Russian artists to hold art exhibit in Senate, House

Manila, Philippines—Top Russian artists will hold an art exhibition at the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives in August to showcase their “painting impressions of Philippine culture.”

“Through this exhibition, we will be able to see how Russian artists have captured Philippine culture and Philippine scenery in their artworks,” said Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Buencuseso during a press conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Tuesday.

The art exhibition, entitled “To the Islands of Sampaguita,” would be displaying about 100 artworks, depicting the interpretation of 14 renowned Russian artists of their experiences on their journeys in various areas of the country.

The Russian artists from the Russian Bureau of Creative Expedition, led by its president Vladimir Anisimov, arrived in the Philippines in October last year. They went to the Philippines for a 20-day cultural expedition — immersing themselves in the country and painting local scenery.

“They visited Vigan, Bohol, Cebu, Dapitan, Baler, Laguna, Batanga, Muntinlupa, and other cities in Metro Manila,” said Cecile Guidote Alvarez, director of the Unesco Dream Center.

“The Unesco Dream Center also provided them an intercultural care giving process with the prisoners in Muntinlupa, which they found very gratifying,” she said.

Buencuseso explained that the said art expedition was dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations of Russia and the Philippines, as well as to the declaration of the Philippines as the first Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Culture Capital in 2010-2011.

“This art exhibit showcases the increasing Philippine-Russia cultural relations and heightened people to people contact between our two nations,” Buencuseso said.

Olya Yausheva, one of the Russian artists, said that the expedition gave her “wonderful experiences” and that in the next few months, they would be doing exhibitions in Malaysia, Cambodia and other Asean countries.

“The painters’ goal is to feel what’s common about these countries. We believe that this event will develop mutual understanding between our countries and helping building friendlier relations among the countries,” Yausheva said.

The art exhibition would be mounted at the Senate from August 6-10, and at the House of Representatives from August 13-17.