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Art's Wide Canvas

19.05.12

MANILA, Philippines — Gallery owner Norma Crisologo Liongoren has become art’s wide canvas because she midwifes forms and colors from artists whom she has patiently introduced to the historical, sociological, gender, environmental and ethnic issues that she holds close to her heart. New and established artists as well should mount “art shows that are shaped by ideas,” she says of her advocacy. And she is not afraid to lose money on exhibits that fire up the mind more than feed the eyes at the 33-year old family-owned Liongoren Gallery on New York Street in Cubao, suburban Quezon City.

 “I want to use art as a tool in nation building or in developing a person. I’m not art for art’s sake. That’s for other galleries and other artists, but not for me. I want to be strong with statements. I have my own niche. I go on with what I like to do,” says Liongoren.

 In March 8, 1986, when Women’s International Day was declared, Liongoren held a special art show of established women artists such as sculptor Julie Lluch, painter Imelda Cajipe Endaya, potter Nelfa Querubin, printmakers Adiel Arevalo and Ofelia Gelvezon Tecqui. “Even then, these artists were not in dire need of being launched. They were already established. But they symbolized Liongoren Gallery’s advocacy to discover, promote and strengthen women artists in the Philippines,” recalls Liongoren.

Source: Manila Bulletin