Always in pursuit of new inspirations, Montemayor incorporates ballerinas in his roster of muses of motion.
Art as a fully immersive sensory experience—this became the latest presentation of Salcedo Private View during its back-to-back events: Ferdie Montemayor’s Play opening preview last Thursday, June 22, and Les Plats Somptueux: A Tea Pairing Dégustation & Ceramic Art Exhibit last Saturday, June 24.
‘Misty (diptych),’ Ferdie Montemayor’s ode to his furry friend
Ferdie Montemayor preparing the pieces for exhibit.
A notable gathering of artists, art collectors, and the culturati attended the launch of Play, Ferdinand Montemayor’s second solo exhibit at the Salcedo Auctions main gallery last Thursday, June 22. Artists Dino Gabito, Ronson Culibrina, Kenver Resuello, and Ruel Caasi, among others, attended with fellow Salingpusa members Erwin Leaño, Jim Orencio, and Dr. Joven Cuanang, the Pinto Art Museum founder and visionary of the Philippine art scene.
Salcedo Auctions chairman and chief specialist Richie Lerma with Irene Marcos-Araneta, who picked a couple of ballet-themed works on paper, and Enrique Albert.
Ferdie Montemayor (far left) with contemporaries, from left, Kenver Resuello, Salingpusa founder Dr. Joven Cuanang, Salcedo Auctions chairman and chief specialist Richie Lerma, and fellow Salingpusa member Jim Orencio
Actor and art connoisseur Richard Gomez beside his selected piece, a 48 x 36 inch acrylic on canvas titled ‘Red Race’
Play continues the artist’s study of movement, with the familiar elements present, such as the iconic pack of cyclists as well as his signature brushwork that skillfully captures the dynamic energy and essence of his subjects. Go around..Happy..as u go!, for example, is the artist’s play on the carousel ride, this time putting a pack of riders in place of the horses that featured prominently in previous works. This 4 x 9.5 ft acrylic on canvas is the centerpiece of the exhibition and, with nearly all the other canvas works showcased, sold as soon as the exhibit opened. The warm response to the exhibit underscored the resonance and appeal of Montemayor’s art.
‘Play’’s exhibition preview launch last June 22, 2023 (Thursday)
Two days later, Salcedo Private View became host to a refined tea pairing tasting menu crafted by chef Aleth Ocampo and tea sommelier Sheryl Ebon-Martinez. Titled Les Plats Somptueux: A Tea Pairing Dégustation & Ceramic Art Exhibit, the unique event had three fully booked seatings—an experience of Ocampo’s expertise in Filipino-Japanese fusion cuisine and Ebon-Martinez’s mastery of high-grade tea and its flavors. The rare experience was the interplay of taste profiles, subtle nuances, and flavors. It was an enjoyment of tea elevated to an art form.
Salcedo Auctions chairman and chief specialist Richie Lerma welcomes guests to Salcedo Auctions main gallery and introduces chef Aleth Ocampo (right) and tea sommelier Sheryl Ebon-Martinez (left).
A refreshing new experience for Salcedo Auctions’ guests, Les Plats Somptueux 3 was definitely an unforgettable gastronomic affair.
At the end of every meal, guests received a ceramic token (from a collaborative series by Ocampo and Ebon-Martinez) and got first choice in purchasing the rest of the pieces in the collection. These included works by Jon Pettyjohn, considered the Father of Contemporary Philippine Ceramics, Joey de Castro, Pablo Capati III, Ella Mendoza, Marco Rosario, and Jezzel Wee. The exhibit runs until July 5, 2023.
Jon Pettyjohn, considered the Father of Ceramic Art in the Philippines, enjoying his tea
A selection of oolong tea, green tea, and black tea to complement the dégustation
Guests take a look at the ceramic exhibit.
This highly distinctive affair marks the start of Salcedo’s venture into immersive, authentic experiences, opening up its expansive gallery to future collaborations that feed the senses, so art lovers, collectors, and connoisseurs can enjoy art to the full.
