A Bangus-themed Art Exhibit Set to Open at Gateway Gallery

In April, something unexpected is happening: a mash-up of "bangus" and "art" that's so out there, it's almost cringeworthy. But bear with us, because local artists are about to show you a side of this humble fish you never knew existed.

Get ready for the Bang Bang Special Crispy Bangus, teaming up with ArtShow Philippines and Gateway Gallery for a one-of-a-kind art extravaganza. They're calling it "BANGUS ART: A Collective Art Exhibit on our National Fish." Picture this: drawings, paintings, and sculptures all inspired by—you guessed it—bangus.

And here's the kicker: this quirky exhibition is open to everyone from April 21 to May 3, 2024. Swing by The Gateway Gallery on the 5th floor of Gateway Tower, Gen. Aguinaldo Ave., Araneta City, Quezon City, and brace yourself for a truly unique experience.

“Eating bangus has been been part of Filipino culture for more than a century, and I’m sure that most of us have memories of eating bangus with our families. In this exhibit, our goal is to bring out an artistic and expressive energy on this fish, which has made our country proud all over the world,” shares Lucci Canlas, co-founder of Bang Bang Bangus.

The Philippines has always been one of the top producers and exporters of milkfish, or bangus, and its aquaculture has been around since the latter part of the 19th century. Though the bangus may be an unofficial national fish, it continues to be a staple in many Filipino households. Today, the bangus is not only enjoyed in the Philippines, but also by people in different parts of the world including Asia, Europe, Middle East, and America.

Aside from selling flavored fried bangus nationwide, Bang Bang Bangus also advocates local art. They believe that just like the bangus, Filipino art is also world-class.

“The intertwining of bangus and art aims to showcase how the milkfish can also be relatable to the younger generation, and thus encourage them to continue our tradition of eating bangus,” says Canlas. “We purposely scheduled the exhibit at this time, to promote and celebrate bangus in solidarity with the Bangus festival that shall take place in Dagupan this April.”

Just like the versatile bangus which could be cooked in a variety of ways—pinirito, inihaw, sinigang, paksiw, and baked among others—the works of art that will be featured in the Bangus Art exhibit shall also use different media and techniques. An array of sculptures and paintings made with oil, acrylic, mixed media, colored pencils, fused plastics, clay, metal, and other materials shall be showcased.

“Bangus is part of our culture and isn’t it just fitting to make artworks about it? These visual love letters are not just about the fish but a reflection of the stories involving it—may it be about a bountiful harvest, a shared meal among the family, or simply just a tribute to this beautiful fish,” says Canlas.

This tribute to the bangus aims to demonstrate the delight and excitement inherent in exploring this subject. It seeks to exude a lively and dynamic energy, expressing itself through visual artistry.

How can the theme of bangus inspire artistic expression? This question will be answered as fifty-three (53) local artists from Luzon and Mindanao showcase their creativity and imagination in this collaborative exhibition.