Art outside the gallery: SM Prime HQ home to ‘museum-grade’ pieces
Scattered across the pristine walls of the SM Prime Holdings Inc. main office in Pasay City are pieces of artwork. These make its halls seem like a mini museum.
Some hang above office seats at the real estate giant’s headquarters. This makes them an ideal background for photos or an interesting conversation starter.
If one prefers the latter, they will soon find out that these paintings are not mere displays. Rather, some are by acclaimed artist Anna Vergel RS.
Described as a “multidisciplinary artist” on the SM Supermalls website, Vergel RS’ work is primarily composed of abstract art depicting nature and its seamless blend with everyday life.
She began her career at the University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City. There, she mounted several of her acclaimed solo exhibitions.
The former University Athletic Association of the Philippines athlete is set to have another exhibit next year. She hopes to draw inspiration from art enthusiasts, including SM Prime executive committee chair Hans Sy.
It is her vision that made her one of the artists featured at SM Prime’s office.
In fact, Sy himself welcomed and hosted Vergel RS during her recent visit.
“I was stunned,” Vergel RS says of her encounter with Sy and the tour of the office. “There were museum-grade artworks, rare memorabilia and the environment was so thoughtfully curated.”
“Then I realized—many of my own paintings were right there on the walls fronting the HQ chapel,” she shares.
According to the artist, Sy had been keeping her work for years alongside other celebrated local and international artists. This left her “deeply moved,” Vergel RS recalls.
She was able to get a rare look at Sy’s personal collection, including works by some of his favorite artists and—most importantly, his niece—displayed in his main office.
These are beyond displays to fill the white space. The billionaire showed his deep appreciation of the arts through private collections that make a lasting impact.
For Vergel RS, her visit “inspired me on so many levels.”
“It reminded me of the importance of creating work that moves people, that lives outside the gallery,” she says. “If someone like Mr. Hans Sy can take the time to appreciate, give importance and nurture local artists, then I owe it to myself to keep growing and sharing my work.”
