Villalon Drawing Room

Drawing Room Manila: A Beacon of Contemporary Art

Drawing Room Manila stands as a beacon of contemporary art, consistently curating and presenting a compelling array of exhibitions that highlight the dynamic and evolving landscape of artistic expression. As a pivotal cultural institution, the gallery fosters intellectual engagement and offers profound insights into diverse artistic practices, showcasing both established and emerging talents from the Philippines and the global art scene. Its commitment extends beyond local showcases, actively participating in international art fairs to broaden the reach and discourse around contemporary Philippine art. The Drawing Room, a highly distinguished gallery celebrated for its significant and transformative contributions to the contemporary Philippine art scene, proudly presents illuminating and thought-provoking exhibitions. Initially established as a specialist venue, its foundational mission was dedicated to meticulously revitalizing and showcasing works on paper, a medium revered for its profound intimacy, intricate detail, and expressive potential. Over time, the gallery has impressively evolved, demonstrating remarkable adaptability and an expansive curatorial vision, broadening its reach to encompass a diverse array of artistic formats and mediums. Yet, throughout this evolution, it has consistently maintained a rigorous adherence to defined sensibilities and a robust intellectual framework, effectively mapping the complex, dynamic, and often nuanced scope of thinking inherent in contemporary Philippine art. The Drawing Room thus stands as a pivotal platform, nurturing and promoting innovative artists who not only push conventional artistic boundaries but also courageously engage with profound cultural narratives, rich historical contexts, and universal human experiences. This commitment solidifies its reputation as a leading proponent of Filipino artistic excellence on the global stage.

Roberto Bulatao Feleo: 'Life from Death' at Asia NOW Paris

Central to The Drawing Room's impactful international presence is its illuminating and thought-provoking exhibition at the esteemed Asia NOW Paris art fair, featuring the compelling and deeply resonant works of Roberto Bulatao Feleo. An eminent artist born in the vibrant city of Manila, Philippines, in 1954, Feleo's masterful creations are profoundly steeped in the rich and intricate tapestry of Philippine Mythology, offering an unparalleled artistic lens through which he meticulously explores and eloquently defines both the present human condition in its manifold forms and the mystical, multifaceted concepts of afterlives as intricately woven into ancient Filipino belief systems. His art invites viewers on an immersive and profound journey into the spiritual and existential dimensions inextricably embedded within indigenous Filipino cosmologies, masterfully reinterpreting these age-old narratives with fresh insight and contemporary relevance for a discerning global audience. Feleo's thematic explorations are notably multifaceted, intellectually rigorous, and deeply philosophical, revealing a profound understanding of life's grand cycles and the continuous interplay between existence and transition. A core concept in his expansive body of work is the transformative idea that from death, paradoxically, emerges an abundance of life on Earth. This profound theme proposes a cyclical, rather than linear, view of existence, where the passing of man from this earthly life is not perceived as an absolute end but rather as a crucial, transformative phase that invariably enriches and sustains the living world with renewed vitality. He vividly depicts the ancient and sacred belief in the Gimukodan, the mysterious black river that souls must traverse to reach the Underworld. This destination, far from being a place of dread, is conceptualized as a serene common man's paradise, a realm of ultimate repose and spiritual tranquility. Furthermore, Feleo’s art meticulously illustrates the fascinating duality of afterlives within Philippine mythology, carefully distinguishing the ethereal Skyworld as a glorious realm specifically designated for the valorous warrior class, and the Underworld as the designated, accessible destination for the common man. Among the powerful and culturally significant narratives Feleo masterfully portrays is that of the vanishing shaman, the Babaylan. This revered spiritual healer is often depicted on a solemn and perilous journey into the enigmatic Land of the Deceased, driven by a compassionate quest to retrieve a vital cure or spiritual remedy for an ailing person still residing on the earthly plane. Another striking and iconic figure in his works is the formidable, decapitated warrior spirit, the Pinteng. This powerful entity, having tragically lost its head in fierce battle, is then symbolically awarded a searing ball of fire in its stead, a potent emblem of its undying power and spiritual presence. Descending from the celestial heights of the Skyworld, the Pinteng heroically acts as an inspiring and formidable inciter of courage, vigorously urging living warriors to valiantly engage in battle and defend their communities, as powerfully captured in works like 'The Warrior Spirit at the Basi Revolt'. Intriguingly, despite its fierce martial role and powerful presence on the battlefield, the Pinteng is also tenderly portrayed as being exceptionally kind, gentle, and protective towards children and the elderly. The exhibition at Asia NOW Paris features 'Life from Death' (2024), 'Ang Pinteng The Warrior Spirit' (2024), 'The Vanishing Babaylan Shaman' (2024), 'Earth and the Two Afterlives' (2024), and 'The Warrior Spirit at the Basi Revolt' (1999).

The Drawing Room's Global Presence: SEA Focus and ART SG 2026

In early 2026, Drawing Room Manila showcased its global presence through its 'TDRABROAD' initiative, notably participating at SEA Focus, now integrated into ART SG, from January 23rd to 25th at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. This presentation brought together a powerful collaborative work by Rirkrit Tiravanija and Tomas Vu, alongside compelling pieces by England Hidalgo, whose practices are characterized by sustained inquiry, innovative pedagogy, and a resistance to fixed forms. Rirkrit Tiravanija's expansive practice, spanning decades, has profoundly expanded art's possibilities, moving fluidly between object creation, performance, teaching, and social action, championing art as a living proposition. Tomas Vu, working across printmaking, painting, and pedagogy, brings rigorous attention to process and transmission, rooted in the studio as a vital site of intellectual thought. England Hidalgo’s interdisciplinary practice, deeply informed by punk print culture and diasporic critique, directly confronts colonial structures embedded within visual archives and institutional displays. Further extending its international footprint at ART SG 2026, The Drawing Room Manila proudly unveiled 'Soft Articulations' at Booth BC03, featuring the intricate works of Amy Aragon, Chelsea Theodossis, and Matina Partosa. This presentation thoughtfully considered painting as an expansive space—a sanctuary where lived experience, complex memories, and profound interior states can be held and expressed without imposing insistence.

Upcoming Solo Exhibitions: February 2026

The gallery's upcoming schedule for February 2026 promises a series of thought-provoking solo exhibitions, with a grand opening on February 7, 2026, between 5 PM and 8 PM. Ayka Go's 'pre form' invites viewers into a meditative exploration of paper, conceived as both a material and a repository of memory, honoring the creative process over the final resolution. Concurrently, Conrado Velasco's exhibition, 'Exit Right After Pluto,' offers a unique artistic vision, welcoming viewers into a deliberately flattened and imagined world, embracing flatness as both a powerful visual strategy and a deep conceptual anchor. Further enriching the February 2026 lineup, Jet Pascua presents 'Mythologies in Transit,' featuring his ongoing series 'Rites of Men,' where he dismantles and reassembles ritual objects, questioning inherited authority and long-held beliefs.

Recently Concluded Exhibitions: January 2026

Back in Manila, the gallery recently celebrated the conclusion of several compelling exhibitions that provided a vibrant cross-section of contemporary artistic thought. Visitors had a final opportunity to immerse themselves in the works of Chelsea Theodossis, Gia Luistro, Maverick Abac, Paolo Gonzales, and Alex Salindato until January 17th. Among these, 'Here There,' a compelling two-person exhibition by Alex Salindato and Paolo Gonzales, explored the nuanced relationship between photography and painting, delving into the subtle yet significant differences between what is natural and unnatural, accurate and distorted. Maverick Abac's inaugural solo exhibition, 'this is my crazy planets,' offered a revealing glimpse into his artistic process, masterfully accumulating memory through rich material and pictorial depth, inspired by broadcast personality Lourd de Veyra’s essays on the absurdities of daily life. Gia Luistro's solo presentation, 'The World Is Found,' unfurled a unique and evocative creation story, employing the poignant metaphor of a 'hole in the sky' to frame raw, unconquerable landscapes, inviting viewers to re-evaluate their intrinsic connection and emotional ties to the planet. Concluding the recent exhibition cycle, Chelsea Theodossis's solo show, 'Pretend Kin,' offered a poignant inquiry into the human condition when adaptation becomes the sole viable option, questioning whether such adaptation signifies resilience or a quiet, enduring lifelong grief. All these remarkable exhibitions were thoughtfully curated and remained on view through January 17, 2026.