PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL HIGHLIGHTS FILIPINO ARTISTRY, VISITS FILIPINO ARTISTS AT THE 10TH EDITION OF ART VANCOUVER HAPPENING FROM 28 TO 31 MAY 2026

Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin (center) with Filipino-Canadian artists Karissa Narukami (left) and Dr. Melani Payumo at the 10th Art Vancouver - Vancouver Convention Center [Photo: Vancouver PCG]

VANCOUVER, BC, 29 May 2026 – Underscoring the Philippine government’s commitment to raising the profile of Filipino talent on the world stage, Philippine Consul General to Vancouver Gina A. Jamoralin attended the exclusive vernissage of the 10th edition of Art Vancouver on 28 May 2026 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Art Vancouver is Western Canada’s premier contemporary art fair, attracting thousands of global galleries, curators, and collectors. During her walkthrough of the exhibition, Consul General Jamoralin met with and extended her personal support to two (2) outstanding Filipino-Canadian contemporary visual artists who are showcasing their work at the multi-day fair: Dr. Melani Payumo and Ms. Karissa Narukami.

Dr. Melani Payumo, a former dentist from the Philippines who later honed her training at the University of the Philippines’ Vargas Museum under master Fernando B. Sena, is making her solo exhibition debut at the Fair with a curated 40-foot wall space. A proud member of the local Dimasalang Collective, a Filipino artists group based in Vancouver, Dr. Payumo is a recognized colourist whose deeply emotional and spiritual pieces focus on inner peace, angelic protectors, and the Sacred Feminine, acting as a form of visual healing.

[Left photo] [L-R] Ms. Jinkee Celestino, aunt of Karissa, Karissa Narukami, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, Mrs. Jannet Narukami, mother of Karissa, pose in front of Karissa’s exhibit.

[Right photo] Karissa Narukami’s art is based on her reconstruction of places, events and scenes from memory, revealing how moments are stored, layered and emotionally experienced. [Photo: Vancouver PCG]

Ms. Karissa Narukami is a young, brilliant contemporary visual artist from Richmond, BC. Using her extraordinary topographic memory and intuitive recall, Ms. Narukami reconstructs vibrant, textured landscapes and intricate compositions layered with symbols and cultural identity without relying on photographs. A highly celebrated prodigy, she is the recipient of Canada’s Top Visual Art Award, a PWD Champion of Arts, the designer behind the Vancouver Canucks’ inaugural Filipino Heritage Night logos, and has recently achieved the historic milestone of having her original art work launched into space via NASA lunar missions.

Consul General Jamoralin being interviewed by OMNI News at Vancouver Art 2026. [Photo: Vancouver PCG]

"The incredible art presented by Dr. Payumo and Ms. Narukami is a profound testament to the richness, depth, and resilience of the Filipino creative spirit," said Consul General Jamoralin. "Engaging with our diaspora's artists at prestigious global forums like Art Vancouver is a core element of our cultural diplomacy. By spotlighting their unique narratives—from Dr. Payumo's meditative visual healing to Ms. Narukami's awe-inspiring space-bound creations—we bridge cultures, dismantle boundaries, and foster immense national pride.

Philippine Consulate General officials and personnel at the Vancouver Art 2026 [from L-R] Consul André Peter C. Estanislao, Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste Valderrama, Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin, Ms. Ma. Remedios R. Domingo, Cultural Officer and Vice Consul Marco Frederick Harder [Photo: Vancouver PCG

The public is warmly invited to support and experience the works of these exceptional Filipino talents. Art Vancouver 2026 runs from May 28 to May 31, 2026, at the Vancouver Convention Centre – East Building (Hall B).

Visitors can explore Dr. Melani Payumo’s expansive solo exhibition wall at Booth # 508, while Ms. Karissa Narukami’s breathtaking vibrant works can be found at Booth #509. For schedules, programming, and ticketing details, please visit the official event website at www.artvancouver.net.

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