The exhibit features an exciting selection of self-portraits by the most renowned names in the Philippine visual art, from the 19th century until the Contemporary period. Self portraiture as an art form flourishes in various media and manners. More than just recording the human face or figure, it is a record of an artist’s creative exercise; a study of strokes, shapes, colors and tones; a record of a a moment; a search for something spiritual; a processing of experiences; ;an exploration and appraisal of the corporeal self; or an attempt to establish an identity.

Among the featured artists are Juan Luna, National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Bencab, and J. Elizalde Navarro, eminent contemporary artists such as Charlie Co, Nunelucio Alvarado, Santiago Bose, Agnes Arellano, and Julie Lluch and other participating artists.

Ako: Self Portraits from 1800's to the Present is a travelling exhibition of the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in partnership with the SM Supermalls.  The exhibit will be on view at the 2nd floor, The Block Atrium, SM North Edsa on July 19-24; Interior Zone SM  North on July 25-30;  SM Megamall on August 1-14, 2011; and at the Atrium, SM Mall of Asia.