Fēmina

In honor of National Women’s Month, Jun Rocha commemorates the gratified virtue of Filipino history and culture in the pre-technological period, depicted through visual perspectives of the idealized and conceptually developed “Maria Clara”. The selection of works comprises imagery of prime harvest and its noble laborers – a community of Filipinas audaciously engaged in scenes of unity, cooperation, and harmony.

In a possible continued conversation on Philippine socioeconomics, Jun Rocha centers his ideas and beliefs on the innate glory and recognition of Filipina labor; an examination of womanpower brought about by historical Filipinas occupied in duties that, by tradition, Filipino men would commonly be predisposed to. Captivating patriotic acts of harvest and “Bayanihan”, Rocha positions his female subjects as cultivators of movement, progress, and development in producing fruits of prosperity.

Further, the collection of works for “Fēmina” hope to amend, and at the same time, give praise to timeless references on the boundless power and influence of womanhood. By placing his ideations of women in the context of benevolent deeds, Rocha acts as a patron for the ongoing discourse of women in the workforce.

Jun Sergio Rocha (b. 1956) studied BS Chemistry at the Manila Central University. His love for visual arts, however, took him in another direction. In 1989, Rocha took up watercolor painting at the American Academy of Arts and oil painting at the School of Art Institute of Chicago. He became a member of the Palette and Chisel Art Academy and the Plein Art Painters of Chicago. Sometime in 2002, he received an Outstanding Community Artist Award from the City Mayor of Chicago.

After more than two decades abroad, Rocha came back to his native Philippines where he continues to showcase his talent and nationalism for the Philippine arts.

“Fēmina” by Jun Rocha will be on view at Galleria Nicolas Glorietta from March 21 – 30, 2023. The gallery is located at the 3/F Art Space, Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati City. For inquiries, contact +632 8625 0273, +63 917 534 3942, or email info@gallerianicolas.com.