LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) — Art enthusiasts and tourists can add a gallery visit to their itinerary when exploring Paoay, Ilocos Norte, with the opening of the “Pioneers of Philippine Art: Luna, Amorsolo, and Zobel” exhibit at Arte Luna Gallery.
The exhibit features paintings by Filipino painters Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo and Fernando Zobel.
The exhibit is open to the public for free daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 30, 2025.
The project is a partnership with the Ilocos Norte Provincial Government’s Tourism Office and the Ayala Museum.
Iconic painters
Juan Luna, who hailed from Badoc, Ilocos Norte, is remembered as a principal example of romanticism and realism.
Luna was also a political activist who participated in the Philippine Revolution in the late 19th century.
Fernando Amorsolo, a portraitist and painter of rural Philippine landscapes, was nicknamed the “Grand Old Man of Philippine Art.” He was the first to be recognized as a national artist of the Philippines.
Fernando Zóbel, a Spanish-Filipino painter, businessman, art collector and museum founder, pushed for modernism in Philippine art.
Developing art
Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc stressed the need to maintain museums to preserve culture, history and art.
He encouraged students who attended the opening ceremony to explore curatorship, noting the province’s shortage of curators to manage and improve museums for future generations.
“While we celebrate this new exhibit, we’re also reminded that we have to update our museums in the province. Admittedly, a lot of our museums in the province are outdated. So, for the students, I implore you to explore museum curatorship or the design of the flow and display of a museum. That is what we need in the province,” Manotoc said.
Aprille Tijam, associate director and head of the Exhibitions and Collections department of Ayala Museum, said their partnership with the provincial government could lead to future curatorship programs for art students in the province.
“We try to collaborate continuously because this is our role in the museum, to continue promoting the appreciation of Philippine art and culture. In the long run, we might have programs related to training curators,” she said.
The public is encouraged to visit the exhibit to explore and learn about the history and stories behind the masterpieces.
Among the visitors at the opening was Lhord Jhenzen Balleda, a third-year English language student at Mariano Marcos State University.
“I was amazed to see the paintings of famous artists, especially Juan Luna. It felt incredible, like traveling back in time. I am also fascinated by the different structures of their paintings; you can see their individual painting style and skill,” he said.
Beyond a display, the exhibit aims to boost economic growth by increasing tourism in the area while promoting cultural appreciation of Philippine history and heritage through visual arts. (AMB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)
