The Gallery Genesis story—and beyond

The Gallery Genesis story began in 1981. Araceli “Chichi” Salas had always been a passionate lover of the arts. She visited galleries and met with artists and bought the paintings and sculptures that touched her, filling her Quezon City—and later Makati—home with them.

But Chichi also wanted a way of sharing her massive collection with Philippine art lovers. She also wanted to provide a platform where unknown and up-and-coming artists would have the opportunity to grow and hone their artistic talents.

Thus was born the aptly named Gallery Genesis, in Greenhills, San Juan, a haven for those seeking some of the best pieces of Philippine art.

Chichi had built her collection with the most discerning eye. She did not believe in paintings that were “pwede na” (just okay) or were done just for the purpose of finishing a painting. For her, a beautiful artwork had to have real character and quality that surpassed her expectations.

Gallery Genesis became well known for its collection of the very best art pieces available, emblematic of the gallery’s motto: “For those who appreciate quality, from those who insist on it.”

She also wanted to turn Gallery Genesis into a gathering of creators and those who would appreciate their creations, as one can gather from its vision statement: “To showcase culturally rich narratives and experiences through exceptional artworks, by creating an inclusive and vibrant space that welcomes artists and art enthusiasts alike.”

This also led to another one of Chichi’s personal missions: to help find new and unknown artists and grow their careers, a commitment found in Gallery Genesis’ mission statement: “To enrich the Philippine art scene by providing continuous promotion for talented local artists throughout every stage of their artistic journey and self-expression.” For many artists, this would be the genesis of their artistic careers and their long relationship with Gallery Genesis.

Kulay sa Tubig

True to its word, Gallery Genesis provided exposure and support to many Filipino artists until they rose to prominence, among them abstractionist Glenn Bautista, socialist-realist painter Egai Fernandez, and contemporary painter Prudencio “Amor” Lamarroza.

But perhaps no other painter has been as identified with Gallery Genesis as watercolorist Rodelo “Toti” Cerda.

As a young and unknown painter, Cerda brought his latest pieces to Chichi, who, seeing promise in him, purchased and displayed his work as an exclusive resident artist of Gallery Genesis for about 15 years. Today, he is one of the most sought-after watercolorists in the country, known as the “Grandmaster of Aquarelle.”

He is the master of a medium close to Chichi’s heart. She has always believed that watercolor is the most difficult medium to master. She knew an artist cannot correct a mistake once done in watercolor, and their handling and attention to detail are ultimately tested.

Gallery Genesis thus launched the watercolor competition Kulay sa Tubig in 1983.

Today, Kulay sa Tubig is recognized as the country’s most prestigious and longest-running watercolor competition, not only because of the thousands of artists who look forward to it yearly, but also because it gives unknown artists a chance to compete with the already renowned watercolorists of this generation. This year’s Kulay sa Tubig, to be held in September, will be the 36th iteration.

Unmatched reputation

Meanwhile, Gallery Genesis grew and moved from Greenhills to Shaw Boulevard and then to SM Megamall, where it was a pioneer because, in 1992, the fourth floor of Megamall did not have many art galleries. Chichi was taking a risk by being one of the first to stake a claim on this area, believing that art lovers would soon find them.

She was right.

One after the other, galleries came, and that area of SM Megamall eventually became known as the Artwalk.

Through the last 40 years, Gallery Genesis has maintained an unmatched reputation for its collection. It has been able to do this through Chichi’s tireless guidance and her strict criteria: taking pride only in quality art; curating and screening the pieces to ensure they fit the Gallery Genesis standard; certifying and authenticating all the pieces; and amassing an inventory in the thousands of acrylics, oils, watercolors, gouache, mixed media, prints, sculpture, and more.

Not even the pandemic could stop Gallery Genesis from providing the best choices and service in Philippine art. Though the physical gallery was closed due to the lockdown, the gallery successfully migrated online, selling artworks through its website. It even completed this digital genesis by expanding its repertoire to more than selling, holding art talks and even interacting with artists on the internet.

And then came the true regenesis, the rebirth of Gallery Genesis.

First, when it needed to migrate online, Gallery Genesis turned to its successor, naming Chichi’s daughter Patrice Salas president in 2021, at the age of 26. Chichi was named chair emeritus.

Then, with the lockdowns ended, it was time for Gallery Genesis to rise again in a new physical form, and so it did. In August 2023, Gallery Genesis reopened at its new location at Estancia Mall.

Along with its new president and her new team, Gallery Genesis is cultivating a new world of possibilities and activities, new art styles to be displayed, new artists to be discovered, and a new generation of art collectors to satisfy.

The Gallery Genesis story continues—and a new chapter begins.

Patrice Salas for Inquirer29909