By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA
Vladimir Anisimov (left) donates one of the framed paintings to Hon. Elizabeth P. Buensuceso (2nd from right), Asst. Sec. office of European Affairs Dept.of Foreign Affairs. (Photo by MANNY LLANES)
MANILA, Philippines — Thirteen of the most distinguished artists of the Russian Federation are on a 20-day creative expedition to the Philippines on the initiative of the Russian Bureau of Creative Expedition to make Russian art better known in the world and at the same time to speak to the Russians about the beauty of the Philippines in the language of art.
For the last 20 years, the bureau has been undertaking artistic journeys to countries like India, Cuba, Kuwait, Indonesia, Nepal and Afghanistan to pursue this creative objective. Magnificent canvases, drawings, works of applied art and photographs produced by the artists have been displayed in numerous exhibitions held in the most prestigious halls and museums across Russia.
This year, in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the full diplomatic relations between Moscow and Manila, the bureau chose the Philippines as it its next ‘creative destination’.
Led by Vladimir Anisimov, president of the Russian Bureau of Creative Expeditions, the Russian bureau of painters is composed of: Victoriya Faykova, Olga Yausheva, Vitali Popov, Luli Petrov, Vladimir Pereyaslavets, Ludmila Yuga, Georgy Poplavsky, Nikolai Pogorelov, Georgy Kozhanov and Ksenia Rzheshevskaya.
The group has recently toured Vigan in Ilocos Sur, a UNESCO heritage site and is currently back in Manila to open a mini exhibit of their works in the historic Manila Hotel where they are hosted by Don Emilio T. Yap.
After the exhibit, they will proceed to Bohol, Cebu, Dapitan, Baler and Angono. Visits to Tagaytay, Pagsanjan Falls and Batangas are also being scheduled through the Department of Tourism (DoT). The ITI-UNESCO Dream Center has also provided a series of cultural care-giving services including broadcast sessions which will be revisited through the Russian artists’ workshop.
In observance of Prison Month, a UNESCO Dream Center session will be held with the inmates by the artists to enhance their skills in visual arts and expand their livelihood opportunities.
“The creative expedition is meant to showcase the wealth of bio-cultural diversity though our habitat, heritage history, language and creative industry that serves as a magnet for sustainable tourism,” said UNESCO Dream Center director Cecile Guidote-Alvarez
In a statement, Philippine Ambassador to Russia Victor Garcia said that the project is in line with the government’s continued and tireless effort to promote the Philippines and it would bring forth the beauty and depth of the various places in the country as seen from the eyes of Russian artists.
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