When one writes regular commentary on social, political, and economic issues in these disheartening times, there’s the feeling that one contributes to the atmosphere of gloom and doom. Nevertheless, it’s a necessary task because there’s dire need to expose violations, rebuke abuses, castigate negligence, and ridicule incompetence of those who possess power or privilege. Every now and then, however, there’s a need to take a break and seek mental shelter from all the dreariness in our midst.
I have written several times that my happy place is the art world. It’s my go-to place when I feel overwhelmed reading and writing about the trials and tribulations of this world. Through 24 years of collecting works of art, I have accumulated enough that has enabled me to build a decent art museum (Balay Segundo Museum), catering to a rural audience in my hometown in Isabela province.
Jointly with friends, I’ve put up an art gallery that has allowed me to regularly attend international art fairs, join art travels abroad, and establish lifelong friendship with collectors, artists, and gallery owners who make our country’s art community vibrant. I’ve dabbled in writing about art and artists, sponsored provincial art competitions, and initiated art workshops in our community. What drew me into the art world, when I was still a young professional, was when I discovered that artworks are fascinating means of communication.
I learned that not all paintings and sculptures are obje.
