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Friday, June 7, 2019

Fernando Kabigting Art Exhibit Opens; 121st Philippine Independence Day Celebration Begins in New York


New York - Fernando Q. Kabigting, the renowned artist, at age 80 recently opened his latest one-man show featuring more than 30 art pieces in an exhibit titled “Milestones: A Celebration of Art and Life”. The opening was held 31 May 2019 at the Philippine Center in New York.

Consul General Claro S. Cristobal (2nd from R) and Charge d’Affairs Kira Danganan-Azucena (1st from R), and Mr. Henry Howard, long time supporter of the works of Mr. Kabigting (2nd from L), together with Mr. and Mrs. Fernando Q. Kabigting and their daughter Karina Tenaillon cut the ribbon and officially opened the exhibit 'Milestones: A Celebration of Art and Life' on 31 May 2019 at the Lobby Gallery of the Philippine Center.

A prelude to the celebration of the 121st Anniversary of the Declaration of Philippine Independence, the exhibit showcases a celebration of art and life through Kabigting’s work, which consists of paintings on ancient wooden “batya”and old wood reclaimed from train tracks.


Consul General Claro S. Cristobal applauded Mr. Kabigting as the artist marks various turning points in his life, emphasizing that his art springs from resilience, from determination and hope.


“I could also say that our country was built by and through its people’s resilience, determination and most of all hope. All these have come together to make works of beauty and grace” stated the Consul General.


A leader of the Filipino American community and a friend of the Kabigtings, Ms, Vivian Talambiras Cruz expressed admiration for the artist’s unique paintings, particularly his masterpieces painted after the paralyzing stroke he suffered twenty years ago.


Speaking on behalf of the artist, Karina Tenaillon, Mr. Kabigting’s oldest daughter, said milestones are worth celebrating, enumerating her father’s trifecta of life experiences as he celebrate eighty (80) fruitful birthdays, sixty years (60) of being a professional artist and twenty (20) years since he had a debilitating stroke.


The event was attended by the Filipino American community, art enthusiasts, family and friends, some of who flew from different states to attend the occasion.


The Philippine Center’s Lobby Gallery is very important to Mr. Kabigting as his first one-man show was held at this venue in 1988 and was followed by another exhibit entitled ““Seeing Beyond: An Artist’s Journey” in 2015. He had numerous one-man exhibits in places like the United Nations Headquarters in New York in 2009, at the Italia Gallery in Bacolod City in 2012, and at the Ayala Museum in 2014.


Fernando Q. Kabigting’s “Milestones: A Celebration of Art and Life” will run until 14 June 2019. The Philippine Center Gallery is at 556 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10036.



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