Reflections : Exploring the Canvas of Cultural Diversity Exhibit Opens

Vienna, Austria (June 05, 2024) – Sentro ng Kultura at Wika ng Austria at Pilipinas and VHS Donaustadt proudly opened its collaborative art exhibition titled “Reflections: Exploring the Canvas of Cultural Diversity.”

“Reflections” celebrates cultural diversity through the lens of Filipino artistry. This exhibition brings together the creative talents of Harold Khan and Jessielaine Punongbayan, known for their distinct styles and sentimental reflections of their heritage and influences.

Shortly before viewing the artists’ works, VHS Donaustadt Director Karl Dworschak welcomed the artists, guests, and organizers into the event and introduced the speakers.

Councilwoman Luise Däger-Gregori,MSc presented the two artists saying that the event is more than just an exhibition, it is an exhibition of a special kind – it is a celebration of cultural diversity and artistic expression. She thanked the organizer, SENTRO head Arlene Castaneda, for initiating the event and choosing the VHS Donaustadt for the exhibit’s venue.

Newly appointed First Consul of the Embassy of the Philippines in Austria Candy Cypres-Bauzon also graced the event, thanking the artists for sharing their art and for making the Philippines proud.

Guests were also treated to a Performative Intervention by Sir Camilo Antonio and Franz Prüller, a mix of English and German reading poetry aloud.

Acknowledgements and gratitude were given by SENTRO head Arlene Castaneda for everyone who came to the event before opening the table to a sumptuous feast of Filipino treats prepared with care by Harold Khan’s mom.

Harold Khan’s Reyna Series

Harold Khan, a Filipino-Singaporean artist, known for his vivid use of striking colors, invites viewers into a world where traditional Filipino style, reminiscent of old movie billboards, intertwine with contemporary motifs and expressions, creating a dialogue between the past and the present. His works evoke a sense of nostalgia while also challenging perceptions of identity and belonging.

Khan’s works are a testament to his deep appreciation for the cultural heritage of the Philippines and the women supporting him. By drawing inspiration from the iconic aesthetics of vintage movie posters, he captures the essence of a bygone era, calling out a sense of nostalgia that resonates deeply with those familiar with the history and evolution of Filipino art and cinema. His use of bold, vibrant colors not only brings these traditional elements to life but also infuses them with a modern sensibility, creating a dynamic interplay that challenges and expands the viewer’s perceptions.

Through his portrayal of women empowerment, Khan explores themes of identity and assent, prompting viewers to reflect on their own connections to the past and their place within the contemporary world. Some of his pieces are part of a series from a previous exhibit “Reyna! Die Königinnen“-his first solo exhibition held in the Philippines. His pieces serve as a bridge between generations, inviting a reevaluation of cultural narratives and personal histories. The striking visual elements in his work are not merely for aesthetic impact; they are integral to the stories he tells and the emotions he conveys.

Harold Khan’s art is a vivid celebration of the past, a critical engagement with the present, and an imaginative exploration of what lies ahead. Through his distinctive style, he invites viewers to partake in a colorful and contemplative journey, one that honors tradition while embracing innovation, and in doing so, he redefines what it means to be both an artist and a storyteller in today’s world.

Jessielaine Punongbayan’s Creation and Nature Series

Jessielaine Punongbayan, on the other hand, has mastered the abstracts of form and symbolism. Through her paintings, one can see the influences of Philippine landscapes – from lush tropical rainforests teeming with exotic flora and fauna to pristine beaches with crystalline waters and dramatic limestone cliffs to volcanoes that once in a while spew out flames and lava.

The imagery in her works symbolizes the raw and uncontrollable forces of nature, and perhaps even the resilience and spirit of the Filipino people. The volcanic activity represents both destruction and creation, mirroring the cycle of life and the ever-changing landscape of the Philippines.

Her art serves as a bridge between cultures, inviting viewers to explore the shared stories that connect us all. Through her abstract forms and symbolic representations, Punongbayan transcends geographical boundaries, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to find common ground in the universal themes of nature, resilience, and beauty. Her paintings encourage a deeper appreciation and understanding of the natural world and the cultural narratives that shape our perception of it. In doing so, Jessielaine Punongbayan not only highlights the unique aspects of the Philippine landscape but also underscores the interconnectedness of humanity and the shared experiences that bind us together.

The exhibit runs until June 24 at the VHS Donaustadt, Bernoullistrasse 1 (beside Donauzentrum).

Linocut workshop will be on June 14 at the same venue, register here: https://forms.gle/cug2wSyNwb1e5vhb6

See their artworks, see you there!

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