Shang is reshaping itself as a hub for contemporary Filipino fine art, with two exhibitions opening this August. The first showcases works by the country’s renowned Masters, while the second showcases works from the next generation of Filipino visual artists and writers. The Ateneo Art Gallery is showcasing its 2025 Ateneo Art Awards preview at Shang’s Grand Atrium, following the announcement of shortlisted artists and writers for the Fernando Zobel Prizes for Visual Art and Purita Kalaw-Ledesma Prizes in Art Criticism.
Championing the talents of young artists and writers since it was founded in 2004, the Ateneo Art Awards has recognized multimedia artists Keb Cerda (AAA 2019), Christina Lopez (AAA 2021), and Tekla Tamoria (AAA 2023) with the Fernando Zobel Prizes for Visual Art. Meanwhile, last year’s Purita Kalaw-Ledesma Prizes in Art Criticism winners were Lev Masuli and Chesca Santiago (English category) and Ryan Cezar O. Alcalde (Filipino category).
Monday, August 25, marks the launch of “In the Shadow of Great Light: An Exhibition of Works by Philippine National Artists” at the Mid-Level of Shang’s East Atrium.
Organized by Galerie Stephanie in commemoration of National Heroes Day, the exhibit is an opportunity to view rarely seen works by the country’s National Artists for Visual Arts: Abdulmari Imao, Ang Kiukok, Arturo Luz, Benedicto Cabrera, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Cesar Legaspi, Federico Alcuaz, Fernando Amorsolo, Francisco Coching, Guillermo Tolentino, HR Ocampo, J. Elizalde Navarro, Jose Joya, Larry Alcala, Napoleon Abueva, Vicente Manansala, and Victorio Edades.
Curated by Ricky Francisco, director of Fundación Sansó, the exhibit features valuable pieces loaned from private collections and artist estates and artwork that will be shown to the public for the first time.
Located on the sixth floor of the Shang, Galerie Stephanie prides itself on being one of the leading artist-centered galleries in the country. It maintains an extensive array of contemporary art by noted and upcoming names in the Philippine art scene.
“In the Shadow of Great Light: An Exhibition of Works by Philippine National Artists” is free until August 31.
Shangri-La Plaza, a leading lifestyle destination, has also established itself as a hub of discovering, appreciating, and acquiring authentic Filipino art. Home to several top local galleries, the Shang is the venue of choice for exhibitions and shows promoting Filipinos’ unique creativity and culture.
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