Founded in 1960, the Ateneo Art Gallery, which stands as the first modern art museum in the Philippines, marks its 65th anniversary this year. The founding was brought about by the donation of Fernando Zóbel, a visual artist, art historian, and art patron, who gifted his personal collection to the university, Victoria Herrera, director and chief curator of the Ateneo Art Gallery, explained. His main condition for the donation was that the university create a museum so that his personal collection would be accessible to students and the public.
Victoria Herrera, director and chief curator of the Ateneo Art Gallery. (Photo by Rolando Salorsano/Simpol.ph)
The gallery’s vision remains closely tied to Zóbel original intent. “His collection focused on post-war Philippine modernism and contemporary art of that time,” Herrera said. “As the museum evolved over the decades, that identity remained central to promoting Philippine modernism and contemporary art.”
Initially consisting of over 200 works, primarily by Filipino artists, Zóbel’s collection also included fine prints by European and Western masters. Currently, these works are on exhibit as part of the celebration of Zóbel’s birth centennial, Herrera noted.
The museum’s first director and curator, Emmanuel “Eric” Torres, played a crucial role in shaping its early direction. After Zóbel’s donation, which came in batches over a 10-year period, funds were provided for acquiring new works, Herrera said. Torres guided much of the museum’s early direction and served as curator for four decades, shaping the collection alongside Zóbel, who continued to support the museum until his passing in 1984.
While rooted in Philippine modernism, the museum has expanded its collection to reflect evolving artistic practices. As contemporary art continues to evolve, the museum also expands its representation of new artistic practices and directions, Herrera said.
A pivotal initiative in this expansion was the establishment of the Ateneo Art Awards in 2004. Now in its 20th year, the program recognizes young artists under 36 years old, Herrera said. Over time, the awards have been instrumental in identifying and supporting emerging artists, guiding their careers, and fostering the next generation of Filipino creatives.
Social realism also became a defining focus of the museum’s collection. “Torres strongly advocated for this genre, particularly in the late 1970s and 1980s, when social realist artists, many of whom were activists, were often marginalized by the art market,” Herrera explained. Through acquiring their works, the museum has documented an important period in Philippine art history.
Many of the museum’s acquisitions have come from donations. Most of the museum’s acquisitions come from artists, patrons, university alumni, and corporate donors, many of whom have ties to Ateneo, Herrera said. This collective support has been crucial to the museum’s growth.
Exhibitions at the Ateneo Art Gallery are closely linked to its permanent collection. “As a museum, it’s important for our exhibition programming to align with our collection,” Herrera said. For example, they have featured exhibitions that focus on artists represented in their permanent collection.
The Ateneo Art Awards also serve as a foundation for exhibition programming. Past winners and shortlisted artists are often invited to present special projects.
Since relocating to a new facility in 2018, the museum has expanded its programming, inviting guest curators to present diverse perspectives. Some projects incorporate works from their collection, while others highlight contemporary artists.
The museum also offers a range of public programs. They organize artist talks, curator-led discussions, and conversations with contemporary artists. These events are always open to the public.
Film screenings are another key component of the museum’s programming. Recently, they screened a film by Nick Deocampo on Victorio Edades, the pioneer of Philippine modernism. The museum also conducts art workshops, particularly in printmaking, one of Zóbel’s passions. “His collection of fine prints is an important part of our holdings,” she added.
The museum’s collection continues to be recognized internationally. Their social realism collection is also notable. International museums often borrow pieces from our collection when they need works that represent that period in Philippine art history.
The museum actively lends works to institutions worldwide. As a museum, they actively lend our collection to institutions worldwide to ensure broader public engagement.
Ateneo Art Gallery also holds early works by National Artists, which provide insight into their artistic development. They have a strong representation of contemporary artists who are now well-established in the global art scene. Many of them have participated in international exhibitions, and the Ateneo Art Awards have played a role in their careers.
Several exhibitions are currently on view at the museum. Right now, they have Synergy of Ventures, an exhibition that focuses on the core collection gifted by Fernando Zóbel, Lydia Arguilla, and Purita Kalaw-Ledesma. This show runs until July and celebrates Zóbel de Ayala’s birth centennial.
Another ongoing exhibition features an installation by Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan in collaboration with Spanish artist Enrique Martí. The museum is also hosting a return exhibition of past Ateneo Art Awards winners who have completed artist residencies.
A major exhibition is set to open in early April, highlighting a group of artists from Baguio. The core team curating the show includes Kawayan De Guia, Nona Garcia, and Gale Vicente. Nearly 20 artists will be featured in this exhibition.
Herrera warmly invites everyone to visit the Ateneo Art Gallery at the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Quezon City. They are open from Monday to Saturday, as well as on the first and second Sundays of each month.
For visitors eager to explore the museum’s collection and exhibitions, Herrera noted the significance of the ongoing shows. Currently, they have several exciting exhibitions on view. They also feature an installation by Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan and a group exhibition of past Ateneo Art Awards winners.
