Annali Garcia: Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future

Annali Garcia,  Founder, President, and Lead Restorer, Bottega di Anna Maria Luisa Art Restoration Services

In the world of art restoration, Anna Maria Luisa Garcia (Annali Garcia) stands as a luminary. As the Founder, President, and Lead Restorer of Bottega di Anna Maria Luisa Art Restoration Services, she collaborates with a multifaceted team in the delicate balance of preserving cultural heritage and embracing innovation. Annali’s journey, rooted in specialized education, experience, and unwavering dedication, is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.

A Collaborative and Scientific Endeavor

Annali Garcia emphasizes that art restoration is far more than just painting; it’s a complex service that allows owners of artworks and artifacts to restore them to their original state. This process requires diverse expertise. “It’s not really just one person who can paint,” Annali explains. “There’s the chemist who comes in. We have the biologist, we have the technical people who will document it. It’s absolutely not just for artists.”

Annali highlights the often-overlooked reality that paintings and other artworks are organic matter, which oxidizes over time due to factors like humidity and climate change. She views art as an essential component of life, stating, “It’s a pie. And art happens to be a section of life’s pie,” requiring careful and specialized attention.

Bottega di Anna Maria Luisa is a testament to Annali Garcia’s commitment to this intricate craft. Her mission is to enhance the value of her clients’ assets by safeguarding their inherited or acquired heritage.

A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Annali’s approach to restoration is a harmonious blend of traditional techniques and cutting-edge methodologies. She embraces the advancements of the 21st century, incorporating scientific and technological developments such as biotechnology and lasers, alongside the time-honored practice of manual cleaning. She stays updated on the latest technologies, such as XRF infrared gadgets for element tracing. Her expertise spans a wide range of artifacts, including paintings on canvas, archaeological ceramics, religious relics on wood, and rare embroidered fabrics. Bottega di Anna Maria Luisa caters to a diverse clientele, including private collectors, homes, museums, and churches.

Annali and her team are currently involved in the restoration of important murals and paintings, including a significant portrait of President Ramon Magsaysay on horseback by Fernando Amorsolo, often referred to as the ‘Sorolla of the Philippines.’ President Magsaysay was a highly esteemed figure in Philippine history, serving as defense minister before becoming president. During his term, he appointed Annali’s grandfather, a radiologist from Nueva Ecija, as Secretary of Health. Annali’s grandfather served with dedication for four terms (1953-1968), focusing on improving rural health in the Philippines. Bottega di Anna Maria Luisa also recently completed the restoration of a mural for Cheng Ban Yek, a pioneering tycoon in the Philippines. Regarding the work of a restorer, Annali says, “Restorers are like surgeons and doctors, who care about the salvation of our important relics that signify a collective identity of a nation and culture.”

A Tribute to Heritage and Collaboration

Annali gratefully acknowledges the support of the late Ambassador Chito Sta. Romana, who served as the Philippines’ envoy to China, for his contributions. Ambassador Sta. Romana, who was fluent in Chinese and sadly passed away from COVID-19 in Shanghai, generously donated xuan paper, Chinese brushes, and black inks to Annali’s studio. His contribution highlights the collaborative spirit that transcends borders in the pursuit of art and culture. She also acknowledges other benefactors, including the Dutch and Finnish ambassadors who donated books, and her grandmother, who funded her education in Italy. This support has been crucial, as Annali’s business is self-funded through the sale of family land and properties.

Venturing into New Artistic Expressions

Bottega di Anna Maria Luisa is also launching new artistic endeavors. The studio is creating Batik Collage artworks for Missao Corporation Inc., which will be showcased at art fairs in Southeast Asia in 2025, including the Jakarta Art Fair 2024 opening, which Annali attended. These artworks, inspired by batik art fabric collages seen at the Hutan Kota by Plataran ecotourism venue, are designed to appeal to middle-class homes and are offered at buyer-friendly rates. The artworks come in two sizes: 18 inches x 26 inches and smaller pieces of 7.5 inches x 7.5 inches, sold in sets of four. These new art products are represented by and available at Art Agenda, SEA, a gallery based in Singapore, through a collaboration. Negotiations are underway between Missao Corporation of Japan and Indonesia and Bottega di Anna Maria Luisa for 2025.

Annali’s visit to the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta after it’s reopening on December 29, 2024, following a fire in September 2023, reflects her deep interest in the region’s cultural heritage. She noted the significant damage caused by the fire and acknowledged the museum as one of Asia’s top cultural institutions. Annali also draws a parallel between Indonesian Kris swords and similar swords found in the Philippines, highlighting the interconnectedness of the region’s history and artistry. She was concerned that she is one of the few experts in this arena.

Annali describes their work environment as similar to a ‘Flightline lab,’ where they meticulously restore these invaluable items. She also emphasizes the importance of her work and her company’s growth, stating, “I’m here to provide a valuable service. The company is growing, and this growth is about more than just me; it’s about the team and the future we’re building.”

In addition to her restoration work, Annali Garcia is also creating new art pieces, including Japan-inspired kimono motif designs, which are offered at buyer-friendly rates, around 1,500,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) or 91 USD. She also accepts commissioned work.

Facing Adversity

Annali’s journey has not been without its challenges. From managing operations and navigating administrative complexities to ensuring quality service and meeting client budgets, she has faced each obstacle with unwavering determination. The COVID-19 pandemic, a crucible that tested the resilience of businesses worldwide, proved to be a testament to Annali’s prudence and perseverance. Bottega di Anna Maria Luisa not only survived but thrived, a beacon of hope in a time of uncertainty. Annali also points out, “We made it through the pandemic. It’s another aspect that needs to be given attention. We did not hold up. Retreat, pay our loans. We are just slowly higher, higher, and higher. And that makes me special.”

Envisioning the Future of Conservation

The future of heritage conservation is bright. The present is a dynamic, fast-paced journey, increasingly influenced by AI technologies that aid in rebuilding destroyed icons, objects, and national monuments, both lost and recovered. Annali and other specialized experts are embracing this wave of progress in heritage conservation, guiding it towards greater prosperity and development. She emphasizes, “Unifying these initiatives with peace and order and stable political structures, the future looks bright as the sun in this arena!”

The Asia-Pacific region is demonstrating a growing commitment to preserving its cultural treasures. Annali recognizes how nations like China, since 2006, have enlisted top global experts to restore large parts of the Forbidden City. With a structured roadmap and a continuing program for conservation, China has set a high standard. While not yet at Europe’s scale, the region holds invaluable histories within its national shrines, temples, and historical sites, drawing scholars and tourists alike. A rising consciousness for conservation is evident, especially among younger generations. Though budgets remain limited, Annali sees growth in preservation efforts. She is also focusing her efforts on growth in the ASEAN region. She highlights cultural connections across borders, from shared ikat patterns to similarities between the Indonesian kris and Philippine daggers.

Annali is at the forefront of these efforts, currently restoring various artifacts, including a Greek silver icon and an ivory Child Jesus relic damaged by fire using Italian gesso techniques. Her expertise continues to gain international recognition, as seen in her invitation to the Jakarta Art Fair 2024 opening, where she engaged with fellow artists and restorers. Building on this momentum, she is now preparing Batik Collage artworks for Jakarta Art Fair 2025. At the same time, Bottega di Anna Maria Luisa is expanding its art retail presence through a collaboration with Art Agenda, Singapore, which will represent her products and services. Further strengthening its international reach, negotiations are underway with Missao Corporation of Japan and Indonesia for additional expansion in 2025.

Annali Garcia’s vision extends beyond the confines of her studio. As she says, “Finally, the heart of Asia, is felt in the smiles and serene hospitable nature of ASEAN inhabitants. You know that the region is not just bustling with economic growth. But also with undeniable heart and soul which completes the journey in full circle.” She is committed to expanding her reach, and partnering with investors and corporations in the Asia Pacific region to undertake significant conservation projects. Her goal is to elevate the standards of heritage conservation, ensuring that the region’s rich cultural tapestry is preserved for generations to come. She also wants to emphasize the camaraderie and mutual respect among professionals in the region.

Annali Garcia’s journey—marked by passion, perseverance, and a profound dedication to preserving our artistic heritage—positions her as a guardian of history, a champion of innovation, and a beacon of hope for the art restoration community.