Topaz Arts 13th Annual Open House

TOPAZ ARTS presents Unearthing the Magic featuring

Mamerto “Lagitan” Tindongan - a solo exhibition of wood sculptures
and
Grace Nono – New York book launch of her new book Song of the Babaylan:
Living Voices, Medicines, Spiritualities of Philippine Ritualist-Oralist-Healers

4:00pm: Artist presentations and a special collaborative performance by
Mamerto Tindongan, Grace Nono, and choreographer Paz Tanjuaquio

Unearthing the Magic: on view October 26 to November 23, 2013
opening Saturday, October 26, 2013, 3-6pm

at TOPAZ ARTS
55-03 39th Avenue, Queens > directions
Viewing available by request by email

TOPAZ ARTS is pleased to present Unearthing the Magic featuring the opening of a solo exhibition of wood sculptures by Mamerto “Lagitan” Tindongan. Award-winning artist Grace Nono joins with the New York launching of her new book Song of the Babaylan: Living Voices, Medicines, Spiritualities of Philippine Ritualist-Oralist-Healers. At 4:00pm, both artists will give a presentation, with a special collaborative performance by Tindongan, Grace Nono, and choreographer Paz Tanjuaquio.

Grace Nono, originally of Agusan in Northeastern Mindanao, will speak about her new book Song of the Babaylan: Living Voices, Medicines, Spiritualities of Philippine Ritualist-Oralist-Healers (Institute of Spirituality in Asia, 2013) about the sacred oral chants of the mostly women Philippine priests and shamans that continue to be performed and listened to, despite centuries of colonization and ongoing efforts to silence them.
> more about the book launch

The sculptor Tindongan, a member of the Ifugao tribe of the Philippines, will talk about his roots in the indigenous culture which informs his work, infusing his wood art with energy from his tradition’s deep connection to the natural environment and the guidance of ancestors’ spirits. A healer, Tai Chi & Qigong practitioner, and a world-class competitor in the ancient art of atlatl (or spear throwing), Tindongan takes a holistic approach as an artist working in communion with wood, allowing the shape, size, grain, and other characteristics of the wood to guide him in uncovering the final form. Tindongan has recently opened MGT Studio in the Market on State Street in Athens, Ohio, where he currently resides.
> more about the exhibition

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