The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has never failed its artists and viewers. Different artworks from distant places find their way into the exhibit this August. Admission is free and you are guaranteed to be left in awe after viewing it.

Threads That Bind: ASEAN Textiles in Contemporary Times

Clothing serves a lot of purpose in life. It can identify people at a certain place and time. Highlighting the richness and diversity of ASEAN member countries, such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam; this exhibit celebrates the common thread that links the ASEAN community together through textile and clothing.

Every piece is accurately designed to signify the rich culture and tradition that also bind the ASEAN community. Renee Salud does a commendable job. Thanks to this exhibit, we have the chance to admire his commendable use of fabrics and the beautiful representations of his designs.

Renee Salud has been thriving as a Filipino fashion designer, and these same pieces of his were flaunted at the first anniversary of the ASEAN Culture House in Busan, South Korea last September 2018.

According to the NCCA, the exhibit is also a tribute to the 52nd founding anniversary of ASEAN, which is celebrated within the full month of August.

The River Flows North: Art Portal Gallery for Contemporary Art

In this exhibit, the categories “Philippine Contemporary Art” and “Mindanao Art” are continuously confronted. The pieces are considered as a prequel to the approaching Mindanao Art Fair. The gallery aims to share what it means to be an artist from Davao, and truly exceeds expectations.

This art portal gallery contains the works of artists Dennis Puzon, Dominic Pilapil, Rene Pilapil, Charlmaila Macadawan, MC Hope Loayon, Paula Feliciano, Rita Bustamante, Art Bongawa, and Rey Bollozos, who have been navigating artistic platforms, and sharing how their experiences in Davao have constructed their views and identities.

In this exhibit, the artists cruise along art world currents as though traversing a river flowing North. Perhaps as an artist-run platform facilitates the multi-directional flow of materials and ideas, the meandering rivers are destined to return, nourishing others along the way? – Laya Boquiren

It’s amazing how a simple visit let me explore what people have learned through their artwork and gave me a glimpse of their culture through their clothing. Waste no time and pay the NCCA a visit this month because this art deserves real recognition.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)

 633 General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila

 https://ncca.gov.ph/