Some time years ago, I randomly went to Ayala Museum alone on World Art Day. I don't know for sure what brought me there but perhaps, seventeen-year old me, struggling from the transition from studying language to business just wanted to find a comfort place where the right hemisphere of her brain won't get undermined. I spent a good whole hour studying the details of dioramas of Philippine History. It might sound borderline boring, but I swear at that moment I knew I was in love with art. I may not have been blessed with the gift of painting, drawing or crafting but my art appreciation game is undeniably strong. I found a sense of belonging in art museums, especially those that house contemporary art. So when I heard about Pinto Art Museum, a 1.2-hectare land filled with hundreds of contemporary art installations just a few miles away from the metro, I knew I had to pay a visit.
Since Ced and I were also celebrating our 20th month (mushy, but yes we do go out to celebrate monthsaries), and he's the one who understands my obsession with art and literature the most, I knew he was the perfect person to tag along. We drove from Parañaque to Antipolo and it took us only an hour and a half. Thank you, Waze!
Pinto is not your usual building-type museum and that's what I loved most about it. The place is pretty big so they'll give you a map upon registration for an easier trek.
You'd expect that every art museum should have glorious works of art constructed with intricate detail, but Pinto offers a lot more than that. Apart from the unique pieces, I was left in awe with the structure, the slopes, lush green scenery matched with whitewashed walls, and natural lighting. The entire place is a masterpiece on its own.
It is a haven to contemporary artists from all over the archipelago. Most of the pieces are different in a way that it's rebellious, which in my opinion makes it all the more interesting and striking.
These are four of my personal favorites. Each one so powerful, it's almost destructive.
On top of my list is this piece called The Hollow Man. This wire art, as from what I understood in its deep, elaborate description, depicts the emptiness of our generation.
I appreciate abstract but not as much as contemporary art. I love how their art installations are not just a thing of aesthetic beauty. These paintings and sculptures have in-depth stories behind them, mostly cynical, but portrays the reality of the world we live in today.
Really, it's so beautiful it hurts.
I may exercise than most girls my age, but boy was I tired after just two hours of roaming around. I think it's because this place has a thing for staircases. The abundance of stairs was overwhelming- as in there's always a staircase in your peripheral vision. It must have been patterned after Santorini.
But if you want to rest (and take it to the next level), there are beds all over the place. Yup, you can actually lie down. We did for about 15 minutes. I'm just not sure if they would wake you up if you happen to fall asleep.
And if you go hungry after the long stroll, there are cafes inside. I think it's a bit pricey for a casual meal, but I heard the food is good. Of course, since it's situated in the heart of the museum, the ambiance cannot be questioned. We passed on the cafe though as we we were itching to try Silantro in Pasig.
We didn't join the guided tour, so despite the presence of a map, we missed a few galleries and gardens. I will probably come back next month to join the tour. Apparently, I left with an insatiable desire to know and understand the stories behind every piece of art.
I had so much fun that this place easily climbed its way to the top of my "Happy Places". See you again, Pinto Art!
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