Canada
Dimasalang III International Group of Artists at the Surrey Art Gallery May 2nd – July 4th, 2015
Dimasalang Artists: “Kalayaan” (Freedom)
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 4th 2015 at 6:00-8:00 PM
SURREY ART CENTRE 13750 88 Ave, Surrey, BC V3W 3L1
A collective art exhibition by the Dimasalang III International Artist Group entitled “Kalayaan” hosted by the Surrey Arts Centre will be displayed at the Centre’s lobby from May 4th to July 4th 2015. Opening reception is set for Thursday, June 4, 2014 at 6:00 PM.
Led by Dimasalang founder and leader Sofronio Ylanan Mendoza, better known by his initials SYM, together with Filipino-Canadian artists, will showcase contemporary works of art. The Dimasalang group was formed in 1968 in Manila. The word “Dimasalang” originated from Philippine national hero and freedom fighter, Dr. Jose Rizal, a revolutionary writer who used Dimasalang as his pseudonym during the turn of the 19th century when the Philippines was under Spanish rule. It was Jose Rizal’s writings and martyrdom that sparked a fervent call for freedom. The artists’ group’s name ‘Dimasalang’ was adopted after the street in Manila where the founding artist SYM lived at the time.
“Kalayaan” (Freedom) is the chosen theme of the upcoming exhibit at the Surrey Arts Centre to pay tribute to the freedom the Filipino people enjoy today. The Dimasalang artists join in the celebration of the Philippine Independence day on June 12th by featuring paintings depicting a collection expressing a touch of the Philippine heritage and culture.
Forty-seven years ago, in 1968, the original Dimasalang artists (Dimasalang I) included prestigious artists like SYM, Emilio Abe Cruz (co-founder), Ibarra dela Rosa, Andy Cristobal Cruz & Romulo Galicano. SYM helped mentor many artists and Dimasalang II consisted mainly of his students in the Philippines. Then, SYM moved to Canada with his family in 1981 where he persisted to unselfishly share his immense knowledge and expertise in all nuances of art. He continues to teach aspiring talented artists in Vancouver and formed a new set of “Canadian Dimasalang Artists”.
Dimasalang III International Artist Group is a registered not-for-profit society in British Columbia directed by a governing board of artists dedicated to promoting awareness of contemporary arts and culture in the community. The group offers arts-related educational and professional development opportunities to its members and the general public. Committed to its vision of fostering a positive contribution to the arts movement, the group continues to pursue a high standard of artistic works.
Official website: http://www.dimasalang.org/
Poster by Ferdinand “Chito” Maravilla
