#ArtsPH - Explore Manila's Chinese Temples at Yul Servo Nieto's Directions VI Exhibit

The Art Gallery of The Manila Hotel recently hosted the opening reception of Directions VI, a stunning solo exhibition by Filipino contemporary artist and City of Manila Vice Mayor, Yul Servo Nieto. This event was a beautiful fusion of artistry and heritage, showcasing Nieto's latest works inspired by Filipino-Chinese traditions and culture.

A Celebration of Art and Heritage

The evening began with a warm welcome from The Manila Hotel's vice president for sales and marketing, Marvin Kim Tan, who highlighted the hotel's commitment to supporting local art and culture. Nieto then shared his inspiration behind the pieces and announced that proceeds from the sales would go towards purchasing vital medical equipment for those in need. Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna Pangan also joined the celebration, participating in the ceremonial ribbon cutting to officially launch the exhibit.

Innovative Art with a Cultural Twist

In Directions VI, Nieto reinvents his signature metal art pieces with elements of modern Cubism, Cartography, and Assemblage art. Moving beyond his earlier focus on planes, lines, and negative space, he now incorporates everyday objects like bolts, nuts, screws, and hinges as symbolic markers. These striking pieces pay tribute to Manila’s cultural richness, including depictions of Manila’s Chinese temples and historic districts like Binondo and San Nicolas.

The exhibition’s centerpiece, Temple Splendor, reimagines Chinese temples with golden nuts arranged on a grid-like map of Manila. Complementing the wall-mounted works are two free-standing sculptures—Nest of Healing and Icons of Heritage—crafted from bronze and gold-plated alloys, exploring themes of healing and cultural preservation.

Honoring Filipino-Chinese Traditions

As the Chinese New Year approaches, Directions VI pays homage to the rich traditions of Manila’s Chinese temples. These vibrant cultural hubs come alive with lion and dragon dances, incense lighting, and offerings of lucky foods—time-honored practices that reinforce familial and cultural unity. Nieto’s latest creations highlight the importance of safeguarding these cherished traditions while exploring new dimensions of artistic expression.

Visit the Exhibit

Directions VI is now on display at The Manila Hotel’s Art Gallery, and admission is free. For those interested in purchasing the artworks, you can contact the gallery at +632 85270011 or +632 53015500, or email r.lo@themanilahotel.com.

For MORE UPDATES, 

You can follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Threads, Tiktok  & Facebook!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.

LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, SHARE & COMMENT. 

Thank you!

DISCLAIMER: All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The pictures or videos posted here doesn't necessarily mean that it's the owner's property. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.