Eton hosts exhibit of artworks by artist-inmates

Eton Properties will host the collective exhibit of artist-inmates of the Bureau of Corrections School of Fine Arts (BuCor-SoFA). Featuring 20 artworks, “Art is Freedom: A Dream of Christmas” will run from November 17-30 in PNB Financial Center along Diosdado Macapagal Ave., Pasay City and on December 1-17 in Eton WestEnd Square along Chino Roces Ave., Makati City. This is in partnership with art gallery and curio shop, Puesto Manila, located in historic Intramuros, Manila.

In this exhibition, artist-inmates confront their solitary confinement with hopes and dreams of home for the coming holidays. The paintings create links to the lives of the artist-inmates before their imprisonment with representations of simple provincial life, family and belonging in a community. The colors are bright and full of optimism that depict the future they are looking forward to.

“One of the positive things aside from releasing their emotions, is that while they’re waiting to be released from prison, they are able to learn (art) which gives them a bigger chance at making a living when they are eventually free (Isa sa mga positibong naidudulot maliban sa nailalabas nila ang kanilang emosyon, ay habang naghihintay silang makalaya, sila’y natutong (magpinta). Malaki ang posibilidad nilang magkaroon ng kabuhayan kapag sila na ay makalaya),” according to BuCor-SOFA officer-in-charge, Michael Bernardino.

According to Eton Properties Chief Operating Officer, Karlu Tan Say, “We are delighted to have this opportunity to feature these impressive artworks in our properties and provide an avenue for inmates to exercise freedom of expression through art and rejoin society by promoting appreciation for their artworks.”

Eton Properties Executive Vice President, Engr. Charlie Carlos adds, “This collective exhibit underscores Eton Properties’ brand purpose to ‘Build What You Believe In’ – which is a better life for every Filipino, even those who have been forgotten by society. As a business, when we grow, we ensure that nobody gets left behind.”

All featured artworks are up for sale after the exhibit. For those interested to make one his own, you may reserve through Puesto Manila’s Facebook and Instagram accounts with handle @puesto.manila , call +63 908 816 4867 or email b_canapi@yahoo.com .Sales proceeds will go directly to the artists and the Bureau of Corrections – School of Fine Arts to shoulder expenses on arts materials, books, and upgrading of the school facilities.