Carlos Quijon Jr. has been appointed as the chief curator of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Contemporary Art Museum, a significant development for the art scene in Manila. This appointment comes as the CCP, a renowned cultural institution, prepares to reopen its doors after a much-needed renovation. Quijon's expertise and international experience make him a valuable asset to the museum's future.
Quijon, an art historian, curator, and critic, brings a wealth of knowledge and a global perspective to his new role. Based between Manila and New York, he has been the inaugural C-MAP (Contemporary and Modern Art Perspectives) research fellow for Southeast and East Asia at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York for the past two years. His extensive experience in curating exhibitions internationally is impressive, to say the least.
Some of his notable projects include a solo exhibition of Lesley-Anne Cao at A+ Works of Art in Kuala Lumpur, an exploration of the relationship between artistic practices and histories across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at Almeida & Dale in São Paulo, and the Philippine Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale. These experiences showcase Quijon's ability to bring diverse artistic voices together and create impactful, thought-provoking exhibitions.
In his statement, Quijon expressed his enthusiasm for the CCP's role in advocating for and enriching the artistic sensibilities of Filipino artists. He aims to strengthen the CCP's position in national and regional conversations around contemporary art, which is a noble and ambitious goal. Quijon's passion for promoting local artists and his commitment to the CCP's mission are evident in his words.
The CCP's upcoming reopening is a significant event for the art world, and Quijon's appointment as chief curator is a strategic move. With his expertise and international connections, he will undoubtedly contribute to the museum's success and help elevate the profile of contemporary art in the Philippines. The art community eagerly anticipates the exciting developments that will unfold under Quijon's leadership.
