A Filipino Interpretation of Modernist Architecture Unlike the rest of Makati today, the northern end of Paseo de Roxas in Makati is anchored by a low complex rather than a tall skyscraper. This is the elegant Asian Institute of Management, designed by architect Gabriel Formoso and completed in 1971. In my opinion, the building is […]
Anton V. Quisumbing Returns to Sculpture at the Yuchengco Museum with Pasulong
Pasulong by Anton V. Quisumbing explores loss, longing, and repair. Two years in the making, Quisumbing pieced together the remains of bronze propellers from boats damaged in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette in 2021.
Curated by Miguel Rosales and designed by Caramel Creative Consultancy, the exhibition consists of twenty-nine compositions. The works suggest that moving forward is rarely linear, mirroring the artist’s return to sculpture after a solitary period devoted to painting.
Related Reading: LAKBAY 2026: Art House Kicks Off National Arts Month With Christina “Ling” Quisumbing’s Through Visual Poetries
What does Pasulong mean to Anton Quisumbing?
Working with bronze, Quisumbing reaffirms his ability to adapt to both material and circumstance. The material’s malleability is both unforgiving and physically taxing. The sculptures showcase arcs and material curvatures that underscore motion: from shapes that are reminiscent of spiritual symbols to others that present themselves as buried strokes towards elsewhere.
In Pasulong, Quisumbing examines what a man can make in the aftermath of destruction. This exhibition also serves as a prelude to his new direction in his artistic practice.
Related Reading: Designing ALT ART 2026 at SMX Manila: Baby Imperial on Building an Art Fair
Beauty Emerges from the Wreckage
Depicting a misshapen figure standing tall on a twisting metal base, Sight is a pivotal piece in the collection. Its almond-shaped eye runs horizontally across its center, with an armor on the left that appears to shield it from external aggressors. Ultimately, it demonstrates lightness despite the weight of what we carry, including the artist’s reflection on imperfection.
courtesy of the artist.
Pasulong attempts to make sense of the wreckage while building something new. The exhibition marks his point of departure from painterly ways and into concrete forms of mending.
Article header photographed by Zach Aldave and courtesy of the artist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The exhibition is located at the Main Gallery, Y Space at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC Plaza, Makati City, Philippines
May 15 to 30, 2026
Anton V. Quisumbing (b. 1970 in Cebu, Philippines) is a renowned sculptor and painter. A graduate of Fine Arts (Sculpture) at the University of the Philippines Diliman, he has decades of experience in the fabrication and furniture industry. His works have been featured in exhibitions at the Ayala Museum, Alliance française de Manille, and many other stages across the globe.
The exhibition consists of twenty-nine compositions that process loss, longing, and repair. Two years in the making, Quisumbing pieced together the remains of bronze propellers from boats damaged in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette in 2021.
Yes, the Yuchengco Museum has an entrance fee of PHP 200 for regular admission, and PHP 100 for students, PWDs, and senior citizens.
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