Opening Celebration for Carlos Villa: Roots and Reinvention
Procession led by Rachel Lastimosa followed by Reception
![](https://sfartscommission.org/sites/default/files/events/Copy%20of%20Carlos%20Villa%201985%20Studio%20Portrait%20Hi%20Res.png)
Portrait of Carlos Villa in his studio, 1985. Photo by Patricia Arian
EVENT DETAILS
Saturday, June 18, 2022 | 3:30-6:00pm
3:30pm Gather for the procession in front of the Asian Art Museum (200 Larkin St)
4:00-6:00pm Reception (Remarks at 4:30pm including poem by Oscar Peñaranda) at the SFAC Main Gallery (401 Van Ness, Suite 126)
Join the San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) Galleries and community partner SOMA Pilipinas for a public celebration of iconic San Francisco born, Filipino American artist and educator Carlos Villa (1936-2013). Carlos Villa: Roots and Reinvention highlights Villa’s art from the 1980s and 1990s, and presents Villa’s practice at a turning point as he begins to shift away from the large abstract paintings and feather-based works that he was known for, to pieces that delve into the history of Filipinos in the U.S., what it means to be a part of a Diaspora, and his own family archives.
This exhibition is part of a multi-venue, first-ever retrospective of Villa's work taking place at both the San Francisco Arts Commission Galleries and the Asian Art Museum. As a way to bridge the two exhibitions on their mutual opening day, artist Rachel Lastimosa will lead a procession entitled Bituin Worlds from the Asian Art Museum to the SFAC Main Gallery. Inspired by the artistry and activism of Carlos Villa, the migration and establishment of Pilipinx communities dating back to the Manilamen of Saint Malo, Louisiana in 1763, as well as Philippine festival and procession activations that honor deity and pay homage to those who have passed, Bituin Worlds uplifts the sacrifices of our ancestors, the journeys they have braved, and the present spaces we’ve been afforded through their offerings.
Bituin Worlds is directed by Rachel Lastimosa, choreographed by Patricia Ong with musical arrangement by Christian “Monz” Manzana and Bernard Sapitola. Performers include Jared Carbajal (musician), Anh Tuan Huynh (musician), Adan Ortega (musician), Isa Musni (dancer), Kawayan Bolick Ong (dancer), Kim Requesto (dancer), and Frances Sedayao (dancer).
COVID Safety
Per current health guidelines, masks are recommended. Visit sf.gov/masks for further mask guidance.