Kristo Manila 2008

Apostle's Creed at 1/of Gallery

The "Kristo" exhibits in Malolos, Bulacan were started by Salvador Ching as part of his 'panata.' He annually invited fellow artists in this Lenten offering, featuring works that served as their reflections on the passion of Christ.

In 2005, The Artery brought the Lenten art show to Manila for the first time as "Sabachthani," a highly lauded gathering of 46 emergent and established visual artists. Thus, the Kristo Manila leg was born.

In 2006, over 50 artists participated in "Behold," the second noted lenten offering.

Last year, over 70 artists joined the presentation dubbed "Into Thy Hands," taken from Christ's last words when with His last breath, He offered His spirit to God the Father.

This year's Kristo Manila exhibit is titled "Apostle's Creed." Fourteen paintings by the same number of artists are featured, each inspired by a different Apostle. They were spurred to create their pieces as though seeing through the eyes of Christ's disciples whether during the present or a rendering of how it was to be in the Savior's presence. The process by which Apostles were assigned to the artists was a simple drawing of lots.

Participating artists are Anton Balao, Allan Balisi, Buen Calubayan, Salvador Ching, Salvador Convocar, Melvin Culaba, Anna de Leon, Roel Obemio, Wilfredo Offemaria, Vincent Padilla, Brenda Praico, Farley Del Rosario, Rex Tatlonghari, and Jomike Tejido. The Kristo Manila 2008 Exhibition is curated by Buen Calubayan.

While the previous years' exhibitions were characterized by visual deluge that echoed the agony of Christ's Passion, the lessening of numbers in "Apostle's Creed" is meant to usher solemnity into this Holy Week's reflections.

"Apostle's Creed" opens on Monday, March 17, 2008 at 7:00pm and runs until March 29, 2008 at 1/of Gallery, Serendra.

* Painting is "Repentance" by Salvador Ching (Assigned Apostle: Judas Iscariot). Mixed Media (Acrylic on Malong).