PRESS RELEASE

Philippine Embassy, Canberra

1 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
www.philembassy.org.au    *Tel. No. 02-6273-2535*

15 November 2024, SYDNEY – Philippine Ambassador to Australia Ma. Hellen De La Vega graced the opening of the exhibition “Paradise Found: Contemporary Philippine Art and Design” hosted by Salcedo Private View, the private sale and gallery of Salcedo Auctions, in partnership with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center Sydney on 25 October 2024 at Darling Point. The event was attended by Consul General Charmaine Rowena C. Aviquivil, Special Trade Representative Alma Argayoso, Filipino community members, Australian businesses, art and culture patrons.

Inspired by objects of beauty and an archipelago once considered 'lost' but now gradually reclaiming its place in the spotlight, Paradise Found explores themes of identity, materiality, locality, and yearning for the idyll.

The exhibition showcased the works of five of the Philippines' foremost contemporary artists and designers: Nazareno/Lichauco, Poklong Anading, Aze Ong, Ferdie Montemayor, and Joel Geolamen. Mr. Geolamen's work was recently added to the permanent collection of the prestigious Queensland Art Gallery as part of the Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art.

In her keynote remarks, Ambassador De La Vega mentioned that the exhibition aligns with the Malikhaing Pinoy Program (MPP) which was launched to implement the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act enacted in 2023 for the development of a vibrant Philippine creative industry sector. The initiative will help creative artists and MSMEs expand and create more jobs and employment opportunities by championing visual arts in its various forms.

The exhibition marks Salcedo Auctions' second international showcase of the year, following their event in Taipei in June 2024. - END