Natural Lang Photo Exhibit

I was able to attend the opening of "Natural lang" last Saturday (June 26th). This is the culminating activity of an intensive five-month workshop conducted by Emily Schiffer, a Fulbright scholar and New York native. Inspired by a one-day Polaroid workshop organized by Fernando Afable in February 2006, Emily came to the Philippines to facilitate six different photography workshops in six weeks. It was the young students of one class that stood out: smart, eager, and articulate, they produced stunning images for a beginner class. The way they saw their subjects and photographed them was exactly what she and Fernando hoped for – they saw beauty in unimaginable places.

I also met some of the noted Filipino Documentary photographers including Kat Palasi, Tommy Hafalla, Raymund 'Bogsie' Panaligan, painter and photographer Ross Capili, Gari Buenavista, Emily Schiffer, Foto Baryo's Amor Rodriguez and Cres Yulo. One of the young photographer, Bea Peralta proudly pointed out her work "Bat Girl" which was shot with a large format camera. I was told that the students are mentored to assume the role of a teacher to the future students of the community which makes this project sustainable and have a long way to go.

“Natural Lang” will run from 23 June to 16 September 2007 at the Blank Space Gallery, 0431 Quirino Ave. Paranaque. The gallery is open seven days a week by appointment only (02) 851 2647.

To commuters, take an MRT and alight at EDSA/ Pasay Station. On the North bound lane of EDSA, take a jeep going to Baclaran and tell the driver to bring you at Quirino Avenue, there you may ride a jeepney going to Zapote. Blank Space is on the left, beside A Barrel of Wine.

Related post:
Foto Baryo + Blank Space invites you to "Natural Lang"