Celebrating five decades of Philippine Modern Art (1975–2025)
December 5, 1975 marked the founding of Galleria Duemila, now the longest-running art gallery in the Philippines. Fifty years on, AVANTI, SEMPRE AVANTI / FORWARD, ALWAYS FORWARD brings together the work of thirty-seven illustrious artists whose relationships with gallery founder Silvana Ancellotti-Diaz often evolved into lifelong friendships. Along with several hundreds of other artists, they worked collectively to shape, challenge, and influence what is now recognized as the Philippine contemporary art scene.
A milestone exhibition
This two-month celebration, running from January 13 to March 14, 2026, presents a compelling range of paintings, mixed media works, works on paper, and sculptures—many of which have never or rarely been seen by recent generations of artists, collectors, art appreciators, students, and educators.
Created between 1957 and 2018, the works are drawn from Galleria Duemila’s extensive collection and archival treasure trove. Curated by Angel Velasco Shaw, the selection was largely intuitive, forming a distilled yet resonant group of artworks that once mesmerized this trailblazing woman into promoting Philippine modern art unconditionally.
Beyond fame and the market
AVANTI, SEMPRE AVANTI / FORWARD, ALWAYS FORWARD invites viewers into an art world guided not by fame or market value, but by Galleria Duemila and Silvana Ancellotti-Diaz’s unwavering love for works that surprise, provoke bewilderment, and heighten curiosity. The exhibition foregrounds artistic intuition, risk, and sustained commitment over commercial concerns.
Public programs and conversations
In conjunction with the exhibition, walk-throughs and panel discussions featuring writers and artists will be scheduled from January to March 2026. These programs will be open to the public, fostering dialogue and intergenerational exchange.
Featured artists
Pacita ABAD • Leopoldo “Lee” AGUINALDO II • Ray ALBANO • Augusto “Gus” ALBOR • Federico Aguilar ALCUAZ • Nunelucio ALVARADO • Agnes ARELLANO • May BADDOUR • Santiago BOSE • Benedicto “BenCab” CABRERA • Eduardo CASTRILLO • Roberto “Bobby” CHABET • Charlie CO • Ramon Manuel “R.M.” DE LEON • Duddley DIAZ • Isabel DIAZ • Lamberto HECHANOVA • Jose JOYA • LAO Lianben • Raul LEBAJO • Cesar LEGASPI • Julie LLUCH • Arturo LUZ • Jerry Elizalde NAVARRO • Justin NUYDA • Hernando Ruiz “H.R.” OCAMPO • Manuel OCAMPO • Romulo OLAZO • Onib OLMEDO • Imelda “Impy” PILAPIL • Juvenal SANSO • Mauro “Malang” SANTOS • Solomon SAPRID • Nestor VINLUAN • Betsy WESTENDORP • Luis “Junyee” YEE Jr. • Phyllis ZABALLERO
About Galleria Duemila
Since 1975, Galleria Duemila has been dedicated to the promotion of Philippine modern and contemporary art. The gallery maintains an extensive collection of paintings, prints, and sculptures, and offers services including conservation and restoration of artworks from the 16th century to the present, as well as consultation, commissions, and installations.
Established by Silvana Ancellotti-Diaz, Italian by heart and Filipino by art, Galleria Duemila was founded with the vision of introducing Filipino artists locally and across the ASEAN region. The gallery handles rare works by modern masters of the early 20th century—among them Fernando Amorsolo, Fernando Zobel, H.R. Ocampo, Vicente Manansala, Jose Joya, and Cesar Legaspi—while continuously showcasing both local and international artists from the current generation.
Visit Galleria Duemila
Galleria Duemila is located at 210 Loring Street, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Email
gduemila@gmail.com
Facebook
www.facebook.com/galleriaduemila
Instagram
www.instagram.com/galleriaduemila
#PhilippineModernArt
#GalleriaDuemila
#ManilaArtScene
#PhilippineArtHistory
#ContemporaryArtPH
#CulturalEventsManila
#ExpatPH
#ExpatPhilippines
#WhatsOnE
