The exhibition Pacita Abad: Philippine Painter opened recently at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila’s (The M) new home in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, celebrating the life of the much-loved and lauded Filipina artist.

The exhibition curated by Clarissa Chikiamco, focuses on the first 10 years of Pacita’s artistic practice, from 1976, the year she began her formal art studies at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C., to 1986, the last year she was based in Manila after returning to the Philippines in 1982. Included in the show are some of her earliest works, created as a budding painter, during which she explored her artistic identity as a Filipina born and raised in Batanes. Despite always being on the go and having traveled to over 60 countries, her deep love for the Philippines translated into her work through her use of vibrant colors and warm tones.

Attendees of the opening ceremony included many of the late artist’s friends and family such as Pacita’s former husband, Jack Garrity, and his wife Kristi Garrity; Pacita’s siblings such as Florencio “Butch” Abad with two of his children Patsy and Luis, Orencia “Rency” Barona, Vicky Kerblat, along with other members and friends of the Abad family. Present as well were members of the board of trustees of The M, Louie Bate, Paulino Que, Manny Minana, Luis Virata and Myla Villanueva; co-founders and co-directors of Silverlens Galleries Isa Lorenzo and Rachel Rillo, together with over 250 friends and supporters of The M.