Crossing Borders

By opening its branch in New York, Silverlens eyes a broader representation of Southeast Asian artists in the United States

- Franz sorilla iv

"Phenomenal!" exclaims Silverlens founder and co-owner Isa Lorenzo, recalling the opening reception of their New York gallery last September.

A thousand people flocked to the Chelsea gallery to celebrate Asian artistry and catch the works of Baloise Art Prize and CCP Thirteen Artists award recipient Martha Atienza and the acclaimed Malaysian artist Yee I-Lann.

"The opening reception was unbelievable. I couldn't have dreamt it any better!" adds Rachel Rillo, Silverlens co-owner and co-director. "I think our landing gave a reason for our community [Asian/Southeast Asian/ Filipino-Americans] to celebrate and be proud." The new gallery is a sprawling 2,500sqft space with a 20ft ceiling located on the ground floor at 505 West 24th Street. Lorenzo has always dreamt of opening a gallery in the US having finished her studies at the Parsons School of Design and worked at the International Center of Photography, both in New York, prior to founding Silverlens in Manila in 2004.