2025 Ateneo Art Awards Preview, National Artists Exhibit at the Shangri-La Plaza this August

Shang establishes itself anew as the destination for contemporary Filipino fine art

Contemporary Philippine art thrives at the Shangri-La Plaza with the opening of two important exhibitions this August—one, a collection of pieces by the country’s celebrated Masters; the other, an unveiling of works by the next generation of Filipino visual artists and writers.

Ongoing until August 25, the Ateneo Art Gallery showcases a preview of its 2025 Ateneo Art Awards (AAA) at the Shang’s Grand Atrium right after the official announcement of artists and writers shortlisted for the Fernando Zobel Prizes for Visual Art and Purita Kalaw-Ledesma Prizes in Art Criticism, respectively.

Championing the talents of young artists and writers since it was founded 2004, the Ateneo Art Awards has recognized multimedia artists Keb Cerda (AAA 2019), Christina Lopez (AAA 2021), and Tekla Tamoria (AAA 2023) with the Fernando Zobel Prizes for Visual Art. Meanwhile, last year’s winners of the Purita Kalaw-Ledesma Prizes in Art Criticism were Lev Masuli and Chesca Santiago (English category) and Ryan Cezar O. Alcalde (Filipino category).

Monday, August 25, marks the launch of “In the Shadow of Great Light: An Exhibition of Works by Philippine National Artists” at the Mid-Level of Shang’s East Atrium.

Organized by Galerie Stephanie in commemoration of National Heroes Day, the exhibit is an opportunity to view rarely seen works by the country’s National Artists for Visual Arts: Abdulmari Imao, Ang Kiukok, Arturo Luz, Benedicto Cabrera, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Cesar Legaspi, Federico Alcuaz, Fernando Amorsolo, Francisco Coching, Guillermo Tolentino, HR Ocampo, J. Elizalde Navarro, Jose Joya, Larry Alcala, Napoleon Abueva, Vicente Manansala and Victorio Edades.

Curated by Ricky Francisco, director of Fundacion Sansó, the exhibit features valuable pieces loaned from private collections and artist estates, and artwork that will be shown in the public for the very first time.

Located on the sixth floor of the Shang, Galerie Stephanie prides itself as one of the leading artist-centered galleries in the country. It maintains an extensive array of contemporary art by noted and upcoming names in the Philippine art scene.

“In the Shadow of Great Light: An Exhibition of Works by Philippine National Artists” is free and open to the public till August 31.

A leading lifestyle destination, Shangri-La Plaza has also established itself as a hub discovering, appreciating, and acquiring authentic Filipino art. Home to a number of top local galleries, the Shang is the venue of choice for exhibitions and shows promoting Filipinos’ unique creativity and culture.

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