Nena Saguil is a name that has long been familiar to the world of Philippine modern art. Over the course of five decades, the Laguna-born artist prolifically painted celestial dreamscapes and abstract shapes, earning her a legacy as a pioneering Filipino modern artist. Although Saguil passed away in 1994, her works continue to inform the way we view and value contemporary Filipino art. And now, more than 30 years after her death, the Art House presents “saliNlahi: Connecting the Dots,” a two-day exposition that honors Saguil’s impact on the national art scene.
In collaboration with the Nena Saguil estate, the exhibition is set to highlight different stages of the artist’s evolution from her early years as a student of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts up to her later years experimenting with spheres, circles, and pointillism.
“Our goal is to amplify the significant contributions and impact of Nena Saguil on Filipino creativity and identity,” Art House founder Carlo Pineda said in the art platform’s official announcement of the exhibition. “For us, Nena Saguil is a master — a pioneering Filipino female artist who pursued her craft independently while staying rooted in identity.”
The exhibition will feature never-before-seen artworks by Saguil, including a private quadriptych from her estate. “This is a rare opportunity for all these artworks to be collectively presented,” Marika Constantino said in the official announcement. “In its entirety, they attest to the enduring influence, generational resonance, and continued relevance of her art — valued not only for their formal brilliance but also for the depth of imagination they embody.”
“saliNlahi: Connecting the Dots” will run from September 26 to 28 at the Discovery Primea Hotel.
