06 May 2016- The Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva in partnership with the United Nations Office in Geneva, opened the art exhibit entitled, “Diversity and Fleeting Moments of Light”, by Filipina visual artist Ms. Marissa Gonzalez, on May 03.
In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador Cecilia B. Rebong, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva, lauded artist Marissa Gonzalez for her unwavering Filipino spirit and her efforts to connect the Philippines to the world, embodied through the use of Jusi, as her canvas. “Jusi, is delicate, but it is strong and graceful, like a Filipino,” said Ambassador Rebong.
UN Geneva Director General Michael Moller, in a statement delivered by Mr. Francesco Pisano, Head of the UN Library and Chair of the Cultural Activities Committee, UNOGsaid that “the Philippines is a great partner of the United Nations in fostering peace, tolerance and understanding in all aspects including art. The concept of diversity is part of the Filipino people’s way of life having different major languages, ethnic background and religion, which complement each other to complete a circle that is uniquely Filipino”
Philippine Ambassador Esteban B. Conejos, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the WTO, noted that the artist, through her colorful and vivid paintings “evokes thejoie de vivre of the Filipino people and the beauty of the Philippines through her collection.”
When asked how she decided on the theme, Diversity and Fleeting Moments of Light, Ms. Gonzalez responded that her inspiration stemmed from her “fascination for certain moments in a day when light is ephemeral and gone in an instant—the paintings in the collection are attempts to capture and immortalise in Jusi those fleeting moments of light.”
Jusi, a fabric woven from silk, banana and pineapple fibers, an indigenous traditional textile developed in the Philippines.
Open to the public from May 03 to 12, the Art Exhibit is part of Philippine Mission’s commitment, to promote Gender and Development by raising the profile of and empowering Filipino women migrants and their talents.
The Exhibit also supports the efforts of the Philippines to raise awareness and recognition to Filipino artistic accomplishment at its highest level and to encourage creative expression as significant to the development of a national cultural identity wherever it may be.
Over 150 persons composed of members of the Geneva Diplomatic Corps, international civil servants, friends and family of the artist, attended the opening of the art exhibit.END
