Ode to Art is a carefully curated exhibition of Jik Villanueva’s first solo exhibition. Ode to Art is a celebration of Villanueva’s God-given gift, which the artist uses to create 3D sculptures made from sheet brass. It is obvious through Villanueva’s pieces that he is grateful for this life and the miracles that come with it. Featuring sculptures that reflect relationships and Jik Villanueva’s faith, the audience can expect works like Mother and Child, Father and Son, Holy Family, Shelter, Risen, Tetelestai & Resurrection to name a few.
Through the close bond he shared with his family and their parents’ upbringing of being devout Catholics, it is not surprising that family and faith play a huge role in Jik’s works.
Growing up in a family of artists, Jik Villanueva is no stranger to art. His father Ben-hur, who is an art teacher and an artist himself, introduced Jik to the art scene. Villanueva shared that even at a young age, he already had an appreciation for sculptures. He also used to model for his father and would tag along to art exhibitions. As Jik came of age, he decided to pursue Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines.
Villanueva may have been surrounded by art at a young age, but he did not become an artist right away. He used to be a Coordinator for a television network, where he had to work non-stop. Eventually, he realized that Art is indeed his passion and that realization has paved the way for Villanueva to become a full-time artist for more than two decades now.
Ode to Art may be Jik Villanueva’s first solo show, however, Villanueva has already taken part in various exhibitions in the Philippines and in other countries like Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, Peru, South Korea and the United States of America.
The exhibition will run November 25 — December 6, 2022 at Art Lounge Manila — The Podium.
