Retrospective exhibit of Araceli Dans’ art opens in HK

 

Ribbon-cutting to open the exhibit

Eleven years since she first exhibited in Hong Kong, legendary painter Araceli Limcaco Dans was again the star of an exhibit that opened at the Visual Arts Centre on Kennedy Road last night - except that this time, she was no longer around to grace the event.

Mrs Dans, widely regarded as one of the Philippines’ best watercolor artists and proponent of the intricate calado painting, passed on in the Philippines on May 18, at the age of 93 years old.

“Her passing was a significant loss to the Philippine art scene,” said Abigail Hills of Galleria Camaya  which organized the exhibit, with the support of the Philippine Consulate General and Philippine Association of Hong Kong.

Hills said Mrs Dans inspired fellow artists for her dedication and lifelong commitment to her art. She started doing mostly portraits from the age of 8, and was so disciplined she painted for 12 hours each day until Alzheimer’s slowed her down.

Hills pays homage to Dans and thanks all the participating artists

At the age of 60, she embarked on a new art form, transferring the delicate calado embroidery that adorn many Filipinas’ native costumes onto her canvas, for which she eventually became famous, both in the Philippines and abroad.

But Hills said it was not only art that fueled the Grand Dame’s artistry, but also her commitment to various social causes, especially those affecting the poor, the unborn, and those who toil abroad.

This Dans masterpieces is part of  Galleria Camaya's extensive art collection

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Fortunately, said Hills, Mrs Dans’ daughter, Marcy Dans Lee, has taken up the calado paint work that made her mother famous, and despite an initial hesitation to display her works, has agreed to do the ongoing mother-daughter exhibit in Hong Kong.

Also on show are the outstanding works of Hong Kong-based artists from a wide spectrum of backgrounds and professions, including migrant domestic workers from the group, “Guhit Kulay” led by Cris Cayat.

Cayat poses in front of her work, along with former Labor Attache Bernie Julve

They also include Filipino art veterans Jun Cambel, Manuel Rubio, Martin Megino, and the husband and wife team of Jun and Azon Canete; as well as the members of Pintura Circle, who banded together to hold art exhibits for charity, such as Stella Schapero, Grace Pineda-Camacho, Joyce Wong, Janeth Weil and Hills herself.

Two artists from the Philippines, Lei Manto and Bal Cambel, also shared some of their outstanding works.

Lei Manto shows off his work, along with The SUN publisher Leo A Deocadiz

Also part of the collection are the works of former Hong Kong OFW turned professional photo journalist Xyza Cruz Bacani and those of young Filipinos born and raised in the city.

Cutting the ceremonial ribbon for the exhibit’s opening were Vice Consul Alan Revote, PAHK chairperson Scylla Kwong, The SUN editor Daisy CL Mandap, and Edwina Antonio of Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge, which will benefit from a portion of the proceeds from the show.

All the artworks on show except for a few “for display only” pieces, are up for bidding, starting at $980 to $203,000 for two of Mrs Dans’ priceless works.

The exhibit will run from today, June 6 until Monday, June 10.

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