Art lovers and collectors are in for a visual treat as Arcadia Art Gallery kicks off its 2025 exhibition calendar with Isang Dosenang Dagitab (A Dozen Dazzlements), a dynamic group exhibition featuring 12 of the most distinct young Filipino artists. On view at ARTISTSPACE, located at the Ground Level of the Ayala Museum Annex in Makati City, from 7 to 23 February 2025, this exhibition serves as the inaugural installment in a series dedicated to celebrating fresh perspectives and innovative artistic approaches.

Organized by Carlomar Daoana, a respected figure in the Philippine art scene, Isang Dosenang Dagitab brings together artists who have been shaping the landscape of contemporary art. The featured artists—Chinnich, Clark Neola, Dale Bagtas, Dana Bote, Isobel Francisco, Jayme Lucas, Lymuel Bautista, Madonna Mortera, Nano Vocalan, Scarlet Aguilar, Seth Corda, and Sonny Tolentino III—present diverse themes, styles, and techniques, blending modern ideas with the enduring legacy of painting.

Daoana, the heart and brain behind the exhibit, shared insights into his passion for curating shows and supporting emerging talents. “I have been working in the art scene for about 20 years,” he said. “I love the excitement and thrill of talking to artists and finally organizing a theme for an exhibition.”

When asked about his motivation for putting together Isang Dosenang Dagitab, Daoana emphasized his desire to provide young artists with opportunities to grow and gain exposure. “Primarily, I want to bring artists into a space such as this because they deserve the exposure. I believe they can also learn from each other, which hopefully gives them a sense of confidence in their work. Through this show, I hope to introduce them to collectors and art enthusiasts who may fall in love with the kind of theme, or subject that they are expressing through their works."

Daoana also shared how he discovered the artists featured in the exhibition. “I have been working with them for quite some time. If they have an exhibition, they ask me to do their exhibition notes, but I wasn’t organizing the shows prior to this. I started thinking, ‘These are the artists I believe in. These are the artists who are shaping Philippine contemporary art.’”

Rather than centering on a singular subject, Isang Dosenang Dagitab unites these artists through a generational lens, presenting vivid explorations of identity, place, and history. They bring a fresh and modern take on artistic expression while drawing from traditional influences.