WHEE! WHEE! WHEE!

A million thanks and a fuzzy hug to British collaborative artists Jackson Webb from all of us here at The Living Room for mentioning us in their press release. These two artists, Charlotte Webb (yes, we know she has the same name as the book about the spider and the pig) and Mark Jackson co-partner their works under one name. They graduated only last year from Chelsea College of Art and are now exhibiting at Standpoint Gallery in London (along with Filipino artist, Yason Banal). These two will always have a special spot here at The Living Room. Their show, "Soft Lighting", was our first exhibition ever.

Venue:
Standpoint Gallery
45 Coronet Street, London N1 6HD
Exhibition open:
6 July - 4 August
Private View:
Thursday 5 July, 6-9pm
Gallery Open:
Wednesday – Saturday, 12-6pm
Tube:
Old Street, Exit 2 (Northern Line – Bank Branch)
Buses:
55, 67, 149, 242, 243

standpointgallery@btconnect.com 020 7739 4921
www.standpointlondon.co.uk

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...

As always, better late than never. Kindly allow me to introduce you to the "artists-in-residence" of The Living Room for the months of May and June 2007. For the month of May, we had Mr. Jean Claude Girard (above), Swiss architect and partner of past Living Room resident, Marlyne Sahakian. He was in town for just three weeks after spending time in Australia researching the Sydney Opera House. And despite his short stint, he managed to hold a lecture (below) about the fascinating history of this Australian icon last May 11, 2007. Some of the topics discussed: The life of it's architect Jorn Utzon, Utzon's amazing designs for the Opera, Utzon resigning before the completion of the structure, and the analogies between the SOP and our very own CCP. This is Jean Claude's second trip to Manila and we certainly hope it won't be his last.

And for the month of June, allow me to introduce Miss Sally Gutierrez and Miss Yong Soon Min. Both are in town for the Trauma Interrupted exhibition at the Main Gallery of The Cultural Center of the Philippines (which I highly recommend that you all visit asap). Sally was in the 1999 Whitney Independent Study Program, graduated with a Masters in Media Studies from the New School back in 2000, and currently works in video. Yong Soon was also a graduate of the Whitney Independent Study Program and is currently chair of the Department of Studio Art at University of California Irvine. No artists' talks were held but a lovely party was held before Sally's departure (that's when these two photos were taken). Sally is now back in Madrid, Yong Soon is in South Korea for a short visit, and we miss them so.

CARLOS RECOMMENDS!

YOU'VE GOT THE POWER!

Fresh from the sparsely attended but so-much-fun-you-were-a-loser-not-to-be-there success of Playlist Manila night, Geek Chorus ushers in the schoolyear with yet another stupid event for smart people.

Geek chorus presents:

Powerpoint as Performance Art Night
Saturday, June 23, 2007, 9:00pm
The Living Room
Unit 24, North Syquia,
1991 MH Del Pilar, Malate.

There will be two main features for Powerpoint Night. The first will be the Performance Powerpoint division which will feature Eight Powerpoint Artists making a quick three minute presentation on any subject of their choice. Prizes will be awarded to the best presentation, the most original content, the worst use of transitions and clip art as well as other categories that we'll think up of on the spot.

The second category for Powepoint night is the Open Category. Teams of Three (3) people shall be assigned to present a Powerpoint Presentation that they have never seen before. Roles shall likewise be assigned at random to each team member (for example, CFO, HR Head, Boss, Wife, Motor Pool Division Chief, etc.). The most convincing and funniest presentation wins.

Note:You cannot compose in Keynote then export to Powerpoint. The use of Keynote will not be allowed. Let's keep this nice and amateurish, please. Slots are open for the Open Category and the Performance Powerpoint category. Email us at yarr@geekchorus.org

You can make reservations by texting/calling 0917 8861080. Entrance fees are on a donate-what-you-wish basis. BYOB (Bring your own Booze).

CARLOS RECOMMENDS...

TRAUMA INTERRUPTED...

Trauma, Interrupted is a multi-pronged project composed of a series of workshops, an international exhibition and a series of artist talks aiming to explore the link between trauma, art and healing. Violence, racism, the cycle of poverty, community displacement, the stigma of leprosy, and even nightmares are only a few of the issues that will be addressed by artists from such countries as the United States, Korea, Japan, Spain, Ireland and of course, the Philippines.

And for all of you out there with a weak constitution when it comes to these things. No worries about the "heaviness" or "seriousness" of the topic. Some of the works are even humorous.

Log onto this website for their list of activities, exhibitions, and workshops. Opening cocktails are on June 14, 2007 at 2pm at the Main Gallery of the Cultural Center of the Philippines

Two of the artists, Miss Sally Gutierrez and Miss Yong Soon Min, are both staying at The Living Room and we are tickled pink to have them.

WHEE! WHEE! WHEE!

Living La Vida Living Room
It's been busy lately at The Living Room. Not only did we have a talk on the history of the Sydney Opera House by May architect-in-residence, Jean Claude Girard, but we also had fabulous features in three Manila publications. First off was the inspired fashion shoot called "Who's Afraid of John Herrera", featuring a couture collection by the aforementioned designer (above). With stylings done by Norman Crisologo, hair by Paolo Lopez, make-up by Mitch Lim for Guerlain, and photographs by our neighbor, Juan Caguicla, the project was a definite labor of love. It took two days to wrap the entire west side of the apartment in brown craft paper and almost an entire week to remove it. Naturally, the results were stunning. Perhaps the most creative shoot I've seen in print this year.

Next up was a feature in Manifesto, one of the newest - and most promising - men's lifestyle magazines to be printed locally in a long while. The article, called, "Brazilian Wax Lyrical" was written by Vanni de Sequera, and featured Brazilian DJ - slash - model, Rose Fernandes (above). Shot in only one easy evening by Xander Angeles, Ms. Fernandes was styled by Millet Arzaga and had her hair and make up done by Janet de Rama and Xeng Zulueta respectively. And such a good sport that Rose. Whether it be cramming her frame into the kitchen sink or posing topless over the garage driveway, this classy lady did her job with grace and good humor. Manifesto May issue is still available on newsstands.

And last but definitely not the least was the Mega Magazine fashion shoot called "Luca". Shot by model - slash - photographer Sara Black with hair done by Nante Alingasa and make up by Cathy Cantada, this eight page spread was definitely my favorite. And not merely because it featured the clothes of Filipino designers Chris Diaz and Anthony Baughman, but because of the special cameo done by my dog, Bogart (above). Definitely a keeper in my books. May issues of Mega are still available on newsstands. It's the one with Alessandra de Rossi on the cover.

Once again, thanks guys for the letting the The Living Room be part of your creative process. It was definitely a privilege.

To book The Living Room for photo shoots, events or accomodations (our newly appointed room featured above). Call or text 0917 8861080 or email celdrantours@hotmail.com