Arts & Culture (07/01/26)

Ayala Museum holds wartime exhibit, dogs in war talk

THE Filipinas Heritage Library, with support from the Toshiba International Foundation, will present Between Two Worlds: A Philippine Diary, 80 Years Ago — by Shinichi Komatsu from July 2 to Aug. 16 at the Ayala Museum as part of the 70^th anniversary of Philippines-Japan diplomatic relations. The exhibition centers on Ryojin Nikki (Prisoner’s Diary), a richly illustrated wartime journal by Japanese civilian engineer Shinichi Komatsu, who was dispatched to the Philippines in 1944 and later became a prisoner of war. Co-curated by Komatsu’s grandson, Shiko Komatsu, and Japanese studies scholar Dr. Karl Ian Uy Cheng Chua, the exhibit explores the human dimensions of war and reconciliation through firsthand accounts and historical materials. Admission is free, with accompanying public talks on Philippine-Japanese history and cultural exchange scheduled on July 18 and Aug. 15. As an adjunct to the exhibit, historian Ian Christopher Alfonso, PhD, will lead “Dogs in War Reminiscences” on July 18, examining the stories of two dogs during World War II. The talk explores the writings of Shinichi Komatsu, who documented the life of his beloved Ainu dog Zema in an illustrated diary before becoming a prisoner of war in the Philippines, and American serviceman Bill Wynne, whose Yorkshire Terrier Smokey became a celebrated war hero during the 1945 liberation campaign. The lecture reflects on how personal stories of companionship, resilience, and hope endured amid the devastation of war, offering a unique lens into shared Philippine-Japanese wartime history. To attend the lecture, register here: https://events.ayalamuseum.org/events/fhl-phjp70-dogs/purchase. The Ayala Museum is at the corner of Makati Ave. and De La Rosa St., Greenbelt Park, Makati.

Sculptural works on view at Gajah Gallery Manila

THE Gajah Gallery Manila will present Forging Ahead: The Productive Unknown from July 5 to Aug. 9, showcasing sculptural works developed through collaborations at the Yogya Art Lab (YAL), the gallery’s Yogyakarta-based foundry and production house. Featuring artists from across Southeast Asia and beyond, including Filipino National Artist Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera, Mark Justiniani, Jigger Cruz, Marina Cruz, and Suzann Victor, the exhibition highlights works created through experimentation with materials such as bronze, aluminum, glass, and stainless steel. Bringing together established and emerging practitioners, the show explores how artists push beyond familiar mediums to discover new creative possibilities, resulting in works that challenge perception, reinterpret everyday objects, and expand contemporary sculptural practice. The gallery is found at NBS Park, 125 Pioneer St., Brgy Highway Hills, Mandaluyong City.

West Gallery holds 2 group exhibits

THE West Gallery is currently holding two group exhibits until July 18: Seryosong Usapan sa Madilim na Area and DISC.CUSSION. The first features works by visual artists Froilan Calayag, Joey Cobcobo, Dex Fernandez, Mark Andy Garcia, Ryan Jara, Lindslee, Raffy T. Napay, Lynyrd Paras, Neil Pasilan, and Ryan Rubio. Meanwhile, DISC.CUSSION brings together a diverse group of artists including Poeleen Alvarez, Diana Aviado, Pandy Aviado, Luigi Azura, Jojo Barja, Plet Bolipata, Elmer Borlongan, Mars Bugaoan, Benjie Torrado Cabrera, Noëll El Farol, Don Kusuanco, Alynnah Macla-Tadeo, Angelo Magno, William Matawaran, Soler Santos, Taj Hassan Tadeo, and Anton Villaruel. West Gallery is at 48 West Ave., Quezon City. For inquiries, e-mail info@westgallery.ph.

Niña Sandejas releases her first book, Greyhoundz

VETERAN music photographer and founder of alt164 Press, Niña Sandejas is touring Northern Europe as she develops a long-term vision to preserve Philippine music photography and cultural history. Fresh from launching a 20-year visual archive of Filipino rock band Greyhoundz — the debut release of her independent publishing imprint — Ms. Sandejas has visited institutions such as Fotografiska Stockholm, Abbey Road Studios, Oslo’s Deichman Bjørvika library, and Estonia’s Banned Books Museum to study how other countries archive and celebrate visual culture. The trip comes as she works toward building a dedicated archive for Philippine music photography, preserving images, stories, and memorabilia that often remain scattered across hard drives, shoeboxes, and personal collections. The Greyhoundz book, currently open for preorders, serves as the first installment of a planned trilogy documenting the country’s underground music scene and laying the groundwork for a broader archival project. The book is available in multiple editions, including a limited signed edition. Orders can be made on www.alt164.press. The work of Ms. Sandejas can be seen on ninasandejas.com.