Manila, Philippines – In time for the Chinese Lunar New Year, Gateway Gallery presents an exhibition from its collection. It features artworks created by Chinese-Filipino artists. Titled Beyond Tradition: Evolving Chinese-Filipino Artists, the exhibit highlights traditional Chinese art. It also explores how these forms and philosophies evolved in modern and contemporary times.

Beyond Tradition opened on February 12 and will run until March 14, 2026. It features eight Chinese-Filipino artists and two Filipino artists. The collection is complemented by three works from guest artist and scholar Arnulfo Esguerra. The exhibition is headlined by senior Chinese art master Lupicinio “Peter” Ng, Head of the Ateneo Confucius Institute.

Exploring Chinese-Filipino Identity Through Art

Beyond Tradition, curated by Museum Curator Gari R. Apolonio, mines Gateway Gallery’s growing collection for Chinese-Filipino works. Notably, their contributions add texture and depth to the collection. Moreover, the exhibition examines the Chinese element in Philippine art. Finally, Apolonio lets artists share how ethnicity shapes their art and concerns.

Engaging Chinese Art: Talk and Hands-On Workshop

To amplify the exhibit, Gateway Gallery will mount a talk on Chinese Art on February 21, at 3 p.m., and a Chinese art workshop on February 28, at 3 to 5 p.m. The talk and workshop will be delivered and facilitated by Prof. Arnulfo Esguerra. The talk and workshop are free to the public.

Esguerra, who holds an MA in Archaeology, is a faculty member of UP Manila’s Department of Social Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences. Moreover, as an artist, he has conducted painting workshops in various museums and art spaces. Furthermore, he paints using the two main styles of Chinese painting: “Gongbi” (meticulous) and “Xieyi” (spontaneous).

The participating artists in the exhibit include Peter Ng, Chito Sy Santiago, Iris Babao-Uy, Lea Zoraina Sindao Lim, Sharleen Cu, Joemarie Sanclara Chua, Sarah Liuson Ongsun, Irene Sy, Grace Dadufalza, and Lita Wells. Additionally, they are joined by guest artist Arnulfo Esguerra.

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