenten season? Experiencing faith through art is a wonderful way to spend the holidays with family and friends. Galerie du Soleil MNL in Taguig City recently launched its third exhibit, a back-to-back group show entitled “Ama” - a Lenten offering; and “Straight from the Heart.” The show runs until April 23, 2023. “Ama” was conceptualized by artists Danny Rayos del Sol, Agi Pagkatipunan, and Jik Villanueva as an annual Lenten exhibition. "It is an offering, and sacrifice—an invitation to reflect and contemplate how the divine relates to humankind, manifesting in fatherhood and its many faces," according to the show organizers. The show's first run highlights nine artists whose works centered on spirituality and faith. "Each artwork expresses their Christian faith and life and how it grounds their approaches toward and understanding of fatherhood," they continued. Jik Villanueva shares that the team would like “Ama” to evolve into a mobile exhibit that can be mounted anywhere, all while consistently highlighting works centered on Christian faith. “PIETA” H12” x W15” x L19” Copper and Brass Jik Villanueva
Each edition aims to devote its proceeds to a chosen beneficiary each year. Such bayanihan continues in “Straight from the Heart,” whose proceeds will also go to Ama's beneficiary, Ino Pagkatipunan, Agi Pagkatipunan's son in need of medical assistance. Both established and emerging artists donated their artworks to the show. Galleries like Artes Orientes and Artologist also sent artworks to aid the cause. “AMA” 24” x 36” Acrylic on Canvas Danny Rayos del Sol
Participating artists include Ramon Orlina, Kublai Millan, Ram Mallari, Ombok Villamor, Marge Organo, Melissa Yeung Yap, Richard Buxani, Jeff Dahilan, Wencyl Mallari, Meroy Castrillo, Elias Pernecita, among others.

Arts scene in Taguig

Galerie du Soleil MNL also doubles as a museum, housing the permanent collection of the Rayos del Sol family. It aims to be a destination that highlights the creative scene in Taguig, highlighting visual art, music, dance, spoken word, creative writing, and more art forms, all helmed by Taguig artists. “Hesukristo”  H 3’ x  L 2’ x D 1’  Mixed Media by Agi Pagkatipunan
Rayos del Sol, a former officer in the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), shares that "preservation, promotion, enriching and developing arts and culture was always my advocacy. It's not so much giving back as it is 'paying forward,' as we need to support living artists in their profession."

Danny Rayos del Sol, Agi Pagkatipunan, and Jik Villanueva

*Follow Galerie du Soleil MNL on Facebook. For inquiries, message Tess Rayos del Sol at 0919-9918765 via SMS or Viber.*