Paris’s Asia Now art fair, a prominent platform celebrating contemporary Asian art, witnessed a remarkable showcase of Filipino talent this October. The fair, held within the historic Monnaie de Paris, stood out during the bustling Paris Art Week, solidifying its position as a crucial event in the international art calendar. Amongst the 71 galleries and diverse exhibits, two Filipino artists, Roberto Feleo and Eisa Jocson, made significant contributions in the fair’s coveted ‘Statement’ section dedicated to solo exhibitions.
Roberto Feleo, a renowned 70-year-old sculptor celebrated for his poignant Tau-tao series and unflinching commentary on Philippine history, presented his ‘Life and Afterlife’ collection at The Drawing Room gallery’s booth. This masterful exhibition showcased intricately carved wood reliefs, meticulously finished with sawdust, white glue, and leather varnish. Feleo’s work draws inspiration from Filipino mythology, presenting life and death as a seamless continuum, reflecting a unique cultural perspective on the afterlife. Jun Villalon, owner of The Drawing Room, a long-time collaborator with Feleo, highlighted the significance of showcasing the artist’s work at this globally recognized art event, emphasizing Feleo’s profound contribution to Philippine art and his inclusion in prestigious collections like the Centre Pompidou.
Meanwhile, Eisa Jocson, the celebrated 38-year-old visual artist and recipient of the 2019 Hugo Boss Prize, presented ‘Becoming White’ at the booth of The Columns Gallery, representing Seoul and Singapore. Jocson’s work offered a sharp critique of Disney’s portrayal of class and racial hierarchies, particularly its impact on young girls in the Global South. In addition to her gallery exhibit, Jocson’s daily performance, ‘Magic Maids’, alongside Sri Lankan artist Venura Perera, captivated audiences in the fair’s courtyard. This powerful performance utilized broomsticks—symbols both of domestic servitude and witchcraft—to address the exploitation of workers, particularly women, and the pervasive prejudices faced by overseas laborers. The performance has previously toured Berlin, Singapore, and Vienna, and Asia Now provided a platform to showcase it before its move to New Orleans. The Columns Gallery’s director, Dong-Jo Chang, expressed pride in presenting Jocson’s work, noting the Centre Pompidou’s keen interest in her video and photographic works.
Alexandra Fain, founder of Asia Now, emphasized the importance of including Jocson and Perera’s work, highlighting their perspectives as female, Asian artists working internationally. The performance piece, ‘Magic Maids,’ was lauded as a poignant intersection between domestic workers and witchcraft, creating a striking visual and thematic commentary. Fain further expressed excitement about the growing prominence of the Filipino art scene on the global stage, highlighting the collaboration with Roberto Feleo and the enthusiasm to feature more Filipino artists in future editions. The 10th edition of Asia Now, held from October 17th to 20th, 2024, at the Monnaie de Paris, served as a resounding success, positioning Filipino art firmly within the global contemporary art conversation.
