Manila Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto has made a new artwork collection which will be displayed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Tuesday, Feb. 25, as part of the National Arts Month celebration.
Alongside his official duties, the former actor has built an impressive career as a contemporary artist and his latest exhibition, Directions 7, will open on Feb. 25, at the arrival area of NAIA Terminal 3 at 4 p.m.
The exhibit will feature a stunning collection of scrap metal artworks that depict maps of Manila’s various districts in intricate detail.
The three-dimensional pieces capture the evolving nature of the city, illustrating Manila as a dynamic metropolis that thrives on innovation, history, and a blend of cultures.
For the vice mayor, these artworks are not just physical creations but extensions of his journey.
The exhibit, through his distinctive artistic lens, serves as a tribute to life's uncharted paths, the familiar routes people take every day, and the inevitable turns that shape their destinies.
It is expected to be a significant occasion for both art enthusiasts and those who wish to appreciate the intersection of public service, creative expression, and Manila's evolving narrative.
Being a former actor, Nieto also has a creative side that extends beyond the silver screen.
By welding brass, copper, stainless steel, and other metals together, he transforms discarded materials into brilliant works of art.
His pieces often feature aerial views of the city, capturing the vibrant pulse of Manila and reflecting its diverse cultural and economic landscape.
In just two years, Nieto has mounted six successful solo exhibitions, each aptly titled Directions, showcasing his unique perspective of the world.
These exhibitions, including those held at the Pinto Art Museum, Manila Hotel's The Art Gallery, and Manila City Hall's Bulwagang Eulogio Rodriguez, have drawn significant attention from art lovers and collectors alike.
His latest exhibit, Directions 6, was held in January 2025 at The Art Gallery.