Galerie Stephanie and Cartellino unveil their new gallery space at Shangri-la Plaza, featuring three captivating solo exhibitions

by Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Galerie Stephanie
February 19, 2024

Galerie Stephanie and Cartellino proudly unveil their new gallery space at Shangri-la Plaza, Mandaluyong City. A convergence of traditional and modern, these two artistic powerhouses have orchestrated a move that promises to redefine the artistic landscape of the Philippines.

Founded in 2007, Galerie Stephanie has been a beacon for modern art, propelling local talents to the forefront. The gallery has now evolved into a dynamic space with a contemporary edge, showcasing the richness of global art through collaborations and participation in renowned art fairs worldwide.

On the flip side, Cartellino, born in the digital age in 2020, has transcended its online origins to establish its first physical gallery space. A trailblazer in art e-commerce, Cartellino's "Little Paper Show" pays homage to its journey, featuring over thirty artists who have shaped its narrative.

The grandeur of this artistic partnership is housed on the sixth floor of Shangri-la Plaza, offering a dynamic space that boasts four exhibition rooms. This symbiotic relationship, like brushstrokes on a canvas, weaves a narrative that beckons visitors to explore the realms of contemporary art.

Celebrating with Solo Exhibitions

Galerie Stephanie inaugurates its new chapter with three captivating solo exhibitions, each a masterpiece in its own right. The Filipino pop-surrealist Mr. S, the Bandung-based visual artist Addy Debil, and the Japanese hyperrealist Hideo Tanaka take center stage, collectively bringing forth a kaleidoscope of artistic expression.

Yutori by Mr. S: Navigating the Nakasendo Trail

Step into the dreamlike landscapes of Mr. S, as "Yutori" unfolds a fraction of the scenes from Japan's Nakasendo Trail. This solo exhibition captures the essence of serenity through surrealism, where time slows down, and nature takes center stage.

In "Still River," Mr. S skillfully portrays the quiet dreamlike atmosphere of rowing across rivers with gargantuan koi fishes beneath autumn foliage. Soft colors reminiscent of Japan's lush countryside create a sense of openness and space. Characters adorned with padded clothes and backpacks traverse the landscapes, reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki's enchanting worlds, yet flavored with Mr. S' spontaneous elements.

"Yutori" transcends a mere moment; it encapsulates a temporal sense of peace, intertwining past and present. It is a canvas that invites us to coexist with our surroundings, embracing the eccentricities of life with contemplative wonder.

Intertwining Memory Lanes by Addy Debil: A Burst of Colorful Connections

In his first solo show for Galerie Stephanie, Addy Debil's "Intertwining Memory Lanes" breathes life into mural art. With an eye for detail, surface, and character, Debil's vibrant sketches evoke joy and creativity, uniting us in a shared journey of memory and community.

The exhibition, bustling with exuberant colors and mischievous faces, takes us on a road drifting through memory, unfolding before our eyes. Each canvas becomes a mental map of Debil's quirks and fascinations, inviting us into a world that's bustling, free-flowing, and optimistic.

"Intertwining Memory Lanes" becomes a sanctuary where childhood meets bohemian attitude, encouraging us to encounter the world with a reckless and carefree spirit. It is a celebration of wonder-filled threads that lead us to places of surprise and curiosity, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that lie within our own eccentricities.

Iki Na Hikari by Hideo Tanaka: Deconstructing Normalcy with Surreal Beauty

In his first solo exhibition at Galerie Stephanie, Japanese hyperrealist Hideo Tanaka invites us to question the very fabric of normalcy through "Iki na Hikari (A Breath of Life)." This surreal deconstruction challenges our perceptions, urging us to embrace the unexpected and the fallible.

Tanaka masterfully employs time as a tool for deconstruction, evident in "14 minutes 24 seconds," where identical drinking glasses reveal the transient nature of the "normal." The exhibition delves deeper into the theme, portraying perishable goods with captivating detail, celebrating the inherent beauty of transience.

Figures suspended in moments of contemplation, depicted in works like "Autumn" and "Rest 'Winter'," showcase Tanaka's technical mastery and invite introspection. Placing subjects in dreamlike landscapes, Tanaka avoids moral judgment, emphasizing the unique character and authenticity of each individual.

"Iki na Hikari" is an invitation to re-examine our assumptions about normalcy. Tanaka's work urges us to find humor and beauty in the unexpected, challenging us to define "forward" within our own perspective.

Look and see at Shangri-la Plaza

These exhibits are invitations to engage, explore, and redefine our perceptions of art and life. Until March 3, Galerie Stephanie and Cartellino beckon you to their new haven on the sixth floor of Shangri-la Plaza, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City.

For inquiries, contact inquiry.galeriestephanie@gmail.com or call (+632) 7940-5726. The gallery is open every day from 10 am to 9 pm. Let the art speak to you, let the colors enchant you, and let your journey into the extraordinary begin.