Embedded Files
FEATURED ART
Mad World
JJ Duque
2018 to 2022
Colored Pens & Pencils On Watercolor Paper
Duque began this huge drawing in late 2018, put it aside to finish other commissioned works, then put it back on the drawing table right before the pandemic. During the pandemic - with that apocalyptic feeling looming - he pushed himself to finish it, considering it to be his final magnum opus should the world indeed end. He called it “Mad World” because of what had transpired during those times.
It was finally finished in early 2022 and exhibited shortly after at Ides Contemporary Art, then at Altro Mondo in 2024. It then found a temporary home at Corso Como 88, where it could be appreciated at a public commercial space, standing in a comfortable corner where she could share her positive energy.
Corso Como 88 also used Mad World as the design for a limited edition silk scarf. Only 20 scarves were produced.
Mad World in Progress (circa 2021)
JJ Duque (4th standing from left, in black) with friends during closing reception.
Actress Max Eigenmann With a Limited Edition Mad World Scarf
JJ Duque and Max Eigenmann
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE WORLD OF ART
L to R: Crimson Hotel Marketing Director Ronie Marie Reyes, Stagezero Foundation's Angie Laborte, artist JJ Duque, artist Christine Kairuz, artists Marc Cacho, Crimson Hotel General Manager Olivier Ramos, artist Domiel Mercado.
The Color Parade: Pride Art Exhibit ran at Crimson Hotel Filinvest City from June 6 to 24. Click here to view the 2025 Color Parade Photo Gallery and the Color Parade 2025 Catalog.
For Inquiries, you may contact us at southartsfestival@gmail.com
L-R: Crimson Hotel Marketing Director Ronie Marie Reyes, South Arts Festival CEO JJ Duque, Anne Labesores, Eve Florida, Crimson Hotel General Manager Olivier Ramos, Jeanette Kampuhis, Yvonne Harmony, Criselda De Leon, Celina Villaruel, Crimson Hotel Sales Manager Candy Salud.
THE COLOR PARADE PRIDE ART EXHIBIT OPENS WITH A LOT OF FLAIR
The Color Parade: Pride Art Exhibit added an extra layer of celebration at the Crimson Hotel Filinvest City as it coincided with the formal introduction of their new General Manager Olivier Ramos, a Frenchman who was once a Director for F&B for Haboor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection in Dubai. Ramos worked as the F&B director at Dukes The Palm Dubai. He has also worked as corporate director of F&B with Barcelo in Madrid and as its executive chef at Hotel Formentor before that.
Of course, the warm welcome of Olivier Ramos had the best of food and beverages on offer, each on carefully curated with a colorful Pride twist.
Among the highlights of the evening was the opening reception of The Color Parade: Pride Art Exhibit, which featured the works of allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The roster of artists include the likes of accomplished pros like Anne Labesores, Criselda De Leon, Jeanette Kampuhis and Ruth Cancio joined by first-time exhibitors Celina Villaruel and Yvonne Harmony and upcoming amateur Kate Tinamisan.
The celebrations took place at the posh Alibi Lounge of Crimson Hotel Filinvest CIty while the exhibit ran at The Gallery on the 8th floor lobby.
The exhibit took place from June 6 to 24 to commemorate and celebrate Pride Month.
MAX EIGENMANN VISITS CORSO COMO 88 FOR A JJ DUQUE LIMITED EDITION SCARF
2023 Gawad Urian Best Actress Max Eigenmann for the film 12 Weeks, set foot at the Corso Como 88 boutique store in One Ayala, Makati, with the sole intention of grabbing one of the limited edition scarves of artist JJ Duque to wear during the 22nd Mindanao Festival and 2nd Palm City Film Festival in Davao City.
Eigenmann, who also recently won Best Performance by an Actress in the 13th Asia Pacific Screen Awards in Brisbane, Australia for her role in the movie Verdict, was invited to be a member of the jury in the 22nd Mindanao Film Festival. With careful planning of her outfit for the event, Max Eigenmann reached out to JJ Duque and raised her intention of wanting one of the limited edition scarves only available at Corso Como 88.
Corso Como 88 had invited contemporary artist JJ Duque to turn his intricate artwork into fashion pieces with the concept of creating a unique “wearable art” design. Their first project was a limited edition scarf using two of Duque’s works as the inspiration.
“There are only 20 silk scarves available per design, which gives it its rarity,” explained Corso Como 88 owner Imelda Menguito. “The uniqueness of JJ’s artwork combined with the highest quality silk makes the scarf a luxury item. The scarf is just the first step. We will be introducing JJ’s art into other fashion pieces in the future,” she adds.
Max Eigenmann shared the same enthusiasm when she first saw the scarf. “I couldn’t make it to the opening reception when they launched the scarf, but I saw the photos and reached out to JJ that I wanted one, so he accompanied me to Corso Como 88,” Eigenmann shared.
Eigenmann also confessed that Duque is a good friend, having known him since childhood. “He’s good friends with my brother Timmy and my cousins Ryan and Geoff, and I’ve known him for nearly 30 years,” she explained. “I’m a big fan of his art and have one of his earlier works, and I’ve seen his growth and now that his art came out in fashion - I just had to have one,” she beamed.
During the visit, Eigenmann was game enough to show the versatility of the scarf and the many ways it could be worn and used.
Duque, meanwhile, welcomed the opportunity for someone with the star power of Eigenmann to wear his art. “She’s a long-time friend, and I’ve also seen how much she’s developed as an actress, and I’m proud of what she’s achieved,” Duque said. “I”m thankful that she’ll take the scarf with her during those glamorous events. Maybe it’ll even steal the spotlight on the red carpet in Cannes,” he joked.
Corso Como 88 is located at the third level of One Ayala in Makati.
JJ Duque Opens Second Solo Show With (R)Evolution At Altro Mondo Creative Space
(R)Evolution 04.27-05.25.2024
In (R)Evolution, JJ Duque invites us into a realm where the simplicity of circles intersects with the complexity of personal growth. Almost a decade since his last solo exhibition, Duque's journey from detailed abstract drawings to the liberated expressions found in this collection signifies not just an artistic evolution, but a profound personal transformation.
Reflecting on his debut exhibition in 2016, "Patience: An Adventure of Pens & Pencils," one witnesses the dedication woven into each stroke. Duque's commitment to his craft was undeniable, earning recognition and commissions from eager collectors. Yet, amid this success, a yearning for creative freedom simmered beneath the surface.
His recent works emphasize light, shadow, and texture, departing from previous structured techniques. These pieces create immersive worlds on canvas, demonstrating a shift towards spontaneity while maintaining intentional execution.
(R)Evolution embodies the introspect to break free from the constraints of self-doubt and embrace the boundless possibilities of artistic expression. Duque's works exude unbridled creativity, inviting viewers into a world where imagination takes precedence.
Text and exhibit curation by Ayni Nuyda.
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