PDL Artworks Feature Hope and Talent
MANILA, Philippines — Artworks created by current and former persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) will take center stage in a special event hosted by Leon Gallery in Makati next week. This initiative highlights the creative talents of PDLs, offering a distinctive platform to showcase their artistic skills.
The special event, titled “Pinta ng Pag-Asa,” was organized through a collaboration between the Bagong Buhay Group of Artists (BAGA) and Leon Gallery. BAGA is a collective composed of former PDLs and marginalized individuals united by their passion for art. This partnership aims to elevate the visibility of PDL artworks and promote the rehabilitative power of creativity.
Online Auction and Preview Details
The auction will be conducted online on Saturday, July 19, at 2 p.m. Meanwhile, a physical preview will run from this weekend until July 18, daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the ground floor of Eurovilla 1, located at the corner of Rufino and Legazpi Streets in Legazpi Village.
According to local sources, the auction’s purpose is to emphasize the artistic talents of PDLs and provide a space for them to demonstrate not just their creativity but also the potential for art to aid in rehabilitation.
Art as a Path to Reintegration
“Through this activity, we hope to emphasize that incarceration is not the end-all and be-all of the Philippine justice system, but rather a step toward the rehabilitation and reintegration of PDLs into society,” said BAGA president Joey De Leon. De Leon himself is a former PDL who founded the group in 2021 to support PDL artists in their journey back into society.
He further explained that the auction, facilitated by Leon Gallery, seeks to raise the standard of PDL artworks so that buyers will appreciate them for their quality, not just out of sympathy.
Leon Gallery’s Commitment to Community
Leon Gallery Director Ponce de Leon shared that the event is part of their commitment to give back to the community. He described the auction as a celebration of emerging talents and a chance for these artists to flourish through their creativity.
The artworks selected for the auction include winners, finalists, and other entries from the First National PDL Art Competition held from July to October 2024. This competition saw participation from 180 PDLs across various jails and correctional centers nationwide.
Supporting PDL Artists
BAGA continues to work toward helping PDLs reintegrate by showcasing their talents and breaking stigma. The auction offers a meaningful platform where their art is valued for its intrinsic merit and the transformative story behind it.
For more news and updates on PDL artworks, visit Filipinokami.com.
