Niccolo Cosme Displays Conceptual Photos at NY Philippine Center, Now thru 9/7

(Press Release) Blending images from Christian iconography with messages on HIV and AIDS, the conceptual photographs of Niccolo Cosme disrupt and provoke, as well as inspire, and provide hope and reassurance.

In this collection of photographs titled “Resplendor: The Blinding Light," Niccolo delves deep into the experiences and aspirations, insights and emotions that comprise the realities of HIV and migration, particularly for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The 20 photos in the exhibit are varied yet unified – some of the artworks are very personal, leaving most the interpretation to the viewer, while other photos have messages that share some of Niccolo’s thoughts, while allowing room for other opinions.

The Resplendor photographs have been exhibited in the Philippines at the House of Representatives, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Asian Institute of Management, and at various events supported by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Three photographs from the Resplendor collection have been exhibited at the UN regional center in Bangkok, Thailand. One of Niccolo’s most significant works, “Pagsubok” (“The Trials”), will soon be installed at the UNAIDS headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The conceptual photo was inspired by St. Camillus de Lelis, the patron saint of the sick, as well as of people who provide health care. “I’ve dedicated it to the brothers and priests of St. Camillus, my beloved friends who’ve devoted their lives to people living with HIV and AIDS in the Philippines and around the world,” Niccolo shares. 

“As a child, I'd been fascinated by images from Christian iconography, which I've infused with the pain and sorrow that come with experience and maturity. I use these images to convey meanings and evoke responses in support of my advocacies,” says Niccolo of his work.

The Resplendor will be on exhibit at the Philippine Center in New York City from today, August 27 to September 7, 2012, co-sponsored by APICHA Community Health Center. "Resplendor: The Blinding Light" is also made possible by 2GO Travel and 2GO Express in cooperation with Kalusugan Coalition.

About Niccolo Cosme

More than a visual artist, Niccolo Cosme is a visionary who wields his art and craft to intensify and broaden his advocacy on HIV and AIDS.

Realizing that “it’s closer than you think” when a friend was diagnosed with HIV, Niccolo conceptualized his first photo exhibit on HIV in 2008 (Headshot Clinic – AWARE). Since then, he has worked in partnership with UNAIDS Philippines for the past three years, and his exhibits on HIV and AIDS have been supported as well by the country offices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)  and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). One of his artworks from the Resplendor collection will soon be installed as part of the Art for AIDS exhibit at the UNAIDS headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Oliver is currently completing his M.S. degree in public relations and corporate communication at New York University while squeezing in some time to edit, write, and take photographs for the theater news website BroadwayWorld.com -- his beat mostly covers Broadway shows, especially those that feature Filipino-American artists, and theater goings-on back in his home country, the Philippines. Taking in arts advocacy projects, especially those that involve Asian minorities, is something he cannot say no to. He believes that Asian artists, especially Filipino theater artists, are outstanding, and their stories had to be told, no matter what. Oliver also handles public relations and corporate communication for numerous brands, Broadway shows, non-profit organizations, and celebrities; and teaches public relations at De La Salle University in Manila. Special thanks to Oliver's amazing team in the Philippines: Jeffrey Aguiman, Dale Bacar, Jude Cartalaba, Precious Lee Cundangan, Jory Rivera, and JR Sala. Follow Oliver on Twitter: @OliverOliveros