Ambassador Carlos C. Salinas and Mrs. Salinas with artist Kristoffer Ardeña
The Philippine Embassy in Madrid, in cooperation with the Galeria Oliva Arauna, organized the art exhibit opening of Mr. Kristoffer Ardeña, a Filipino contemporary artist based in Madrid, at the Galeria Oliva Arauna in Madrid on 24 March 2011.
The Exhibit, which is entitled “¿Quien es Jose Rizal?” (Who is Jose Rizal?) , is part of the Embassy´s year-long celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Jose. Rizal. It features abstract works which stem from the question in the exhibit’s title, “Who is Jose Rizal” serves as a premise to analyze and understand alternative strategies in the construction of identity and aesthetic paradigms.
Mr. Ardeña, through his work, stressed that while Dr. Rizal and the Philippines are known to the Spanish people, the knowledge is unclear and does not delve into the true meaning and importance of Rizal to the Filipino people. He further emphasized that without constant concern for one´s heritage, it will definitely be forgotten.
Mr. Ardeña has a degree in Fine Arts from the Academy of Arts in San Francisco, USA. He has done both individual and collective exhibitions all-over the world including Mexico, Poland, Italy, Brasil, Austria, Bolivia, Slovenia, South Korea, and the USA.
The Galeria Oliva Arauna, considered one of the best private galleries in Spain for contemporary art, was founded over 25 years ago by its namesake. The gallery aims to promote Spanish and international artists who work with contemporary mediums such as video, photography, and installations.