EdUy gong co’ s‘ Passages’ at Artist Space
An Chinese-Filipino octogenarian is finally having his first solo exhibition. At the age of 87, Ed Uygongco is taking his formal artistic bow to the local art community with his collection of works in a show at the ArtistSpace. The artist’s reception will be held on Oct. 14.
Aptly titled “Passages,” the show (which has come to fruition at the initiative of fellow artist Eileen Escueta as well as daughters Josie and Angie), alludes to the passage of time and the various seasons of a long, fulfilled life, such as lived by Uygongco.
Though a self-taught artist with no formal training in the Fine Arts, Uygonco is steeped in the discipline of his particular field of study, which is architectural draftsmanship, having graduated at the Mapua Institute of Technology. Thus his perennial subjects are those that convey a determined sense of structure highlighted by wide-open spaces. Mostly executed in watercolor and pen-and-ink, these are quaint cottages in small towns and villages in Asia, understandably with a preponderance of Chinese landscapes, as well as in Europe, with its ageold castles and edifices.
To continue honing and polish- ing his skills, Uygongco regularly attends painting sessions with the group Agos Kulay ng Maynila, under the helm of artist Jonah Salvosa, held at the Ayala Museum. He is a member of IWS (International Watercolor Society) Worldwide and has exhibited in its shows. “Passages” runs until Oct. 24. ArtistSpace is at the ground level, Ayala Museum Annex, Makati Ave. corner F. de la Rosa, Greenbelt Park, Makati City 1224. Open Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is free. For inquiries, email jouy.gongco@gmail.com. Or call 275-98280, mobile: +63917-826 4425, or visit www.ayalamuseum.org.