On Aug. 22, 2024, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila played host to a momentous occasion as Ambassador See Sin Yuan Angelita Constance inaugurated a groundbreaking art exhibition that bridges the artistic worlds of Singapore and the Philippines. The evening, marked by a palpable sense of camaraderie and creative synergy, celebrated not just the art on display, but also the 55 years of warm diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Ambassador See, an ardent admirer of Filipino art and design, spoke with deep personal resonance about her connection to the exhibition. "This is a project close to my heart," she began, addressing a gathering of fellow art lovers and enthusiasts. "I am an admirer of Filipino art and design. I am also a lover of prints and the art of printmaking. So I am truly grateful that when I first suggested this collaboration to STPI and The M one year ago, I found kindred spirits."
The exhibition, a collaboration between Singapore Tyler Print Institute (STPI) and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M), showcases the works of 16 prominent artists from Singapore and the Philippines, such as Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Goh Beng Kwan, Han Sai Por and Ronald Ventura, exemplifying the vibrant cultural dialogue and artistic exchange between the two nations. These artists, who have all participated in artist residencies at STPI, are celebrated for their contributions to contemporary art and for pushing the boundaries of print and printmaking.
Ambassador See highlighted the significance of STPI in the contemporary art landscape, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation and creative exploration. "STPI has had a profound impact on the landscape of contemporary art by pushing the boundaries of print and printmaking, fostering groundbreaking collaborations that have empowered artists to experiment, innovate, and explore new dimensions of their creative expression," she noted.
The exhibition’s timing is particularly symbolic, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the Philippines—a milestone recently commemorated by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's State Visit to the Philippines. Ambassador See reflected on the enduring friendship between the two nations, noting that it spans multiple areas of cooperation, including the arts and cultural exchange. "This exhibition is testament to the vibrant dialogue and artistic exchange that has flourished between our countries over the past five decades," she remarked.
As guests admired the diverse array of works on display, the ambassador expressed her hope that the exhibition would inspire and enrich all who attended. She also voiced her aspiration for future artistic collaborations between the two nations. "May this be the beginning of many more artistic collaborations between Singapore and the Philippines," she concluded.
Top right: Pacita Abad’s 'Feel the beat!' Monoprint (Edition of 13)
Bottom right: Pacita Abad's 'Close to you, Enki's whirl'
The evening was not just a celebration of art, but also of the collective effort that made the exhibition possible. Ambassador See extended her gratitude to the STPI, The M, Dr. Patrick Flores, the sponsors, and her colleagues at the Singapore Embassy for their unwavering support and collaboration.
As the evening drew to a close, it was clear that the exhibition had achieved its goal of fostering cultural diplomacy through the universal language of art, leaving attendees inspired and hopeful for the future of Singapore-Philippines relations.
The exhibit will be on display until Oct. 26 at the 3rd floor, North Gallery of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in Taguig City.