LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—The Pangasinan Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO) launched its new art exhibit on April 5 (Pangasinan Day) at the Asin Gallery, or Gallery III, in Banaan Museum here.
Entitled “Siplog: A Digital Art Exhibit,” the event’s theme revolves around the concept of Pangasinan words ‘aro’ (love), ‘kimey’ (labor), and ‘kawayangan’ (freedom), which are feelings that are commonly evoked when one visits the ‘baybay’ (seashore)—thus the “sea” as the exhibit’s primary inspiration. Siplog is a local term meaning “a soft blow of wind.”
Featuring the masterpieces of eight Pangasinense artists, namely Paulyn Albino, Vanessa Baldueza, Wel Caoile, Darla De Guzman, Mel John Terrado, Ryjane Tunac, Stepphine Uson, and the late Santiago B. Villafania, who is an advocate of Pangasinan heritage and has worked with the provincial government for many years. As mentioned by PTCAO Chief Maria Luisa A. Elduayan, the exhibit is a tribute to Villafania’s passing.
Elduayan said the provincial government is keen on stepping up art appreciation among Pangasinenses, notably the youth who are adept with technology.
“We just recognized that all of our young generation’s interest is already in technology. Tapos many of them are very exploratory, tapping their creative energy using different platforms, and this is what is available to many of our generation. Ang thrust naman din natin is to support our youth and young artists that use different technology or platforms,” she added.
The exhibit, which showcases a breath of fresh air as it pioneers as the maiden digital art exhibit in the Banaan Museum, kicked off on April 5 and will run until May 10.
A three-day open-house museum tour was held from April 5-7, 2024, in time for the province’s 444th Foundation Anniversary. However, the regular admission fee resumes on April 8, 2024.
To see the digital art exhibit, log in and book your museum visit at www.seepangasinan.com. (Ruby R. Bernardino/PIMRO with a report from Rainier James Rosario/OJT)
