London to View the Philippines from the Eyes of a Filipino-Spanish Artist

15 October 2018 LONDON—The Philippine Embassy in London will host Liwanag, a solo exhibition of Filipino-Spanish artist Maria Mari Murga at the chancery from 16-30 October.   Murga is known for her dramatic and realistic portraits.  Liwanag will be Murga’s second solo exhibition at the Philippine Embassy following her first exhibit in 2014, Allegory of a Philippine Gaze.

The exhibit will open on 16 October with a reception and private viewing.  It will officially be open to the public from 17-30 October.

“The Philippine Embassy regularly hosts exhibitions by Filipino artists,” said Ambassador Antonio M. Lagdameo.  “Art is one of the most powerful ways by which we are able to ignite meaningful discussions about Philippine culture.”

Murga’s featured works in Liwanag draw inspiration from one of her recent trips to the Philippines, which she considers not only a journey of self-discovery but a thorough exploration of her Philippines roots, particularly her Zamboangueña heritage.  The portraits featured during the exhibit are snapshots of the everyday lives of Filipinos from Luzon to Mindanao.

For her second solo exhibition, Murga collaborated with the Rene Demafeliz Atelier, a team of bespoke woodcarvers based in Zamboanga City, Philippines.  The Rene Demafeliz Atelier created a series of expertly carved gmelina wooden frames for Murga’s portraits.  The motifs on the frames are reminiscent of symbols commonly used in the sacred spaces of Zamboanga, Basilan, Tawi-tawi, and Jolo.

Murga lives and creates her art from her studio in Hampstead, London.  Having been rigorously trained by the Italian masters in Florence, Italy, Murga’s works capture contemporary life through classical renaissance techniques.  Murga’s works have made the rounds internationally, in countries such as Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the Philippines.  She has also been recognised by The Royal Society of British Artists, the De Laszlo Foundation, and the Pastel Society UK, among others. END

Maria Mari Murga draws inspiration from the Philippines for many of her masterpieces.

Indigenous children spearfishing at Dibut Bay, Aurora Province. Work by Maria Mari Murga

Coconut dehusker in Baler, Aurora. Work by Maria Mari Murga