BAMBOOVILLAGE Publishing is pleased to announce the launch of its first publication, a monograph titled “Pangandoy: The Art of Jun Impas” at Florentino’s, Balamban, on 14 June 2023. The book chronicles the Jun Impas’ silver anniversary as a visual artist and is written by Jay Nathan Jore, Sayoka Takemura, Alyssa Selanovia.
Moreover, to cap off the night, the book cover’s front and back paintings are to be auctioned, so these ever-so-valuable pieces signifying the silver anniversary of Impas’s career as an artist may be acquired and cared for by another, both of which will be remembered in the history of art in the Visayas.
Pangandoy, or dreams, was the title of Florentino “Jun” Impas, Jr.‘s exhibition at Montebello Villa Hotel in 1998, so this monograph is a celebration of his 25 years as an artist,”capturing the effects of nature, the solemnity of ordinary life, the vitality of the human figure, the assuring light of faith, and the dynamism of Filipino culture.”
Florentino “Jun” Impas, Jr., the artist. (PHOTO BY: DOMINIC YLAGAN)
Growing up in a fishing village on Dinagat Island to painting signages in Surigao City, Jun Impas has come a long way since his return to Cebu, as he is now a well-known painter, “bringing the traditions of Bisaya Realism to the forefront of Philippine contemporary art.
“Through the years, his paintings have received accolades across the country and overseas for their ability to portray the vibrancy of the country’s values, customs, and traditions, as well as the haunting reality of many. Even with trials and self-doubt, Jun Impas’s persistence and determination have rewarded him with merit and success in his artistic practice and career, all the while initiating workshops and continuing his advocacy to help young children and artists alike.
Jun Impas, the artist, together with (from Left) the book author Alyssa Selanovia, Claude Impas, Jun’s daughter who also manages Florentino’s Art Gallery, book authors Professor Nathan Jay Jore, and Sayoka Takemura. (PHOTO BY: DOMINIC YLAGAN)
Together with the launch is the opening of a retrospective exhibition wherein important paintings of the artist will be displayed: from his early portraits and commissions to particular pieces previously displayed at shows and now in private collections. This is an opportunity for the public to view the growth and breadth of his body of work in person-beyond the pages of the book-and experience his mastery of technique and storytelling in the realist style.
Moreover, to cap off the night, the book cover’s front and back paintings are to be auctioned, so these ever-so-valuable pieces signifying the silver anniversary of Impas’s career as an artist may be acquired and cared for by another, both of which will be remembered in the history of art in the Visayas.
Pangandoy: The Art of Jun Impas monogram book. (PHOTO BY: DOMINIC YLAGAN)
“Pangandoy” and its exhibition, along with the auction, provide an overview of Florentino “Jun” Impas, Jr.’s journey thus far and are intended to give hope to whoever has dreams of bigger futures. That with good intentions, hard work, and trusting the plans of a higher being, anything is possible in this brief lifetime one has the privilege of living.