Filipino Arts Society founding members and artists with Philippine officials at Workinton M7 in Msheireb. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: The Filipino Arts Society (FAS) invites the public to its inaugural art exhibition, 'Xpressions', which opened on Saturday, June 29, and will continue until December 31, 2024 at Workinton M7 in Msheireb.
'Xpressions' brings together the creative works of eight Doha-based Filipino artists, each showcasing their distinct styles— from delicate watercolors and bold graffiti to abstracts and caricatures, the exhibition includes pieces ranging from realism and dark art to anime and intricate scribbles, each reflecting a unique facet of Filipino culture.
Check out the first all-Filipino art exhibition 'Xpressions' at Workinton M7 in Msheireb. Open for free viewing: Sunday-Thursday from 8am to 5pm and Saturdays from 8am to 2pm
— The Peninsula Qatar (@PeninsulaQatar) July 1, 2024
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"The Filipino Arts Society is proud to present this first all-Filipino art exhibition in Qatar. One of our goals is to highlight the richness of Filipino creativity to Doha's international community," Arsenio Jr Nidoy, a featured artist and founding member of FAS, told The Peninsula.
Eugene Espinosa, another founding member and featured artist, emphasized the exhibition's mission to nurture the artistic growth of every Filipino artist in Qatar. "Our vision is simple: to reach out, discover, and inspire talented Filipino artists here in Doha. We aim to share our God-given talents, growing collectively rather than seeking individual fame."
One of Espinosa's artworks, "Flamboyance," part of his Flamingo Series, pays homage to Qatar's wildlife, with vivid colors symbolizing the vibrancy of Qatar's multicultural society.
'Xpressions' by Filipino Arts Society at Workinton M7, Msheireb. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
"Art exhibition has been a remarkable celebration of Filipino talent and creativity, showcasing the diversity and depth of our artistic heritage. Events like this are essential in elevating Filipino culture and creativity to new heights. It also enriches Qatar's cultural landscape and strengthen bonds within our diverse community," Jason lyas, Principal of the Philippine International School-Qatar and one of the special guests during the preview, told The Peninsula.
Other special guests at the 'Xpressions' preview included Philippine embassy officials and Qatar Art Ambassador Muna Al Bader, who praised the Filipino Arts Society for organizing an event "that celebrates Filipino talent while promoting cultural understanding."
'Xpressions' by Filipino Arts Society at Workinton M7, Msheireb. Pic: Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula
Rommel Lopena, another founding member and featured artist, described the six-month exhibition as more than just a showcase of diverse masterpieces. "This exhibition is a declaration of the immense talent and creativity of Filipinos, not only back home but also here in Qatar and beyond, whether in traditional or contemporary art," he said.
Lopena explained that 'Xpressions' is a collective effort driven by each member's passion to express their emotions through visual art. He added: "FAS aims to recognize talented compatriots so that the gifts bestowed by the Lord are not wasted or abandoned."
Wilma Lazaro-Frias, also a founding member and featured artist, said, "I aim for my art to evoke feelings of happiness and positivity in viewers. I want people to enjoy it and feel good when they see it, experiencing a sense of upliftment and delight."
Pics & collage: Marivie Alabanza/ThePeninsula
Other talented Filipino featured artists are Adrian Aleluya, Alice Deleonio, Joan Ambi-Espinosa, and Cecilia Galang.
Currently, the exhibition features 27 artworks, open for free viewing from Sunday to Thursday between 8am and 5pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm.
XPRESSIONS artists
(Back row, from left) Rommel Lopena, Joan Ambi-Espinosa, Adrian Aleluya, Eugune Espinosa. (Front row, from left) Alice Deleonio, Arsenio Jr Nidoy, Wilma Lazaro-Frias, and Cecilia Galang. Photo by Samantha Ong
• Arsenio Jr Nidoy captures the essence of chaos with his innovative scribble art. Celebrated for his multidimensional portraits of celebrities, sports icons, and politicians, 'Artsenic' has conquered both local and national art scenes. Notably, his dedication shines through a completed 365-day art challenge, with a standout piece gracing the cover of an Italian novel.
• Adrian Aleluya paints the world with his detailed watercolor scenes. His brushstrokes speak a universal language, earning him accolades at prestigious platforms such as the International Watercolour Masters and the Venice International Watercolor Festival. Adrian's art delicately bridges local culture and international acclaim.
• Rommel Lopena crafts narratives that move and inspire, with a decade of blending photography, videography, and motion graphics. Recently venturing into the realms of abstract painting, Rommel draws from Cubism and Expressionism, influenced by luminaries like Picasso and Joan Mitchell. His journey is a quest to forge a distinctive artistic identity.
• Eugene Espinosa, a master of realist and impressionist styles, transforms canvases into life-like portraits and grand murals. A Fine Arts graduate with a global footprint, Eugene has shaped major artistic ventures, including projects for the FIFA World Cup, showcasing his versatile talent in both fine art and large-scale installations.
• Alice Deleonio merges her fine arts expertise and advertising acumen to explore the enigmatic world of oil painting. Drawing inspiration from the darker corners of surreal art, Alice's work is as profound as it is peculiar. Off the canvas, she channels her creativity into collecting anime toys and mastering martial arts.
• Joan Ambi-Espinosa made a poignant shift from construction to art during the pandemic. Inspired by her late father’s artistic legacy, she works across various mediums. Joan has created evocative portraits and still-lifes that have garnered international recognition, including accolades from the IFAM Global and Manha Avant-Garde Art Competitions."
• Cecilia Galang, a senior barista by day and a passionate artist by all other hours, has turned her artistic hobby into a vibrant expression of freedom. Participating in the Qatar International Art Festival, Cecilia employs acrylics, graphite, and gouache to depict joyous anime and birds, symbols that sing of liberty and delight.
• Wilma Lazaro-Frias transitioned from the structured world of banking to the expressive sphere of art, channelling her managerial acumen into her vibrant abstract creations. Using a palette that includes acrylics, watercolors, and digital mediums, Wilma collaborates with brands like NSpyre Events and MAC Cosmetics, bringing a playful energy to every project.
