CANVAS showcases its newest art exhibit in the Vargas Museum entitled  “Words & Numbers”. It was launched last September 14, 2019 and will be running until the 15th of October 2019. The exhibit encompasses the 1st floor galleries of the museum. It is divided into three sections, each their very own exhibit of different artists. One is the “Ang Kahon ni Lola” by Ioannis Sicuya. In this exhibit, it gives us an idea of the use very mundane and yet timeless pieces in the household that helps teach kids to find and to count. Another exhibit is an exhibit by Marcel Antonio and Butch Dalisay, “Why Words Matter”. By the title alone, it invites the spectators to reflect on the gravity and soul even the simplest words have in our lives, in others, and society as a whole and as to how spontaneously effortlessly it happens.The exhibit was based mainly off on a TEDxDiliman talk by Butch Dalisay in 2017 on how and why he became a writer. From this talk, inspires colorful illustrations and pieces by Marcel Antonio.  No less great is the exhibit that focuses on the dark era we know as the era of the Martial Law. In “Silent Witnesses” by Renz Baluyot, he compiles the voices of the victims of injustice of the Martial Law. This exhibit needs Parental Guidance. It is also has an interactive aspect to it. The tension of exposing young children to the unfiltered and very much almost unbelievably horrifying stories of abuses that happened during Martial Law was said to be a huge concern. A compromise of sorts happened to shield the children but just at arm’s length to still feel the pain and the fear. It tells tales of past as if they are present not to traumatize but to reveal the morbid past and believe and hope to make a better one. The way the exhibits are displayed is just a sneak peek of what is to come to a museum that CANVAS along with partnerships and donors, is currently in the works in Ibaan, Batangas.  Images below are one from each exhibit.

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The Center for Art, New Ventures & Sustainable Development (CANVAS) is a non-profit organization that promotes literacy, gives a sense of national identity, and sparks and deepens appreciation for Philippine art, environment, and literature. They work closely with the creative community to fulfill these goals mainly through donations and partnerships. It is an organization well-known for publishing Children’s books. 

For more information, you may contact them through info@canvas.ph or call  (02) 369-2125.