Ease into reflection with Art Lounge Manila’s “Bisita Iglesia” with the rare, contemporary artistic expressions of faith by Juvenal Sansó, Michael Cacnio, Roel Obemio, Omi Reyes, Agi Pagkatipunan, Anita del Rosario, Jik Villanueva, and 18 church façade paintings by Inday Cadapan at Art Lounge Manila at The Podium Mall.

Text and images courtesy of Art Lounge Manila
April 11, 2023

Ease into reflection with Art Lounge Manila’s “Bisita Iglesia” with the rare, contemporary artistic expressions of faith by Juvenal Sansó, Michael Cacnio, Roel Obemio, Omi Reyes, Agi Pagkatipunan, Anita del Rosario, Jik Villanueva, and 18 church façade paintings by Inday Cadapan at Art Lounge Manila at The Podium Mall.

Marvel at the works of devotion rarely seen like the intricate cross by Presidential Medal of Merit Awardee Juvenal Sansó, the sculptural cross “Substitution” by Michael Cacnio, the interactive crucifix by Jik Villanueva with Omi Reyes and Roel Obemio, the meticulously intricate abstract crucifixes of jeweller-sculptor Anita del Rosario created with mother of pearl, brass, and copper, sculpture inspired by the life of Christ by Jik Villanueva, the contemporary crucifixes by Omi Reyes, and the joyful church façade paintings by Inday Cadapan, gathered together in one exhibition by Art Lounge Manila.

Devotional art is probably the earliest form of art, as from the dawn of humanity, cave walls have expressed art intended to express a belief in something greater and beyond.  It has become a defining feature of humanity as it not only expressed the yearning for protection and security besought from a higher power, but more importantly, the belief in the continuance of the human soul, and a most poignant expression of love as humanity yearns to be reconnected with the departed in the life beyond.

With the advent of major religions, art has become an evangelical tool to express the core beliefs of a faith, allowing even the non-literate to imagine and remember significant stories of the religion.  Countless churches and places of worship have been adorned with precious paintings and sculptures rendered in the most valuable materials – gold, jewels, the costliest pigments, ivory and precious woods – to be a fitting dwelling place or tribute to the divine. 

In the Philippines, aside from indigenous expressions of belief, art has been a constant companion to the propagation of the Catholic faith.  Beyond the churches, home altars and religious jewelry were employed to symbolize piety, as well as power and influence.  These beautiful works often reflected the ideals and styles of the age.  Art Lounge Manila channels the context of the contemporary as works by Inday Cadapan, Juvenal Sansó, Michael Cacnio, Roel Obemio, Omi Reyes, Agi Pagkatipunan, Anita del Rosario, and Jik Villanueva reflect not only their personal faith, but also the times.  Take a moment to reflect with “Bisita Iglesia”.

“Bisita Iglesia” runs from March 27 to April 15, with an opening reception on March 30, 6pm, at the Art Lounge Manila, Ground Floor, The Podium, ADB Ave. corner Julia Vargas Ave., Ortigas Center, Pasig City.  For further information, visit artloungemanila.com.