Looking for Juan Banner Project (May 12-June 7, 2009)

The Center for Art, New Ventures and Sustainable Development (CANVAS) had its opening of the Looking for Juan Outdoor Banner Project (The Original Works), an exhibition of artworks by some of the best contemporary Filipino artists, all providing visual answers to the question:

"What Does It Mean to Be Filipino?"

The exhibition opened with cocktails at 6:30pm on May 12, 2009 and was on view until June 7, 2009 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Manila.

About The Looking for Juan Outdoor Banner Project

For May and June, CANVAS celebrates Philippine art by staging two memorable public art exhibitions designed to engage visitors with its art-driven messaging about the Filipino identity.

The Looking for Juan Outdoor Banner Project will showcase some of the country’s best creative talents. Artists, graphic designers and photographers have been asked to express, in an image, their view of the Filipino and the idea of the Filipino identity. Their works will then be printed onto banners, which will be displayed in two highly accessible and pedestrian-friendly venues - - at the end of May at the new Philippine Pacific Rim Friendship Park in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and again in June at the University of the Philippines’ Academic Oval in Diliman.

The Project will create a new kind of experience that allows visitors to view and appreciate great art, and explore important social themes in a non-intimidating, relaxed and creative environment.
After closing, the banners will be recyled by two women’s communities in Antipolo and Laguna into tote bags, and sold as original works of functional art. Proceeds will be used to support Padyak - a UP Mountaineers-led movement to promote environmentalism and cycling as a healthy lifestyle, as well as CANVAS’ various programs to promote greater awareness and appreciation for Philippine art, culture and the environment.
The first forty to fifty original works (out of an expected 120 pieces) that were used for the banners were on display at the Cultural Center of the Philippines from May 12-June 7, 2009.
To date, participants in CANVAS’ Looking For Juan Outdoor Banner Exhibit include Buen Abrigo, Leonard Aguinaldo, Daniel Aligaen, Reynaldo Amido, Mark Arcamo, Ral Arogante, Anton Balao, Jeho Bitangcor, Plet Bolipata, Malyn Bonayog, Elmer Borlongan, Serj Bumatay, Michael Cacnio, Buen Calubayan, Jef Carnay, Buddy Ching, Marika Constantino, Convocar, Dansoy Coquilla, Jigger Cruz, Don Dalmacio, Kawayan de Guia, Kidlat de Guia, Ana De Leon, Crisanto De Leon, Maan De Loyola, Robert Deniega, Farley del Rosario, Anthony Fermin, Tina Fernandez, Karen Flores, Liza Flores, Emmanuel Garibay, Sajid Imao, Agang Maganda, Josue Mangrobang, Lotsu Manes, Roel Obemio, Jay Pacena II, Anthony Palo, Anthony Palomo, Marcial Pontillas, Jucar Raquepo, Omi Reyes, Iggy Rodriguez, Kirby Roxas, Mark Salvatus, Julios Samson, Aner Sebastian, Andoi Solon, Angelo Tabije, CJ Tanedo, Daniel Tayona, Juanito Torres, Wesley Valenzuela, Ian Valladarez, Migs Villanueva, Liv Vinluan, selected students from the UP College of Fine Arts, members of Ang Ilustrador ng Kabataan, various creative writers, as well as a number of graphic design and advertising studios.
You may view the complete artworks here.