Discover Gallery Genesis, one of the pioneering galleries in the Philippines, showcasing quality Filipino artwork and supporting emerging artists.
Filipinos have the love and talent for art. They have been regarded for their creativity, skill, and artistry in both performing arts and the visual arts. One could say that Filipinos live and breathe art. It is in their blood. The art industry in the Philippines experienced significant growth during the 20th century and continues to thrive today. Before then, art was generally less accessible, let alone owning one. Artists would then mainly distribute their works through personal connections and by commissioning work from patrons. The rise of art galleries changed this. They made the ownership of art more accessible and gave artists exposure and support in terms of marketing and curation.
Genesis (noun): the origin or the becoming into being of something.
Born out of passion for the arts and desire to support local artists, Gallery Genesis was established in 1981 by Araceli “Chichi” Salas, an avid art collector and known art critic. The gallery industry was not yet as widespread in the country during that time. Hence, Gallery Genesis is considered to be one of the pioneering art galleries in the Philippines and paved the way for the growth of the industry. Its first branches were located along Shaw Boulevard, Greenhills, and the SM Megamall Art Walk. Emerging as an “Adam” in the Philippine local industry, it also strives to be the catalyst for the “Genesis” of art masters. Gallery Genesis believes in the talent and potential of emerging artists. The vision is to showcase culturally rich narratives and experiences through exceptional and quality artworks, by creating a space that welcomes artists and art enthusiasts alike, as well as to be able to enrich the Philippine art scene by providing continuous support and promotion for talented local artists throughout every stage of their artistic journey and self-expression. True to its word, Gallery Genesis was able to help gifted and talented artists learn and get recognized in the art scene. Among the well-known artists who have been helped for many years and have now become highly respected are Glenn Bautista, Prudencio “Amor” Lamarroza, Egai Fernandez, Toti Cerda, etc, among others.
Gallery Genesis is also known to be a gallery with high standards. It strives to highlight artists with talent and pushes those with potential to become the best they can be. “For those who appreciate quality, to those who insist on it,” That is Gallery Genesis’ philosophy. There are many who claim to know what is considered quality art. As a veteran in the art world, Gallery Genesis has developed an eye for what is considered a quality piece. Following this philosophy, it believes in only exhibiting the finest of pieces, may it be from different styles, themes, or subject matter. It has some of the finest quality Filipino artwork selections in its inventory.
Furthermore, with the establishment of Kulay Sa Tubig, the biggest annual watercolor painting competition in the Philippines in 1983, Gallery Genesis has successfully made watercolor mainstream. What was once considered to be a lesser medium soon became more recognized as one of the most beautiful yet most challenging art media to work with. The competition is fierce, as artists vie not only for recognition but for the coveted honor of being named among the Top 5 Watercolorists in the Philippines. Those who have joined Kulay Sa Tubig have gained significant recognition as artists, which has led to the blossoming of their artistic careers. In Kulay sa Tubig, those who have truly mastered the art and proven themselves time and time again by winning thrice have earned their name in the “KST Hall of Fame.”
More than 40 years have passed since Gallery Genesis first opened, and a lot has changed in the art world. After Chichi Salas’ retirement, her daughter Patrice Salas took up the mantle as president in 2017. New trends, styles, and approaches in the art industry have emerged.
Regardless, Gallery Genesis’ vision and mission have remained the same. Its desire for the world to experience timeless quality art has also remained the same. Just as “Timeless art speaks to the soul and transcends generations,” (Unknown), so does Gallery Genesis strive to be. New times also come with new horizons. With its new location in Estancia and a brand new team, Gallery Genesis aims to reach out to a new generation of art lovers.
Gallery Genesis is located on the 2nd floor North Wing, Estancia Mall, Ortigas Center in Pasig City. The gallery is open every day from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Mondays–Thursdays) and 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Fridays – Sundays). For inquiries on available paintings for sale and/or upcoming events, you may visit their website at gallerygenesis.ph and check their social media, Gallery Genesis (Facebook) and @gallerygenesis (Instagram).