In 2003, a new gallery introduced itself to the Philippine art scene. Appropriately named Renaissance, the French word meaning "rebirth," the gallery was the brainchild of Manuel and Agnes Romero.

Instantly evoking the names of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, Renaissance art was a period in European civilization distinguished by classical learning and wisdom. Inspired by the original Renaissance, the Romero couple envisioned the revival of the classical version of Philippine modernism in the visual arts, now to be spearheaded by a young emerging generation of Filipino modernist and contemporary artists.

For the next two decades, this mission has been consistently fulfilled, as testified and exemplified by the young artists nurtured by the Renaissance Art Gallery who have all since made their mark in the Philippine art scene. In celebration of this achievement, the Renaissance Art Gallery is mounting Renaissance XX, a month-long celebration at the Art Center of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City with a collective presentation of the recent works of artists who have previously exhibited in the gallery, either in solo or group shows.

Participating artists are Hermes Alegre, Melbourne Aquino, Max Balatbat, Naomi Banal, Bien Benitez, Gil Bien, Benji Bisaya, Remy Boquiren, Arley Carig, Addie Cukingnan, Egai Fernandez, Sonny Fernando, Irish Galon, Richard "Goma" Gomez, Allain Hablo, Helena, Rick Hernandez, Juan Sajid Imao, Malcolm Infante, Josef Laureano, Alice Atienza-Lee, Marlon Magbanua, Sio Montera, Jayson Pettz Muring, Jonathan Olazo, Sam Penaso, Jay Ragma, Cid Reyes, Genesis Rovero, Aner Sebastian, Resty Tica, Jun Tiongco, Valen Valero, Lydia Velasco, Melissa Villaseñor, Meneline Wong, Janice Young and Orley Ypon.

Renaissance XX is on view from 3 to 28 June. For inquiries, call 0917-8361099 or email renaissanceartph
@gmail.com.