Jigger Cruz’s Mid-Career Survey “Hail Holy Eyes” Opens at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila (The M Museum) in its new Bonifacio Global City (BGC) location is currently showcasing Hail Holy Eyes, a mid-career survey and the first solo museum exhibition of celebrated contemporary Filipino artist Jigger Cruz. Curated by Norman Crisologo, the exhibition offers an immersive journey into Cruz’s vibrant and deeply layered artistic universe. From richly textured oil paintings to thought-provoking installations, the show invites visitors to explore the intersection of the spiritual and material worlds that shape Cruz’s creative vision.

The opening reception brought together collectors, friends, musicians, fellow artists, and long-time supporters to celebrate Cruz’s artistic journey. Guests were treated to a multisensory experience, featuring an atmospheric soundscape composed by the artist himself, echoing the inner dialogues present in his work. The exhibition space, spanning two floors of the museum, is transformed by large-scale works from 2006 to 2025, creating a vivid and almost otherworldly environment. At the heart of the show is a ritualistic installation: a wooden table layered with oil paint, topped with a candelabrum dripping wax, and surrounded by used paint tubes from Cruz’s studio, offering visitors a tactile glimpse into the artist’s process and practice.

Louie Bate, Member of the Board of Trustees, encouraged guests to revisit the exhibition, saying, “With over 200 works on display—from paintings to sculptures to installations, not to mention his music and videos—we invite everyone to discover Jigger’s chaotic, textured, vibrant, and deeply layered art. One visit may not be enough to truly appreciate his talent.” Meanwhile, Jigger Cruz thanked attendees for joining the exhibition’s opening, expressing his gratitude to all who contributed to its creation. Curator Norman Crisologo reflected on the organic development of the show, sharing that the exhibition began only two months prior and grew from a long-standing friendship with the artist.

The opening attracted prominent figures from the art and business community, including Congressman Jorge Bocobo, representatives from Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation, and trustees of the museum. Collectors, lenders, and fellow artists such as Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, Manuel Ocampo, MM Yu, Raffy Napay, Annie Cabigting, JEFRE, Gregory Halili, Bjorn Calleja, Rico Blanco, and Isabel Santos also attended. The evening was made even more special by the presence of Cruz’s and Crisologo’s families.

Adding to the exhibition experience, a curated selection of exclusive merchandise inspired by Hail Holy Eyes was produced by Aira Hernandez, featuring sketchpads, placemats, scarves, playing cards, and more.

Hail Holy Eyes is open to the public until March 1, 2026, offering art enthusiasts and collectors a unique opportunity to experience the evolving oeuvre of one of the Philippines’ most celebrated contemporary artists.