readers of this blog that i started last night come from USA(6), Germany(1),Korea(1)
and Philippines (60).

How are you guys doing?
You're all artists i suppose.

Anyway, it's about 3pm  wed manila time.

Not much is happening.

A certain modus vivendi operates for
artists and galleries  in Manila. I noticed
that in almost every art exhibit there is
a sponsor/s who is either an institution or a person
with means. Without the sponsor
the art exhibit may not happen.

The reason being the opening night reception,
invitations, publicity and other expenses are beyond
the financial reach of the artist having drained
his lean wallet of the cost of frames and
other supplies and the sponsor
comes in to take care of this issue. In exchange,
the artist offers an artwork as a gesture of gratitude.


It seems to be working and spins the wheel of
the local art culture. The art nights or art
exhibits usually with receptions starting at 6pm
is full of fun, artists and their models mingle
with art patrons and vice versa. It's a reason
for the affluent to get together again when
their out of alibis to invite one another. For
some of the artists it's time to have a bit of
spirits a little different from the turpentine.

I'm not particularly sure if sponsors get tired of
doing this particularly if it's a so-so kind of art show.
There are special ones that the sponsor may take
pride, however. Shows that are of substance perhaps the artist
is on his last leg, or the art theme is compelling enough for
the press to spend overtime money for the reporters and
photographers to cover the event. In this scenario
everyone is happy from the sponsor to the guests, caterer and
waiters to the artists and the influx and exodus of
drop ins. Food and booze is flowing and the ladies
look more beautiful in their fancy night gowns. The sounds of
laughters, wine glasses and bottles and kitchen
wares is so distinct one knows there is a party of a
certain breed of people...bohemians and their patrons.

The local art scene reception is not any different
from those across the ocean. The reception usually lasts till
the last man standing has run out of corny jokes and is sipping
the last drop of napa cabernet. Some ladies gowns upon
closer inspection are stained with these red drips caused by
such gentlemen carelessly tilting their wine glasses obviously
with double visions as they walk around with shaky legs.
They're lucky the reception is not in the west coast.

time to take a break.
catch you guys later.

jt

anybody is welcome to blog in their art
experiences .