By Frances Gutierrez and Dada Grifon
In commemoration of the fourth death anniversary of the late President Corazon C. Aquino, an exhibit showcasing her artworks was on display at the lobby lounge of the historic Manila Hotel from July 29 until August 2, 2013.
The exhibit, spearheaded by Deedee Siytangco and organized by the Manila Hotel in partnership with Adamson University, featured more than a hundred artworks which included paintings on canvas, wooden plates, and fans.
The artworks were personally given by Aquino as gifts to her relatives, colleagues and peers.
Aquino’s former spokesperson, Siytangco said that the exhibit was entitled A Gift Of Self because “everytime she painted, and gave it away as a gift, she was giving a piece of herself.”
The exhibit, spearheaded by Deedee Siytangco and organized by the Manila Hotel in partnership with Adamson University, featured more than a hundred artworks which included paintings on canvas, wooden plates, and fans.
The artworks were personally given by Aquino as gifts to her relatives, colleagues and peers.
Aquino’s former spokesperson, Siytangco said that the exhibit was entitled A Gift Of Self because “everytime she painted, and gave it away as a gift, she was giving a piece of herself.”
Deedee Siytangco, presidential spokesperson of former president Cory Aquino (Photo by Dada Grifon)
According to Siytangco, the exhibit aimed “to share her (Aquino)” and show a side of Cory a few people know of.
“My idea is to let people know the other side of Cory. You know her as the icon of democracy, great leader. We wanted to show the artistic side of Cory- the giving, very generous Cory. Imagine giving these (the artworks) all to friends?” Siytangco said.
The first female president of the Philippines, Aquino started painting in 1996, four years after stepping down from presidency.
Siytangco said that the works displayed on the exhibit are not even half of the total number of Aquino’s artworks as she painted every day as a way of relaxation.
The paintings were filled with flowers, rosaries, and colourful abstract images, reflecting Aquino’s “joyful life.”
“My idea is to let people know the other side of Cory. You know her as the icon of democracy, great leader. We wanted to show the artistic side of Cory- the giving, very generous Cory. Imagine giving these (the artworks) all to friends?” Siytangco said.
The first female president of the Philippines, Aquino started painting in 1996, four years after stepping down from presidency.
Siytangco said that the works displayed on the exhibit are not even half of the total number of Aquino’s artworks as she painted every day as a way of relaxation.
The paintings were filled with flowers, rosaries, and colourful abstract images, reflecting Aquino’s “joyful life.”
Siytangco added that her former boss first painted nature-themed pictures and had her own style in painting, but it can also be resembled with that of a “modernist.”
Aside from painting, Aquino likewise loved to cook, that she would find time to do so and give the foods as presents even during her presidency. Reading Japanese poems called haikus were also a simple pleasure of the late president.
Unveiled by Cory’s son, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, on July 29, a wall on the exhibit contained paintings given and made by the prominent democracy icon as gifts to her daughters Ballsy, Viel, and Pinky. “We couldn’t get from Kris (youngest daughter) because she was already out of the country,” Siytangco said.
A part of that wall, a portrait of Cory, entitled Cory, The Golden Hope, is a present from the exhibit’s organizers. It was painted by Filipino artist Emi Mercado.
Siytangco said that “that portrait was painted for the family (Aquino family).”
To see more of Cory's artworks click here
Aside from painting, Aquino likewise loved to cook, that she would find time to do so and give the foods as presents even during her presidency. Reading Japanese poems called haikus were also a simple pleasure of the late president.
Unveiled by Cory’s son, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, on July 29, a wall on the exhibit contained paintings given and made by the prominent democracy icon as gifts to her daughters Ballsy, Viel, and Pinky. “We couldn’t get from Kris (youngest daughter) because she was already out of the country,” Siytangco said.
A part of that wall, a portrait of Cory, entitled Cory, The Golden Hope, is a present from the exhibit’s organizers. It was painted by Filipino artist Emi Mercado.
Siytangco said that “that portrait was painted for the family (Aquino family).”
To see more of Cory's artworks click here
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