FIL-CANADIAN ARTIST WITH AUTISM J.A. TAN TO EXHIBIT AT THE AYALA MUSEUM
(Manila, August 7,2013) — Artist J.A. Tan returns to the Ayala Museum for his second one-man show at ArtistSpace. The show entitled “On and On…Step By Step,” will feature new paintings by the Vancouver-based Tan, and will run from August 21st to September 3rd, 2013.
His last exhibit in Manila was also held at the Ayala Museum and was called “Piece by Piece…A Selection of My Personal Best.” Back then, he had just graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the prestigious Emily Carr University of Art + Design (Class of 2010) in Vancouver, Canada. Since then, he has participated in many shows in Canada, the U.S. and even the United Kingdom! But perhaps the biggest feather in J.A.’s cap was having one of his paintings featured on a United Nation’s stamp last year. His painting “Victory” was one of only 8 pieces chosen from over 200 worldwide submissions to the United Nations. His artwork was issued as a UN stamp on April 2nd, 2012. A print of the painting will be on view at his exhibit.
More recently, J.A. gave the keynote address at the opening of the 13th Biennial Conference of the International Association of Special Education, held at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, B.C. on July 8th, 2013. J.A., who describes himself as an artist with autism, enjoys sharing his personal story about overcoming challenges and pursuing his passion for art. He says,
“I have come to the realization that I have always used art as a way of helping myself bring out my thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I consider it an integral part of my existence as each work is a personal journey of myself with myself, and myself with the world, bringing a feeling of peace and happiness since things become clearer to me through the images and visual pictures before me.”
J.A. always looks forward to coming home to the Philippines every year. It is a chance for him to reconnect not only with his family and friends but also with his roots. Art lovers can connect with J.A. when he attends the reception for his exhibit opening on August 21st, from 6:30-9:30pm.
For more information about the artist, visit https://artofjatan.com and http://facebook.com/artofjatan
ArtistSpace is located on the 2nd Floor of the Ayala Museum, Makati Ave. cor. Dela Rosa St., Makati City.