Isa Lorenzo’s boundless energy spurs the creativity that lies behind her photography, even as she inspires other young artists to unleash their potential. As creative director of Silverlens, a gallery specializing in photography and new media, and SilverlensLab, a home for promising artists, Isa is gunning for no less than the international recognition she believes Philippine artists deserve. In the next five years, Isa hopes “to get my galleries running smoothly with top-tier contemporary artists represented and a solid collector base, both local and international.” This objective is a burning desire of Isa’s, who identifies herself with the legendary American art dealer, Leo Castelli.
Isa completed her medical studies but chose to pursue her passion for photography. Since completing her master’s degree in media studies and photography at the New School University’s Parsons School of Design in New York in 2004, she’s held four solo shows and participated in group shows. Her work has been exhibited in New York City’s Museum of Modern Art, the International Center of Photography, and the Thomas Werner Gallery. Two years ago, she launched the book Filipinas, a well-researched collection of portraits of Filipinas who pioneered and excelled in their fields. Her portraits became part of an exhibition to celebrate International Women’s Month at the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris. She attributes her success to “a job I love, happiness with who I am, and lots of hard work.” For Isa, the greatest achievements aren’t found in accolades, but in the shows she curates. “It’s very fulfilling,” she says.
(First published in Marie Claire, November 2008; Photo of Isa Lorenzo by Lilen Uy)
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