15/09/2016
Hey guys! You still have time! Drop by Escolta NOW and experience the 2016 London Biennale Manila Pollination! See you!
98B COLLABoratory is a multi-disciplinary artist-run initiative and multi-functional space in Manila, Philippines. We are a community + network + library + kitchen + shop. It is a laboratory that seeks to establish a convergence with artists, designers, curators, writers, musicians, film makers, activists, educators, researchers, cultural workers, performers, architects and students together with the general public. The idea is to have a setting where artists and creative individuals from other disciplines can interact and work together while presenting art, design and creativity in different ways; be it a talk, a bazaar, a publication, a meal or a simple gathering.
We are currently located at the mezzanine floor of the First United Building (formerly known as the Perez-Samanillo Building) which is along Escolta Street in the heart of old Manila and a stone-throw away from the world’s oldest Chinatown. The elegant six story art deco building was built in 1928 and designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro (son of Juan Luna, a world-renowned Filipino painter during the late 1800s).
The area itself is considered as a business heritage district. It was the commercial hub of Manila during the early 1900s and was a witness to many “firsts” in the country: first ice cream parlor, first movie house, first electric tram among others. It is less than a kilometre in length but it is replete of magnificent post-colonial architecture designed by highly respected Filipino architects. Significant businesses, fashionable items and imported merchandise were sourced in the street during that period. Since we moved to Escolta, its history and heritage have been part of 98B’s backdrop.
When we were invited to be part of LBMP, the 98B Team did not hesitate. Especially since the impetus for the project resonated with us: “The event aims to challenge and transform the notion of the art world ‘biennale’ as a large state or corporate-sponsored event with artists selected by curators based on their geographical location, citizenship, nationality, race and ethnicity by throwing open borders and encouraging a more intimate and community-based dialogue between the artists and audiences.”
In Escolta, 98B has worked with the various stakeholders of the street: business owners, shop proprietors, barangay personnel, transients, employees and advocates for the street. We may not have much in terms of resources, but we have the community’s trust which is of great value to us. We are motivated by this spirit and the possibilities of creativity’s impact on this almost forgotten street. What 98B has lined up for September 15 to 17, 2016 are artist-centered projects mounted with the notions of accessibility, approachability and genuine concern. The works in Escolta echo the importance of history and heritage. The creations activate abandoned spaces and create an appreciation for the past while keeping in mind the hopes for the future. The artists who have conceptualized their works with those thoughts in mind are:
• Windang Aesthetic Labor Army (WALA)
• Tito&Tita
• Jett Ilagan
• Twinkle Ferraren
• Steph Palallos
• Katti Sta. Ana
• Julius Redillas and Richard Coronel
• Derek Tumala and Jose Tong
• Transart Triennale Video: ReFramed MANILA curated by Sonia Barrett and Josephine Turalba with participating artists: Florencia Almirón, Adam Baer, Linnea Bågander, Khadija Baker, Mathew Carver, Herve Constant, Roos Cornelius, Gian Cruz & Claire Villacorta, Katrina Coombs, Nance Davies, J.Casey Doyle, ek.1 (Emma Hicks + Katie Louise Williams), Jamison Edgar, Anna Faroqhi & Haim Peretz, Olga Guse, Khaled Hafez, Chelsea Rae Klein, Anne Labovitz, Ann Lewis, Angel Alexander-Lloyd, ImagenSubliminal, Petra Johnson, Gilsuk Ko, JaeWook Lee, Anja Malec, Bea Mariano, Fauzia Aziz Minallah, Paribartana Mohanty, Roc Parés, Irena Pejovic, Eva Petric, Jacob Podber, Ramon Raquid, Reynolds, Anna Rubi, Adam Schreiber, Michaela Schwentner, Omar Shoukri, Dimitra Skandali, Sanaz Sohrabi, Eirini Sourgiadaki, Hanna Wildow + Laida Aguirre
As a final note, we are going to have a potluck on September 15 in Escolta. Join us by bringing food and drinks for sharing. Together let us celebrate the significance of inclusivity, community and art. Katti Sta Ana Julius Redillas Chad Coronel Derek Tvmala Jose Tong WA LA Steph Palallos Twinkle Ferraren Charles Aaron Salazar Jett Jett Aww Marika B. Constantino Katherine Nuñez Issay Rodriguez Miggy Inumerable Gabriel Villegas Mark Salvatus Josephine Turalba 2016 London Biennale Manila Pollination London Biennale Shireen Seno
