“Manila as an international art city” is the vision of acclaimed Filipino artist and curator Manuel Ocampo for Manila Vice exhibition, opening at MIAM (Musée International des Arts Modestes) in Sète, southern France. It features works by 23 Philippines artists and runs April 13 - September 22. Ocampo, who has extensively exhibited his works in major art capitals around the world including Europe, Asia, and the United States, is on a personal mission to bring the Philippine art community on a par with its global counterparts. Following the success of the Bastards of Misrepresentation art shows in Berlin, Bangkok and New York, and the recent Art Fair Philippines event at The Link Carpark, Ayala Center, Makati, Manuel Ocampo is again at the helm of curating the works of 23 Filipino artists in a series of shows aptly billed “Manila Vice.” “In our aim to strengthen cultural relations between France and the Philippines and in the spirit of promoting the extraordinary talents of Filipino artists, it is our honour and pleasure to be part of this esteemed international art event,” says Embassy of France in Manila’s cultural attaché Ariane Tricaud. Ocampo remarks, “The Philippine art scene is booming with very talented and progressive artists who are deserving and worthy of international recognition.” The 23 Filipino artists personally handpicked by Ocampo for the Manila Vice series of shows include Gerry Tan, Poklong Anading, Romeo Lee, Gaston Damag, Valeria Cavestany, Carlo Ricafort, Arvin Flores, Bea Camacho, Kawayan De Guia, Dexter Fernandez, Mm Yu, Lena Cobangbang, Maria Jeona Zoleta, Pow Martinez, Maria Cruz, Robert Langenegger, David Griggs, among many others. Ocampo is also set to do major art shows in Manila, Spain and Luxembourg.