In celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, Gateway Gallery unveils a special exhibition drawn from its permanent collection, highlighting works by Chinese-Filipino artists. Titled “Beyond Tradition: Evolving Chinese-Filipino Artists,” the exhibition explores the foundations of traditional Chinese art and traces how its forms and philosophies have transformed in modern and contemporary practice.
Opened on February 12 and running through March 14, 2026, Beyond Tradition features eight Chinese-Filipino artists alongside two Filipino artists. The exhibition is further enriched by three works from guest artist and scholar Arnulfo Esguerra. Leading the show is senior Chinese art master Lupicinio “Peter” Ng, who currently serves as Head of the Ateneo Confucius Institute.
Curated by Museum Curator Gari R. Apolonio, the exhibition draws from Gateway Gallery’s growing art collection, bringing together works by Chinese-Filipino artists into a cohesive thematic presentation. Their inclusion adds depth and dimension to the collection while offering a compelling lens through which to view the Chinese influence on Philippine art. In this exhibit, Apolonio gives space to the artists to reflect on how their Chinese heritage informs their creative process and artistic concerns.
To complement the exhibition, Gateway Gallery will host a public talk on Chinese art on February 21 at 3 p.m., followed by a Chinese art workshop on February 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. Both sessions will be led by Prof. Arnulfo Esguerra and are open to the public free of charge.
Esguerra, who holds a master’s degree in Archaeology, is a faculty member of the Department of Social Sciences at UP Manila’s College of Arts and Sciences. An accomplished artist, he has conducted numerous painting workshops in museums and art spaces. His practice draws from the two principal styles of Chinese painting: gongbi (meticulous style) and xieyi (spontaneous style).
Participating artists in the exhibition include Peter Ng, Chito Sy Santiago, Iris Babao-Uy, Lea Zoraina Sindao Lim, Sharleen Cu, Joemarie Sanclara Chua, Sarah Liuson Ongsun, Irene Sy, Grace Dadufalza, and Lita Wells, joined by guest artist Arnulfo Esguerra.
