Noting a significant loss to the international art community, Baguio City-born Santiago Bose, passed away on December 3, 2002. As one of the most significant contemporary artists of the Philippines, Bose also earned his reputation as a grass roots activist, educator, community organizer, and scholar. Bose has long been credited as a forerunner in his use of local materials. From his early art making years in the 1970s and 1980s, the artist's work would often include indigenous media, ranging from bamboo and volcanic ash, to the cast offs and debris of an over-industrialized nation (found objects, bottles, "trash"). Bose consistently and unapologetically addressed difficult social and political concerns, specifically of the Philippines--and although he approached his subject(s) with deep criticality and gravity, it was never without a sense of humor and wit, however irreverent. POWER AND POETICS: Remembering Santiago Bose (1949-2002) will showcase works by the artist from private Bay Area collections, many of which have never been exhibited.

Santiago Bose's exhibition history is both rich and diverse and includes exhibitions, such as: the Havana Biennial in Cuba (1989); Third Asian Art Show in Fukuoka, Japan (1989); First Asia-Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art at the Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane, Australia (1993); and At Home & Abroad, 20 Contemporary Filipino Artists at the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco (2000). As a widely sought after artist for public commissions and artist residencies, Bose's practice included extensive international travel and included several prominent grants and fellowships.

The work of Santiago Bose embodies elements of the Babilonia Wilner Foundation's vision, which includes the restoration of healthy environments. The Foundation's Berkeley headquarters and exhibition spaces occupy an historical 1878-landmark structure, which has been restored through the support of local architects Dan Smith and Bob Theis. Both architects stress ecology-friendly design methods and employ re-used and recycled building materials.

Babilonia 1808's mission includes promoting dialogue and cultural exchange between communities, while challenging audiences with thought-provoking contemporary art. Babilonia 1808 offers visitors the opportunity to experience diverse local, national, and international art in a casual, non-institutional environment. The Babilonia Wilner Foundation seeks to highlight Berkeley and the greater East Bay as a growing center for presenting provocative and internationally recognized contemporary art.