In line with its mission of promoting Philippine contemporary art, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila (MET) will be showcasing the works of the former director of the Cultural Centre of the Philippines, Raymundo Albano whose experimental works in the ‘80s paved way for the progression of the country’s art scene. Indeed thirty years after his death, his influence still lingers in Philippine contemporary art.

Entitled as A Time to Unlearn, the exhibition will be occupying the Sphere section of the museum’s Philippine Contemporary Art (PCA) gallery. Conceptualised by curator Patrick Flores to encourage “a deeper study of particular themes, artists, art worlds, styles, and movements,” the Sphere section will present a wide selection of Albano’s work: intermedia, installation, discourse, publication, design, poetry, and polemic, done by the artist in the ‘70s andb ‘80s, underlining his innovative and experimental practices and articulating his influence on today’s local art scene. 

About The Artist

Untitled (1977)
Acrylic on chip board
50.04 x 50.04 cm
Private Collection

Born in 1947, Raymundo Albano wore many hats: he was a painter, printmaker, photographer, film maker, critic, graphic designer, arts administrator, writer, and poet. 

After completing a degree in English Literature at the Ateneo de Manila University, Albano joined the CCP in 1970 as a museum assistant. After a year, he succeeded Roberto Chabet as the curator of CCP’s visual arts department, and in 1979, became the institution’s director. 

The visual arts activities of CCP noticeably increased due to Albano’s presence. As curator, he pushed boundaries, recognising photography, video, and “happenings” as visual arts in themselves. His fresh perspective gave rise to a generation of artists who pursued alternative directions. Many of the artists that Albano influenced became movers of the local art scene, namely Nestor Vinluan, Junyee, Santiago Rose, Genara Banzon, Judy Freya Sibayan, Virginia Dandan, Fernando Modesto, Eva Toledo, and Phyllis Zaballero. 

Two of the many event posters that Raymundo Albano made for the Cultural Centre of the Philippines
CCP Collection

As CCP director, he launched the second phase of the Museum Introductory Program, came up with a more emphatic and selective exhibition line-up that included children’s exhibitions and an annual for a ll artists, and made permanent the Thirteen Artists program. Albano also launched the bi-monthly art publication, The Philippine Art Supplement, in 1980, conducted summer art workshops and founded the CCP employees photography club. 

Despite his curatorial and directorial obligations, Albano remained an active artist known for his experimental and inventive ways. Apart from painting, photography, and installations, he also engaged in video, mechanical-copy processes and performance art.

Colour Study III (1976)
Collograph
63.5 x 38.1 cm
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Collection

The artist represented the Philippines at the Asian art show in Fukuoka, Japan and at the Munich Summer Festival in Germany. He also participated in the ASEAN exhibition of paintings and photography in 1983 and the Biennale de Paris in 1982. Albano was a juror at the 1983 Asian arts festival held in Bangladesh. He also won Honourable Mention at the 1974 Tokyo International Biennale of Prints for the event posters he designed for CCP. Albano died in 1985 at the age of 38.

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Complex, Roxas Blvd., Metro Manila, +632.708.7828