“Ama” was conceptualized by artists Danny Rayos del Sol, Agi Pagkatipunan, and Jik Villanueva as an annual Lenten exhibition, an offering, and sacrifice, an invitation to reflect and contemplate how the divine relates to humankind, manifesting in fatherhood and its many faces.

Text and images courtesy of Ruby Asoy-Lebajo
March 28, 2023

Since opening its doors on December 8, 2022, Galerie du Soleil MNL, an emerging art and culture hub in the heart of Taguig, now launches its third exhibit, two back-to-back group shows titled “Ama” - a Lenten offering and “Straight from the Heart” running from March 28 until April 23, 2023.

“Ama” was conceptualized by artists Danny Rayos del Sol, Agi Pagkatipunan, and Jik Villanueva as an annual Lenten exhibition, an offering, and sacrifice, an invitation to reflect and contemplate how the divine relates to humankind, manifesting in fatherhood and its many faces.

Left to Right: Danny Rayos del Sol, “AMA, 24” x 36”, Acrylic on Canvas; Agi Pagkatipunan, “Hesukristo”, H 3’ x L 2’ x D 1’, Mixed Media; Jik Villanueva, “PIETA”, H 12” x W 15” x L 19”, Copper and Brass; Jik Villanueva and Omi Reyes (collaboration), “AMA”, H 3’ x L 2’ x D 1’, Copper and Brass on Wood

The show’s first run highlights nine artists, also fathers and whose works centered on spirituality and faith. Each artwork expresses their Christian faith and life and how it grounds their approaches toward and understanding of fatherhood.

Villanueva shares that the team would like “Ama” to evolve into a mobile exhibit that can be mounted anywhere, all while consistently highlighting works centered on Christian faith. Each edition aims to devote its proceeds to a chosen beneficiary each year.

Such bayanihan continues in “Straight from the Heart,” whose proceeds will also go to Ama’s beneficiary, Ino Pagkatipunan, Agi Pagkatipunan’s son in need of medical assistance.

Both established and emerging artists donated their artworks to the show. Galleries like Artes Orientes and Artologist also sent artworks to aid the cause.

Participating artists include Ramon Orlina, Kublai Millan, Ram Mallari, Ombok Villamor, Marge Organo, Melissa Yeung Yap, Richard Buxani, Jeff Dahilan, Wencyl Mallari, Meroy Castrillo, Elias Pernecita, among others.

Given such variety of works, collectors and visitors may purchase artwork for as low as Php 4,000.00. Many participating artists did not know Agi personally but still decided to help.

Overwhelmed and grateful for such generosity, Rayos del Sol can’t help but recall a particular bible verse, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, quoting: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Galerie du Soleil MNL also doubles as a museum, housing the permanent collection of the Rayos del Sol family. It aims to be a destination that highlights the creative scene in Taguig spot lighting visual art, music, dance, spoken word, creative writing, and more art forms, all helmed by Taguig artists but also welcoming creatives beyond the city borders.

Rayos del Sol, a former officer in the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), reveals that “preservation, promotion, enriching and developing arts and culture was always my advocacy.” It’s not so much giving back as it is “paying forward, as we need to support living artists in their profession.”

Today, he continues this mission in his capacity as a private individual, working hand in hand with the Taguig City government as a partner through its Think Big Taguig and I Love Taguig programs.

“Ama” and “Straight from the Heart” opens their doors on March 28, 2023, with an artists’ reception and open to the public on March 29, running until April 23. For updates, follow Galerie du Soleil MNL on Facebook. For inquiries, kindly message Tess Rayos del Sol at 0919 991 8765 via SMS or Viber.