The Pinto Art Museum has a rich and fascinating history that has acts to its status as one of the most beloved museums in the Philippines. Its stunning architecture, art pieces, and engaging exhibitions have become a destination for locals and tourists alike. This article will delve into the museum’s history and explore the key factors that have made it a popular attraction.
Origins of the Pinto Art Museum
The Pinto Art Museum founded in 2010 by Filipino neurologist and art patron Dr. Joven Cuanang to exhibit his history art collection publicly. The museum’s name, “pinto,” means “door” in Filipino. It founded on the principle that art plays a diplomatic role in bridging different nationalities, worldviews, and communities. The museum is based in Antipolo, Rizal, and spans a 1.2-hectare property. The museum is in Antipolo City, known for its stunning scenery and a popular destination for art lovers. Dr. Cuanang’s vision was to create a space where people could appreciate Philippine art’s beauty and richness and highlight the most talented artists in the country.
Architecture and Design
The Pinto Art Museum is in a sprawling complex covering over 1.2 hectares of land. The museum designed to look like a Mediterranean villa, with whitewashed walls, red-tiled roofs, and lush gardens. The architecture and design of the museum inspires traditional Mediterranean houses, giving it a unique and character. The museum’s courtyards and gardens landscape. It makes a peaceful and relax environment to explore.
Art Exhibitions
The Pinto Art Museum has an extensive collection of history and Philippine art, with over three hundred pieces on display. The art pieces are diverse and cover assort styles, from painting and sculpture to installation and multimedia art. The most notable artists feature in the museum’s collections include Elmer Borlongan, Rodel Tapaya, and Emmanuel Garibay.
One of the most popular exhibitions at the museum is the “Hibla ng Lahing Filipino” gallery, which showcases the traditional textile art of the Philippines. The gallery features handwoven fabrics, embroideries, and other textiles made using traditional techniques. The exhibition celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. It is a must-see for anyone in traditional art forms.
The museum’s collection includes various artworks, from modern and postmodern to Indigenous and artifacts. Visitors can find sculptures made from junk, paintings that depict modern ways of life, and paintings. The museum also houses a Pinto Museum of Indigenous Art at the Lower Garden, which features the founder’s significant collection of cultural artifacts.
The Pinto Art Museum is not just a space for art exhibitions but also has an center that focuses on studying the relationship between science and humanities. The Pinto Academy of Arts and Sciences offers programs and works that help students and visitors understand the connection between art and science. The academy also provides courses on art history.
Writers have expressed their appreciation for specific work found in the museum. One blogger shared the top ten favorite art pieces that associates with her, caught her in awe, or left her staring at them for a while.
Collections
Here are the artworks that you can expect to see at the museum:
The Spoliarium by Juan Luna
The Spoliarium is one of the most iconic paintings in Philippine history, and it is a masterpiece by the artist Juan Luna. The painting depicts the gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome and is a haunt representation of human suffering.
The Progress of Medicine in the Philippines by Carlos “Botong” Francisco
The Burning of Manila is a painting by the famous Filipino artist Fernando Amorsolo, created in 1945. The painting depicts the Manila destruction during World War II. It causes the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. The city engulfed in flames, with smoke and ash filling the sky. Amidst the chaos, we see people running for their lives and buildings crumbling. The scene is one of devastation and horror, capturing the scale of the destruction caused by the war. Amorsolo’s painting is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Filipino people. The figures in the painting depicts with dignity and strength, even in the face of such overwhelming tragedy.
Karnabal by Salingpusa
Karnabal is an artwork create with the Filipino art group called Salingpusa. The piece is a mixed-media installation that features various elements such as sculptures, paintings, and found objects. The artwork is a commentary on the Philippine society’s state, particularly corruption, violence, and poverty. The title “Karnabal” is a play on the word “carnival,” which represents the chaotic and tumultuous state of the country. The installation comprises components, including a giant sculpture of a man with a television for a head, symbolizing the media’s influence on society. There is also a bullfight painting, representing the violence and brutality permeating Philippine society.
Hallow by Nona Garcia
“Hallow” is a art piece by Filipino artist Nona Garcia. The artwork is a realistic type painting of a wall section, complete with peeling paint, stains, and a switch. The picture is mounted on a wooden panel, and the button. It allows viewers to turn the light on and off. The artwork explores the themes of perception, reality, and the relationship between the viewer and the art piece. It creates a painting with a physical object. Garcia challenges the perception of what is real and what is not. The switch invites viewers with the artwork. It blurs the line between the artwork and the viewer.
Roulette by Leonard Aguinaldo
The artwork depicts a roulette wheel, a popular gambling game in casinos. The wheel is painted in bold colors and is surrounded by abstract shapes and lines, giving the artwork a dynamic and feel. The mixed media aspect of the artwork comes from the use of various materials, including paint, paper, and fabric, which are collaged onto the canvas to create texture and depth. These materials add to the playful and whimsical nature of the artwork.
Aguinaldo is known for his colorful and abstract works that explore themes of identity, culture, and human experience. “Roulette” is an excellent example of his unique style and artistic vision.
Geraldine Javier’s Artwork
Geraldine Javier is a Filipino artist knows for her intricate and highly detailed artworks. Her works explore themes like identity, memory, and cultural heritage.
One of her most well-known artworks is “In the Forest Beneath Us,” a large-scale painting depicting fantastical and surreal scenes of flora and fauna. Javier’s diligence and vibrant colors create a dreamlike atmosphere that invites the viewer to immerse themselves in the artwork. Other artworks like Javier is “Bert II”. It is a mixed-media installation that features a taxidermied deer with a human skull and other found objects incorporated into its antlers. The piece examines the relationship between humans and nature and raises questions about the impact of human activities on the environment.
Oblivious By Stephanie Lopez
Stephanie Lopez is a contemporary artist from Philippines who works with various mediums, including painting and drawing. Her work often explores themes of identity, memory, and perception. She has expertise in wirework and hand-molded pieces.
“Oblivious” is a sculpture of male and female figure by Lopez that depicts the close relationship of a man and a women. The wire sculpture stands proper with the complete definition of body parts and explains the nature of human connection. You can take a round around the sculpture and observe the detail of each element.
Events and Activities
The Pinto Art Museum hosts various events and activities throughout the year throughout history. These include art classes, musical performances, film screenings, and lectures by prominent artists and scholars. The museum hosts an annual art fair. It brings together the country’s most talented artists and galleries.
Pinto Art Museum entrance fee 2023
As of April 2023, the entrance fee to the Pinto Art Museum is ₱250 for adults, ₱200 for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWDs) with valid IDs, and ₱125 for students with valid school IDs. Children under three years old can enter the museum for free.
