Sheila Osmeña-Go’s first solo exhibit features 28 vibrant and ornate paintings, bringing new energy to a world that often feels dull or chaotic.
Art has always had the power to shape and move society. In her first solo exhibit, “A Symphony of Corals,” Sheila Osmeña-Go served art’s meaningful purpose in her paintings that are vibrant, ornate, and brimming with life. Most of all, her debut collection invites everyone to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty of life amid a sea of chaos.
Unveiled at the Opus Mall, Quezon City on January 16, Osmeña-Go’s first solo collection is inspired by the beauty and structure of coral ecosystems. Each painting in the 28-piece lineup showcases the artist’s rich interpretation of coral reefs, achieved through layered forms, intricate linework, and warm, luminous palettes.
One look and you’ll see her meticulous attention to detail. Lines, shapes, and colors seamlessly blend to create a cohesive, visually rich, and delicate composition. To make each of these illustrations stand out, Osmeña-Go placed them against a flat background in five different hues: orange, yellow, red, purple, and blue.
Related story: Conrad Manila reimagines the art of memory with J.A. Tan’s ‘Return & Remember: Places & Home’
Related story: National Artist Bobby Mañosa’s ’70s-era Bobi toys are back—this time on auction to build a school
Each piece brings a revitalizing change and new energy to a world that often feels dull or chaotic. “We are very exposed to negativity in this world, and it would be nice to take that away for now,” she told The POST. “It would be nice to just relax in your own home and just look at nature. I think it’s more relaxing compared to the many things we’re being bombarded with on social media. So why not take a lighter approach to paining?”
But Osmeña-Go’s choice of corals as a central subject is not just aesthetic, but more importantly, purposeful. According to the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, coral reefs is one of the most valuable ecosystems on Earth. They provide food both for inland and coastal communities, as they are home to over 4,000 species of fish and other marine life.
Apart from that, coral reefs filter water and absorb wave energy to protect shorelines from storms and erosion. They also prevent flooding by acting as natural breakwater, as well as support jobs and businesses through tourism and recreation.
“I chose corals not just for their beauty, but for their purpose,” Osmeña-Go said. “They sustain ecosystems, protect our shores, and remind us how interconnected life really is.”
It is also for this reason that she chose the piece “Coral Symphony” as one of the two main highlights of her exhibit. She explained, “As you can see, the title of my exhibit is A Symphony of Corals. Symphony, for me, is like an orchestra where everything is in sync. We have a symbiotic relationship with nature. So even though we’re not living underwater, we are all connected to corals. Everything on Earth is like a symphony, we all flow rhythm.”
“Ocean Flora” is another highlight of the exhibit, which reflects the coral reefs’ similarity to flowers. “Corals looks like flowers, so for me, they’re flora and fauna as well,” Osmeña-Go continued. “If you look at them, they’re all aesthetically beautiful. They form a magnificent underwater landscape.”
Related story: BSP’s ‘Kultura. Kapital. Kasalukuyan’ exhibit explores the struggles and dreams of a nation
Related story: From hangouts to gallery walls: The art of ‘Tambay, Toma, Tropa
Osmeña-Go’s love of corals and the beauty of the underwater stems from her childhood memories with her father, who is one of the grandsons of former Philippine president Sergio Osmeña Sr. “My dad is a scuba diver, and he tells us stories about underwater,” she recalled.
Osmeña-Go, on the other hand, enjoys getting up close and personal with corals through snorkeling. “Whenever I snorkel, I get so fascinated with how vibrant the colors are under the sea. They bring me a lot of joy and have been making me love the sea so much.”
Fascinated by the sea through her love of snorkeling, Osmeña-Go also references the full moon in some of her works. “Aside from being a symbol of health and vitality, there’s a story behind,” she told The POST. “Whenever there’s a full moon and the water chemistry is perfect, that’s the time corals spawn.” It is an event triggered by precise timing, ocean conditions, and lunar cycles.
More than bringing a breath of fresh (sea) air in a chaotic world, Osmeña-Go hopes that “A Symphony of Corals” will encourage everyone to protect the oceans and marine life. “I hope this body of work also helps build awareness around the importance of preserving our reefs,” she said. “Because when they disappear, entire ecosystems and livelihoods are affected.”
“A Symphony of Corals” is presented by Osmeña-Go in partnership with Galerie Joaquin and PLDT Home. It is located at the ground floor of Opus Mall and runs until Jan. 23, 2026.
Related story: New venue, new art, always captivating: What to expect at Art Fair Philippines 2026
Related story: Nine galleries unveil largest edition of ALT ART
