The University of the East College of Fine Arts, Architecture and Design unveiled its third installment in the ongoing “Sangang-Daan” Community Exhibition Series.
Hosted at the Chua King Ha Galleries, “Buhay at Sining” showcases the collective talents of the artist-led group Arte Valenzuelano for an exploration of community identity, local heritage, and everyday life.
“Buhay at Sining” translates directly to “Life and Art,” a fitting description for a collection that turns the ordinary rhythm of Metro Manila’s northern industrial hub into a visual narrative. The featured works draw deep inspiration from Valenzuela City and its surrounding cultural borders.
The exhibition at UE Caloocan translates the pulse of local city streets, the quiet moments of daily labor, and the deep historical roots into canvas, sculpture, digital forms, and mixed media.
Instead of focusing on grand historical concepts, the participating artists look directly at the textures of daily routines such as bustling public markets, local food culture, quiet natural landscapes, and nuanced reflections on modern womanhood.
A central highlight of the show is a visual tribute to Dr. Pio Valenzuela, connecting the city’s revolutionary namesake to its contemporary creative movement. By grounding art in community memory, the pieces bridge personal narratives with shared civic identity.
Founded in Valenzuela City, Arte Valenzuelano brings together creatives driven by a shared mission of making fine art accessible while celebrating local tradition and modern expression.
The group works across traditional medium bounds to spark open dialogue within neighborhoods. This specific showcase carries special significance, as several artists are UE CFAD alumni returning to share their journey with current students, reinforcing the institution’s impact across the CAMANAVA area.
“Sangang-Daan,” literally translated to “Crossroads,” serves as an ongoing initiative by UE CFAD to connect academic art spaces with artist collectives. Conceived as a liminal space, the series bridges seasoned masters, emerging talents, and the general public. It also serves as an active space for mentorship, creative exchange, and community partnerships, ensuring that artistic traditions pass fluidly from one generation to the next.
The Chua King Ha Galleries, the flagship exhibition space of UE CFAD located on the 5th Floor of the Tan Yan Kee Academic Building, function as an educational and cultural incubator designed to elevate regional visual arts across the CAMANAVA area.
“Buhay at Sining” runs until September 1, 2026. For inquiries and gallery visits, email [email protected].
