In line with the celebration of Pride Month, Araneta City brings the “Tanggulan” art exhibit at the City of Firsts to help raise HIV-AIDS awareness.

The exhibit features 10 portraits of HIV-AIDS awareness advocates photographed by Niccolò Cosme, all printed on canvas and painted with HIV+ blood emulsified. It opened at the Gateway Gallery Studio on June 8 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 and artist Nicole Borromeo.

“The exhibit title, TANGGULAN, is to pay homage to our forefathers who fought for our freedom. . . Just as how the Katipuneros fought for our freedom in the past, we must fight against stigma and misinformation. As warriors and soldiers committed to upholding our Filipino value of Bayanihan, let us support each other and aim for an AIDS-free world together”, Cosme said.

The portraits depict the fight for the rights of people living with HIV, with the models adorning warrior-like ensemble interpreted by designer Myke Oropesa. They were styled with accessories like sarong fabrics, salakot headgear, and kampilan sword. Among the portrait models are Binibining Pilipinas Miss International 2022 Nicole Borromeo, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey.

Cosme is a visual artist, conceptual photographer, and the founder of Project Headshot Clinic (HSC) a digital platform that utilizes thematic headshots to further featured advocacies. His art inspiration is rooted in the pain and sorrow in Christian iconography. He uses art to further LGBTQIA+ and HIV causes in the Philippines and abroad. 

The Tanggulan Exhibit is the premiere exhibit at the Gateway Gallery Studio since it was opened this year. The studio is an antechamber of Gateway Gallery, the art museum of Araneta City that showcases the culture and history of the Philippines.

The exhibit will stay at the Gateway Studio for public viewing until June 18. It will then be transferred to the Ali Mall Activity Area from June 19 to 22, and the Gateway Mall Activity Area from June 23 to 30.