The United Nations Vienna International Centre is home to a superb collection of artworks from all over the world, which can be viewed, toured, and appreciated in a number of ways. Austria, the host nation, established the UN Vienna art collection as a representative of Austrian contemporary art trends at the time the VIC opened in 1979.
Since then, a large number of additional Member States have added their own works to the collection, resulting in a distinctive mingling of artistic movements, modes of expression, and cultural customs. The works cohabit in a setting that is as varied as the art.
Rudolf Hausner, Alfred Hrdlicka, Martha Jungwirth, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Hermann Nitsch, Marcus Prachensky, Max Weiler, and many other Austrian modern masters have works in the collection. Other noteworthy items include a stunning painting by Japanese artist Sagenji Yoshida depicting the sacred “Ho-o Raigi” birds, and also “a Scholar’s Pavilion” constructed in the style of an Iranian “Chartaghi” – donated by Iran to the United Nations Office and other International Organizations in Vienna as a token of “Knowledge as Humankind Heritage” (inaugurated on June 9, 2009, the 30th anniversary of the VIC).
Once in a while, they also organize exhibits for different artists around the world. In September, Filipino artists displayed some of their artworks for friends and art enthusiasts in Vienna. Titled Lakbay Sining (Art in Motion), the exhibit showcased works of talented and award-winning artists from the Philippines. The exhibit was officially opened on September 17 by Philippine Ambassador to Austria Maria Cleofe R. Natividad.
Some of the artists whose works we saw included Bencab, Norlito Meimban, Abigail Camaya Hills, Dondon Jeresano, Gerrico Blanco, Helena Alegre, Jojo Ramirez, Janeth Weil, Jaime Gubaton, Keith Paras, Mary Rose Gisbert, Richard dela Cruz, and Tyago Almario.
We were only able to be acquainted with Norlie Meimban (born 1966), a former animator turned-full-time painter. He is among the few artists who flew in for the exhibit. Meimban has distinguished himself in the art scene by incorporating animation drawing methods into his canvasses. He has produced innovative pieces where his creative process is evident – motion can clearly be seen in most of his art, a representation of his former work as an animator.
He also incorporates Filipino indigenous flowers, birds, and other creatures from the Philippines as seen in this painting (Enjoying our nature).
The exhibit ran from September 12-14 at the Philippine Embassy and from September 17 to 19 at the Vienna International Centre. Meimbam also held a series of art masterclasses, Janeth Weil held a phone photography masterclass, and Abigail Camaya Hills taught proper handling of porcelain and other glassware for those interested.
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