Semblance / Presence

True to Artesan’s dedication to collaborating with contemporary artists in Asia and creating opportunities to expose and nurture vibrant artistic talent as well as in creating partnerships with institutions and museums, I am thrilled to be able to bring the two artists together for the first time, in an exhibition at the NUS Museum which has skillfully translated the chaotic frenetic Quiapo culture and experience, to Singapore.

This exhibition is a tribute to the efforts of many and proclaims the strength of the ongoing collaboration between Artesan and the NUS Museum. I would like to firstly thank Ahmad Bin Mashadi for his deep understanding of the Philippine Art culture, and his appreciation of the creative eloquence offered by both artists when Artesan initially proposed the project.   It is a privilege and honour to have collaborated with both artist and mentor Renato Habulan, and his mentée Alfredo Esquillo, alongside curator Shabbir Hussain Mustafa, who again, brilliantly underscores the richness and power of the social dialogue conveyed by the artists and which thoroughly deserves the celebration this exhibition represents.  I am also deeply grateful to Dawn Atienza and Marya Salang of Tin-Aw Art Management for their kind assistance in helping coordinate and organize the project.

To visit this exhibition is to build bridges between faith, disbelief and enchantment because one cannot come away from it other than to be moved by the eloquence of those who created it - and their immersion and dedication to translate it through their craft. 

Roberta Dans

Director, 

Artesan Gallery + Studio

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