Multi-brand luxury retail store, Corso Como 88, brings together the works of five visionary artists in a multi-themed group art exhibit entitled Five States of Being.
Featuring the works of Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi, Atty. Gladys Tiongco, Karina Herrera-Orozco, JJ Duque and Danger Sanchez, the exhibit showcases a diverse range of mediums, subjects, and techniques, offering art enthusiasts a fascinating glimpse into various states of being and unique expressions of creativity.
From intricate printmaking and bold abstract doodles to mesmerizing mandalas, ethereal watercolors, and mixed-media masterpieces, this show is a feast for the senses.
In addition, lovers of fashion and art will be delighted to know that some of the artwork on exhibit have been reimagined as fashionable, wearable scarves — another form of artistic expression.
Meet The Five Artists
Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi: A Master of Print and Meaning
Ofelia Gelvezon-Tequi is an award-winning Filipina artist based in France. She is known for her painting and printmaking. In 1972, she made history as the first woman to receive the prestigious Thirteen Artists Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Drawing mostly on allegorical symbolism, Gelvezon-Tequi’s work explores diverse themes, including the role of women in society, the fusion of the sacred and everyday life, and political realities, proving art isn’t just about beauty —it’s about storytelling with layers of meaning. In later years, she has created an interesting visual story of everyday objects through her still lifes.
In Five States of Being, Gelvezon-Tequi presents prints from her Anting Anting series, created using viscosity color printing, and her Ha Long Bay series, crafted through etching with color.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words —Gelvezon-Tequi’s prints could fill an entire library.
Atty. Gladys Tiongco: From the Courtroom to the Canvas
Atty. Gladys Tiongco is an emerging watercolor artist who began her artistic journey as a hobby. She is a member of the Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines, and has served as President of the UP Alumni Association, holding the distinction of being the first and only woman president of the said organization.
Tiongco has spent years navigating legal briefs, but now she’s diving into a different kind of brushwork—watercolor painting.
Her still-life and floral paintings are fresh, dynamic, and full of life, capturing nature’s beauty with an effortless elegance. Five States of Being marks her artistic debut, proving that it’s never too late to pick up a paintbrush and start something new.
From verdicts to vibrant hues—Tiongco’s art is an open-and-shut case of pure talent.
Karina Herrera-Orozco: The Magic of Mandalas
For Karina Herrera-Orozco, painting mandalas isn’t just an artistic pursuit—it’s a meditative practice. Inspired by the sacred geometric patterns of Buddhist art, she crafts intricate, symmetrical designs using vibrant acrylic paint on wood, often embellishing them with mirrors and rhinestones for a mesmerizing, multidimensional effect.
Each piece is a fusion of balance, beauty, and tranquility, often custom-designed to reflect the personalities of her clients. Her work invites viewers to slow down, take a breath, and get lost in the intricate details.
Herrera-Orozco doesn’t just paint mandalas—she creates portals to peace, one dot at a time.
JJ Duque: Doodling With A Twist
Writer, chef, and now an acclaimed artist, JJ Duque turned his love for doodling into a full-fledged art career. Using only colored pens and pencils, he creates mesmerizing abstract drawings that balance precision with raw emotion.
His work isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about texture, rhythm, and the delicate dance between chaos and control. Each piece is a testament to patience, perseverance, and an unshakable passion for self-expression.
Duque turns the simplest strokes into something extraordinary—proof that even a doodle can dream big.
Danger Sanchez: Where Coffee Meets Creativity
Roberto Fernando O. Sanchez—better known as Danger—is an artist, philosopher, melomaniac, and all-around creative rebel. His journey started with coffee art,
but soon evolved into mixed-media decoupage, layering acrylics, pens, correction ink, and unexpected materials into textured, expressive works.
His pieces are influenced by Korean dramas, blending pop culture with experimental techniques. If there’s one thing Sanchez loves, it’s pushing boundaries and keeping things interesting.
Sanchez proves that inspiration can come from anywhere—your coffee cup, a TV screen, or even the things you were about to throw away.
Experience Five States of Being
This exciting exhibit will run until March 31, 2025 at Corso Como 88, One Ayala Mall. For more updates on fashion, art and lifestyle, visit corsocomo88.com and follow Corso Como 88 on Instagram and Facebook.
Karina is not your ordinary supermom. She juggles her time bonding with her three amazing kids while being in the loop on the latest happenings in the tech and lifestyle scene. Follow me on Instagram (@digitalfilipina) regularly visit www.digitalfilipina.com for daily dose of updates not just for moms but for everyone!
