Zeroed in Different Forms of Art

It was an awesome sensory experience as I witnessed and was immersed on the different forms of art presented at the opening of Zero In: Open Call art festival at the SM Mall of Asia (SM MOA) Atrium last night, September 15th. Along with other guests, including anti-crime advocate Mrs. Teresita Ang See, I learned about the art in different permutations.

Museum representatives discussed Zero In: Open Call

Zero In is a consortium of Manila’s top private museums coming together to collaborate and bring art into the consciousness of everyone — both foreigners and Filipinos. The Lopez Museum, Ateneo Art Gallery, Ayala Museum, Bahay Tsinoy and Museo Pambata has been working together and along with fellow bloggers, I had the chance to sit down and talk to the representatives of each museum prior to the opening of the event. Ateneo Art Gallery Director and Chief Curator Ramon E.S. Lerma shared that on the 10th year anniversary of Zero In, they decided to bring art closer to the public by having the exhibit at a mall. He noted that the Filipinos are not that accustomed to going to the museum, hence the decision to go out of their usual location. “And by going out, we want to invite them in”, Mr. Lerma said further.  Asia’s biggest shopping complex, the SM Mall of Asia, as the fitting choice for this event.


Museums and art exhibits have always been regarded as something for the elite. To break this impression, the group showcasing various forms of art, like never before regarded as such. Ateneo Art Gallery is bringing in cuisine to satisfy your sense of taste. You will be visually entertained by Bahay Tsinoy’s visual arts while you hear different and intriguing sound courtesy of the Lopez Museum. Museo Pambata wil get you into the groove with the art of dance.

Escola de Samba de Manila

At the event, I enjoyed the rhythm of music and dance performance by Escola de Samba de Manila. And I thought you’re supposed to be quiet in the museum! Apparently not, and the Museo Pambata proved me wrong. Then there’s “Reverb” — a sound art installation by the Lopez Memorial Museum. Their exhibit was unique as we experienced creating sound by simply tapping and stroking a bench or ordinary planter — usual fixtures at the mall. What’s more amusing was being able to create sound while one places a hand on the surface while somebody else holds you and another one taps the 2nd person in the group. I suggest you visit the exhibit to experience it yourself because it’s a bit hard to explain in words. I assure you, you’ll leave the place smiling.

Not to be left behind was the Ateneo Art Gallery’s interactive food themed-game called “Crafty Critters Much Up” I played on an Android-powered Samsung tablet. I wish there’s a way to spend more time because the game can be addicting. The Ayala Museum aims to introduce Japanese art via “Manga Realities: Exploring the Art of Japanese Comic Today. I’m sure Manga fanatics will enjoy the display.

All these were just a glimpse at what’s in store for the public when individual exhibits are visited at the Ateneo Art Gallery in Quezon City, the Ayala Museum in Makati City, Bahay Tsinoy in the City of Manila, the Lopez Memorial Museum in Pasig City and the Museo Pambata, also in the City of Manila. Gauging the exhibit at the SM Mall of Asia, I’m sure we will all be treated into an awesome experience in these museums’ individual presentations at their sites. Experience Zero In: Open Call from September 15 to 24, 2011 and be treated to a festive art experience you won’t find elsewhere. Take for example this short video showing the Escola de Samba de Manila performing at the opening.