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FALLEN ON DEAF EARS is the first solo exhibit of Arvin Darwin C Magbutay, a graduating student of College of Architecture and Fine Arts of the University of San Carlos Cebu. "FALLEN ON DEAF EARS" is the interpretation of social realism on the perspective of the artist.Ideas and thoughts were magnified and presented in pure representational form. FALLEN ON DEAF EARS opens on March 16,2007, 8pm, Turtle's Nest, Lahug, Cebu City. The art exhibit will extend until March 30, 2007.For more details, please call Arvin at 0915 800 9236 or email him at bintot2@yahoo.com. (KM)
Musika: the song of Kathy Zialcita By Ian Zafra What happens when a still camera romances some of Cebu's finest rock bands in the last three years? "Musika," an exhibit of 22 music photographs by freelance photographer Kathy Zialcita, reveals the run of this 3-year romance. On display at the Outpost café in Lahug, "Musika" is a collection of her favorite photos of local musicians. Apart from immortalizing Cebu's music scene, "Musika" is distinct for its composition; the romance of grainy textures with each musician's character. "I don't want it too clean like what you see on the billboards. They're just too clean and too perfect," explains Zialcita. "Y' know, when you take something that's too perfect, it's not human anymore. I like it a bit messy. I don't care if naa sila'y (they have) wrinkles or scars on their face - It's part of their character. You make use of it because it's them. It's not you, it's them." Right before turning her lens to musicians, Zialcita worked as a freelance photographer, shooting furniture for an export company. The story of her "Musika" began when a friend noticed her work some years ago. Impressed, Zialcita's friend suggested that she try portraiture. Deciding to give it a spin, Zialcita talked to Budoy (of Junior Kilat) and offered to do a shoot - free of charge. Thus, from shooting wood and furniture, she took on a new subject - rock icons. Junior Kilat was very impressed, to say the least, and soon word spread about her work. Alternative rock group Sheila and the Insects was one of the first bands to hire Zialcita for their publicity collaterals. When the SATI photos landed in several newspapers, magazines, posters, and websites, other bands began booking her for photo shoots - Zarah Smith, Hastang - the list goes on. Zialcita says that she prefers rock 'n' roll personalities over fashion models, saying that dealing with each bands is always a new experience. "I tried fashion and it's ok. I can do it but it's so much easier to work with models. You don't have to make them comfortable because they're already comfortable. The way a fashion shoot works is, models have their stylists and basically all you do is look for a perfect shot. That's it." reveals Zialcita. During band photo sessions, Zialcita seeks inspiration by listening to music, something she says keeps her in the drift. Music is one of Zialcita's comfort zones; allowing her to embrace the more arduous passion of photography. Thus, the theme of her exhibit. To an extent, "Musika" proves that local bands don't need to go as far nor spend a lot just to get a photo that matches their character. Zialcita says that one of her goals for the local music scene is to help bands make good impressions through quality pictures. "I don't want people to think that bands from Cebu can't afford good publicity photos" says Zialcita. "I don't want them to think that the pictures (look) so cheap. No matter if it's a pro-bono or magpabayad ko (I get paid). I still want the best for each band." A fitting tribute to Cebu's music scene. "Musika" will run until March 17, 2007. All 22 images of the exhibit are arrayed around the Outpost's music area, posing as the stage backdrop. To the left, is an array of scarlet-hued images of band members from Powerspoonz. To the right, are canvassed versions of Island Joe, Faspitch, and Sheila and the Insects, to name a few, along with a couple of live performances frozen in time. While "Musika" is her debut exhibit as a freelance photographer, it is definitely not the last. These are just a few tidbits of what's in her stockpile. "Those photos are what I frequently look into," adds Zialcita. Besides, people are begging for the second, even third exhibit; Musika has already hatched quite a few jealous reactions. But their fears are of no consequence. Already in the works is another batch to be exhibited sometime in June or July, this year. Zialcita hasn't sang her swansong - oh no, not by far. She's just warming up.
THE 2007 GSIS PAINTING COMPETITION The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), in cooperation with the Art Association of the Philippines, invites interested Filipino students and artists to the 2007 GSIS Painting Competition. This is in celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the GSIS, and the National Heritage Month. This year's theme, Sa Bansang Pilipinas, Kagandaha'y Likas, focuses on the beauty of Philippines' natural resources, particularly its natural heritage sites such as the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, the Banaue Rice Terraces, Tabon Cave, and the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, among others. Inquiries may be directed to Ms. Leslie / Ms Mayet at 891-6161, local 4859. you may also email Mr. Ryan Palad at ravpalad@gsis.gov.ph., or Mr. Fidel M. Sarmiento at aapfidel@yahoo.com. (RB) ***
"Fruition" celebrates the International Women's Month "Fruition," features the works of female traditional and digital artists from Luzon and Visayas - Palmy Pe-Tudtud, Susan Canoy, Dulce Cuna, Michelle Empleo-Ventura, Rock Barria, Lucille Umali, and Christine Rom, among others. It celebrates March as the International Women's Month. "Fruition" reveals the realization and materialization of the accomplishments of women in various walks of life. King Montecillo, one of the organizers of the exhibit says that the exhibit attempts to, "show the world that our labor as women is finally coming to fruition." Fruition opens on March 30, 2007. For more details, one may call King Montecillo at 231.9762 (in care of PODD Corp), or contact Palmy Pe-Tudtud at 0917.369.5014, and at palmype@yahoo.com. (RB) ***
Musika: Mga Litrato ni Katya Zialcita "Musika: Mga Litrato ni Katya Zialcita" showcases photographs of the best and brightest Cebuano musicians, as photographed by neophyte freelance photographer Katya Zialcita. The exhibit features Cebuano bands like Sheila and the Insects, Island Joe, Fastpitch and Hastang, among others, and will be on display at the Outpost Gallery from March 1 to 17. For inquiries about the exhibit, pls. call 417-2929. (RB) ***
The K Gallery will host its maiden exhibit this March. Dubbed "First Five," this inaugural exhibit of K Gallery features the works of Jet Florendo, Pronnie de la Cerna, Jun Impas, Bart Kiamko and Celso D. Pepito. K Gallery is located at 300 Don Gil, Garcia Street. One may contact the gallery at 0915-4884289. (RB)
1st PODD Corp. Digital Contest a success! PODD Corp's first-ever Digital Contest ended with a bang. With three winners announced on February 2, the judges picked out the best ten finalists from a pool of 72 digital artists who submitted their work based on the chosen theme "Pigs on Parade". The artists represented various schools such as the University of the Philippines and University of San Carlos-TC. The competition held at the Parklane Hotel was in accordance with the Philippine Offshore Design and Development Corporation's (PODD Corp.) second year in operation. Present that night were the judges for the Digital Art Contest who are none other than Janette Toral (of DigitalFilipino.com), Errol "Budoy" Maribiles (of Pinoy Big Brother fame), and renowned artist Palmy Pe-Tudtud. Isagani Ybarra also graced the party with his presence and performed a song. He is a composer well known for his songs that have been played by Philippine bands like Tropical Depression, Bayang Barrios and Asin. The ten finalists who vied for the top prize of Php 10,000 joined in the celebration as well. Also up for the taking was a Second prize of Php 6,000, and third prize of Php 4,000. The winners each received a trophy. A PODD Corp goody bag was distributed to all the finalists who were considered winners as well for the works they submitted. The winners are as follows: 1st Prize: Luke Tornilla (UP) for his entry "Cebuano Sun God"; 2nd Prize: Osamo Tristan "Uzi" Emperado (UP) for his entry "Fire Pig: Leading the Parade"; 3rd Prize: Yanya Cortes (USC-TC) for her entry "Pigs and Humans are sometimes the same".
(L-R) Poddcorp's Creative Services Director Andreas Montano; 2nd Runner-up Yanya Cortes; Grand Prize winner Luke Tornilla; 1st Runner-up Osama Tristan "Uzi" Emperado; and Poddcorp's President Christine Rom With PODD Corp's continuing recognition of the local art scene, there is no doubt that this planned annual contest will be a success. PODD Corp continues one of their missions to develop a more united, more visible, and economically viable art community.
Digital Art Contest Registration Extended! PODD Corp.'s PIGS ON PARADE Digital Art Contest will extend its registration and submission dates due to numerous requests. The new deadline for registration will be on Wednesday, January 24 at 12 noon. The new date for submission of entries will also be extended to Monday, January 29. All students who have the knack for digital art still have the opportunity to submit a maximum of two entries each. Registration and submission of printed entries takes place at PODD Corp's office, Unit 703, 7th floor, Keppel Building, Cebu Business Park. More information on the criteria can be found here. The awards ceremony and PODD Corp gala will be held at Park Lane Hotel on February 2, 2007. For inquiries, please call 2316478 or 2319762 and look for Leo or Lucille.
Digital Art Contest Highlights PODD Corp.'s 2nd Year The Philippine Offshore Design and Development Corporation (PODD Corp.) is set to celebrate their second year in operation during the slated Month of Art, February. In line with this celebration, PODD Corp has also set up a digital art competition and is calling out to all students to join. Dubbed PIGS ON PARADE, it will be their first digital art contest with a registration fee of only 2 pesos for each submission. Prizes to be won at the contest include cash for the top 3 winners with certificates and recognition of their digital masterpieces. All students who have the knack for digital art have until January 29, 2007 to submit a maximum of two entries each. Registration has been extended until Wed, January 24, 12nn only at PODD Corp's office, Unit 703, 7th floor, Keppel Building, Cebu Business Park. The awards ceremony and PODD Corp gala will be held at Park Lane Hotel on February 2, 2007. For inquiries, please call 2316478 or 2319762 and look for Leo or Lucille. PODD Corp is a Website Design and Web Development Services company based in Cebu. With an employ of many talented artists, writers, programmers, and marketers they have been responsible for the world-class design of various international companies. PODD Corp also recognizes its responsibility towards the art community of Cebu. This is clear in their local products Art Cebu (www.artcebu.com), Pinoy Poets (www.pinoypoets.com) and Coffee House Fiction (www.coffeehousefiction.com) that have created and bound their respective talents; further helping in the effort to develop a more united, more visible, and economically viable art community. Cebu Art Heads for Collectivism "November 15, 2006" Cebuano visual artists seem to be moving toward collectivist sentiments, as witnessed in the March 2006 exhibit, "Visual Convergence," an intoxicating melange of color and styles. To the casual observer, "Visual Convergence," may have simply been a collection of artworks. But it was more than that. It was, quite literally, a convergence of different styles, dissenting viewpoints, and schools of thought. Such a collaboration was therefore, astounding, if not surprising. Below are the 16 brave artists who eschewed their personal predilections and affiliations --- even volunteering their own time and expense --- to opt for a collectivist contribution to the Cebu art. A versatile painter, born into a family of artists in Punta Prinsesa, Vidal Alcoseba Jr.'s early exposure to painting paved the way for his ease and mastery in different painting media and techniques. He is recognized internationally for his artwork, and has exhibited them from Singapore, to the United States. He holds a graduate degree in commerce, and was entrenched in a prestigious company, when his yearning for painting took a firmer hold. Multi-awarded painter Sofronio "Pronnie" dela Cerna says that were it not for his exposure and association to Tony Alcoseba and the other Labangon area visual artists, his penchant for bold strokes and purity of color, would never have come to life. Adeste Deguilmo's exposure to billboard art fired up his interest and began his steps to earning a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts the University of the Philippines. Deguilmo is renowned as one of the best figure painters, for his rare proficiency in drawing and acute understanding of colors. When not painting, he teaches at the Fine Arts Department of the University of San Carlos. Largely self-taught, Benji Goyha's experience in serigraphy (or, screenprinting) became the backbone of his pursuit of painting. Not only is he known for his creative output, Goyha was also instrumental in the creation of an artist's group in his hometown of Samboan, as well as teaching budding painters, the nuances of art. Bernardo Hermoso's artistry was honed in the old way; Raw talent coupled with hard work. This dedication not only earned him prizes and accolade, it has brought him admiration and pride from his beloved city of Danao. Sharing a passion for art with your spouse can be a profound experience. This much is true for the Pepito couple. Husband Celso Pepito started painting under the tutelage of the late Martino Abellana. In 1994 he turned to cubism, giving more freedom to his artistic expression, rather than boxing it in. On the hand, his wife, Fe Madrid Pepito, loves to paint the flowers in her own garden. Being an optometrist by profession, gives Fe an edge; happening to be married to a painter-husband wasn't so bad, as well. Having studied at the National Academy of Design in New York, Jose "Kimsoy" Yap's painting style depicts a trace of Western influence. Despite this trace, his works evoke a feeling so Cebuano, it manifests in his use of line and space. Making the most minute of strokes to bring out the best effect from color. Being in the business of art and antiques has steeped Sonia Yrastorza in history and culture Her background as a graduate of Fine Arts from the University of the Philippines, has helped her pursue both her passion and business with equal interest. Painting in earnest while under Celso Pepito's tutelage has infused the works of Lurline Rodriguez with an air of serenity and peace. Her choice of subjects include ethereal beings and pristine landscapes. An impressionist in leaning with an intense wanderlust, Raul Agas is an old hand at group and solo exhibits. He was based in in Manila for a time, making a name for himself as a mainstay of Art Gallery Philippines. Trained in advertising arts, Luis Bagayas is a painter with modern tendencies. Despite this, he is also known in many circles for his work in other genres, particularly in landscape painting. An abstractionist by nature, Tito Cuevas has pushed the limits of his artistic horizons into lithography and icon painting. He executes his pieces with his characteristic expressionist strokes, a trademark found in many of his paintings. Luther Galicano hails from the Carcar, a Cebuano town steeped in culture and the arts. His style follows closely the Abellana school of thought, and his paintings are mostly of figures and landscapes. He currently teaches at the Cebu Art Academy. Florentino "Jun" Impas is a multi-awarded painter who has had a colorful career in the arts. He is well-known for his captivating portraitures, and his erstwhile work as a movie billboard painter while he studied painting under Celso Pepito's tutelage. This writer, in turn, humbly contributed five abstract art pieces to the exhibit. All in all, "Visual Convergence" is more than just a collection of some of the finest pieces of Cebuano art. It was an exhibition of the myriad of styles and artistic expressions that disply the depth and expanse of Cebuano art.
The Growth of Local Art "November 15, 2006" Cebu has had a rich history of art; beginning with native Pre-Hispanic art forms, to Western-influenced styles and theories. Art historian, educator and sculptor, Raymund Fernandez traces the path that Cebu art has taken, from pre-colonial culture-centric Patik art, or tattooing, to the Rise of Modernism, and Contemporary Art. Pre-colonial Art Colonial Art The early artifacts of local painting were done by "anonymous" Boholanos who usually painted their versions of saints on wooden panels. These panels were then pieced together to form altarpieces, used either in the home, or for village "capilyas," or chapels. Another example are the extant Spanish colonial churches across the island which were done by local crafts-persons and laborers, working from plans provided by the friars. Art After the Revolution Much of Cebu art between 1900 and 1950 were still mainly composed of church-related art. Key examples are the church ceilings by Canuto Avila and Raymundo Francia, two of the best known religious painters of local art. Francia's work may be seen at the Sibonga Church while Avila's church ceiling art may be seen in the Dalaguete Church. By the mid 1900s, the local middle class slowly emerged, creating the growth of a market for secular art. One practitioner who was part of this shift to secular art was Gonzalo Abellana. He made a living on drawings and charts like multiplication tables. He taught his children and grandchildren the art of drawing. After World War II In 1975, Tamayo, Jumalon and Abellana helped found the Fine Arts Program of the University of the Philippines-Cebu College, the first painting school of the city. The Rise of Modernism Although Martino Abellana's use of the painting techniques of the Impressionists, as well as his production of a number of abstract paintings, would make him the exponent of the rise of Modernism in the city, between 1970 and 1980. A veritable army of Abellana followers would define themselves by the production of "genre art." In the same way, a smaller batch of Modernist painters trace their primary influences to Abellana. Contemporary Art Advertising art is also being practiced locally, as well as computer graphics art, digital photography, and videography. Two key educational programs have fostered this artistic avenue: The Fine Arts Program of UP Cebu College at Lahug is now one of the exponents of experimental post-modernist art; and the University of San Carlos Fine Arts program,in Talamban, which is at the forefront of teaching advertising arts in Cebu, if not in the Visayas. ###
Shifting Styles in Cebu Art November 08, 2006 Painting-conservative and conventional-was the first secular art that appeared in the central Philippine city of Cebu, around the mid-19th Century. Initially unsigned and undated, the artwork that existed in that era were personal rather than professional. Among those who actively participated in the transition from the religious to the secular form were Carcar native Gonzalo Abellana, Canuto Avila of San Nicolas, Raymundo Francia of Parian, and Simeon Padriga, among others. They were few of the early Cebuano painters and sculptors. Refinement swept through the local art scene a few years later, and Cebuano masterpieces began to emerge. These masterpieces included the finger paintings of Diosdado Villadolid, politico-ethnic renditions on the Bilaan community in Davao by Oscar Figuraion's, lepidomosaic by Julian Jumalon, Silvestre Orfilla's historical mural entitled Ciudad del Santissimo Nombre de Jesus (City of the Most Holy Name of Jesus), and the Tartanilla series of Carmelo Tamayo. The onset of the 20th century Cebuano visual arts continued to flourish with the contributions of painters like Mary Avila, Jose Alcoseba, Vidal Alcoseba, Virgilio Daclan, Sergio Baguio, Emeterio Suson, and Jesus Rosa. Another luminary in Cebuano art is Martin Abellana, who was anointed as the "Dean of Cebuano painters." Though primarily a figurative-impressionist, his later works showed a desire to reconcile the figurative and the abstract. Notable of his works are The Farmer's Son, Job Was Also Man, Rocks, and Korean War. Cebu and the Central Visayas have also contributed to the burgeoning of the Manila art scene, with such artists as Manuel Rodriguez Sr. and National Artist Napoleon Abueva, who are distinguished for their pioneering ventures in Philippine graphic arts and modernism in sculpture, respectively. An important catalyst in the development of Cebu art was the founding of the Cebu Art Association (CEARTAS) in 1937 by Julian Jumalon. Founding members included noted artists of their generation: Oscar Figuracion, Jose Alcoseba, Emilio Olmos, Fidel Araneta, and others. The CEARTAS promoted community awareness of the visual arts as well as the exchange of ideas among artists. In the years following the end of the Second World War, the older painters were infused with new blood int the likes of the Mendoza brothers (Sofronio, Teofilo, and Godofredo), Romulo Galicano, Gamaliel Subang, Fr. Virgilio Yap, Jose Yap Jr., Tony Alcoseba, Gig de Pio, and Mardonio Cempron. Some of these artists-notably Sofronio Y. Mendoza, who was called "SYM" and Romulo Galicano-later moved to Manila, and later to foreign countries, where they carved names for themselves, and gained a much wider audience. Today, Cebu hosts probably the largest community of artists outside of Manila. Although many of the young practitioners of landscape painting adopt the Abellana style, they are also influenced by various modern styles like those of Jose Blanco of Angono and the late Vicente Manansala, as well as myriad styles and techniques from abroad. The cream of the crop among today's Cebuano artists includes Isabel Rocha, Mariano Vidal, Boy Kiamko, Fred Galan, Wilfredo Cuevas, Manuel Panares, and Rudy Manero. The town of Carcar, hometown of Martin Abellana, has produced a new generation of artists led by Gabriel Abellana, Martino Abellana Jr., and Luther Galicano. The opening of the Fine Arts Program of the University of the Philippines (UP) College Cebu in the 1970s, dynamized the Cebuano art scene. It is noted for being the first formal fine arts school south of Manila. Soon after, Manila Artist Jose Joya initiated the seminal Annual Joya Art Competition in 1978, which showcased talents from UP Cebu, such as Raymund Fernandez, Javy Villacin, Edgar Mojares, Arlene Villaver, Janini Barrera, and Karl Roque. Although present-day Cebuano art is concentrated on painting, sculpture has had its noteworthy practitioners in the past, notably Fidel Araneta and Ramon Abellana. Young artists, like Jet Florendo, are making their own innovative expression in this art form. Support institutions and networks in Cebu have kept interest in the visual arts alive. Apart from the Cebu Art Association and UP Cebu's Fine Arts Program, Cebu City has a good number of art galleries and painting exhibits that are regularly held in such places as Casa Gorordo Museum, College Assurance Plan (CAP) Center, Ayala Center Cebu and SM City Cebu, and the City Museum, which established by the city government in 1992. The city has a fairly large number of art patrons and collectors. The city's private collections are varied, ranging from the antique collections of Lydia Aznar-Alfonso, Leocadia Binamira, and Ramon Arcenas, to the philatelic collection of Victorino Reynes, the Shell collection of Asela Franco, the photographic collection of Galileo Medalle, and the lepidoptera and lepidomosaic art collections of Julian Jumalon. A good number of local art patrons, however, have collections of modern art, creating a market which enables local artists to survive. Cebu is well on its way towards becoming a viable center for contemporary art and is no longer dependent on local artists who moved to Manila to practice and develop their art.
Old Galicano oil painting fetches $5,520 in heritage auction "November 06, 2006" A Cebu Non-Government Office (NGO) assisting Carcar Town preserve its 400-year history earned P276,000 ($5,520) from the auction proceeds of a Romulo Galicano oil painting. Home-grown Carcar Heritage Conservation Society (CHCS) obtained the sales after lawyer-businessman Anastacio Montuerto tendered the closing bid on Semana Santa sa Carcar (Holy Week in Carcar) at the Alexandria Hall of the Saint Catherine College, Carcar. The CHCS will now be able to set aside funds for additional projects, as well as and creating economic opportunities for residents through tourism and through heritage industries. Scores of artists, art enthuasiasts, local officials and spectators gathered for the auction, which was conducted by businessman Manuel "Bunny" Pages. Auction calls for the 14-inch by 18-inch post-World War II oil-on-canvas rendition of a Lenten season observation opened with $3,500 (P180,000), and scaled up in notches among Rep. Eduardo Gullas, Sun Star director Joyce Garcia Dizon, CHCS director Val San Digo, businesswoman Juliet Chua, CHCS president Manny Valencia-Castro, and Montuerto, who also represented Ayala Land Holdings. Galicano, a Carcar native who gained prominence among foreign audiences for his paintings after he left Cebu, in the aftermath of the Second World War, was the first Cebuano (and second Filipino, after Juan Luna) to win a prestigious global art competition since 1884. His 30-inch by 40-inch oil on canvas portrait of Eddie Chua won the Draper Grand Prize during the May 2005 annual conference of the Portrait Society of America in Washington D.C. where his entry bested more than 2,000 other pieces. An early influence in his art, who became his mentor and friend was the late Cebuano realist master Martino Abellana.
Youth Awareness shown in Art Contest Results "November 06, 2006" A boy wielding brush and paint portrayed his aspiration for better governance-obviously a message to our country's leaders. Then there's another one who expressed insight into the poverty that hounds the nation. Both were below 13 years old, high-school bound. But for Minority Leader Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel, they were a surprising duo. Who would not be surprised? In a city where tall buildings ran in contrast with shanties, the images of poverty find expression in the minds of the young. "There's a high degree of awareness here-higher than Luzon's kids," says Pimentel, principal sponsor of this year's "Art for Change" competition. The prizes for the competition, which drew more than 200 participating artists from Cebu City schools, were awarded at the activity area of Robinson's Plaza last October 7, 2006. The top three winners include Glacy Dee Fantanosa of Abellana National High School (first prize), Jescaue Jul Saavedra of San Nicolas Elementary School (second place), and Early Jon Rallos of City Central school (third place). Jiefry Loremas of Punta Princesa Elementary School(4th), Lou Cristabel Recto of Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School (5th), Cerosthom James Alforque of Punta Princesa Elementary School (6th), Andrew Adrian Abrio of Paknaan National High School (7th), Ken Philip Olitres of Saint Dominic Savio Learning Center (8th), Roshela Vallente of City Central Elementary School (9th), and Delfin Baloro, Jr. of Punta Princesa Elementary School (10th), rounded out the winners' circle. Pimentel, who conceived of the competition, gave away the cash rewards and recognition certificates, himself. The first, second, and third placers had received P10,000, P7,000, and P5,000, respectively. Organizers say that the contest was meant to inspire young artists to portray on canvas the aspirations and travails of the people, in their pursuit of freedom, peace, and prosperity. Fete | Feat “Exhibits, events, and everything in between, in Cebu’s local art scene.” “Crudist Applicator Art: Answering the Question of Filipino Art” “Is there such a thing as Filipino art?” Upon entering the exhibit, one could feel that the question is being answered. All in all, the “Crudist Applicator Art” exhibit of Leopoldo C. Aguilar Jr., at the SM Art Center, which ran from May 17 to 30, 2006, deftly answers this question. Is there such a thing as Filipino art? Such has been the resounding question that arose from the artists of the Seventies; an urgent question that challenged them to finding unique symbols and images that portray the Philippine identity and its distinct culture. In the 1970’s, artworks such as Ben Cabrera’s “Sabel,” Egai Fernadez’s “Kahapon, Ngayon at Pangarap,” and Danilo Dalena’s “Event 13” vigorously answered this question through their creation of poignant and probing images of the lives of Filipinos.
In the 1980’s, the rediscovery of ancestral roots, found in ancient rituals and cultural expressions and the use of indigenous materials and ethnic motifs gave the artists of that generation another medium from which to breathe forth their answer. In this new millenium, Aguilar clearly shows the effectiveness of using indigenous materials to portray Philippine identity. It is an undeniable and resounding answer to the question about Filipino art. In his first solo art exhibit, Aguilar has retained the shapes and colors of the discarded wood, which he uses as his canvas. By using them as panels to be painted on, and as self-styled frames, Aguilar creates landscape paintings of dye on wood. He has created drip paintings that forms effervescent portraits; his thin brushstrokes forms his canvasses into tribal tattoo patterns, drawing figures reminiscent of the Pintados of pre-Hispanic Philippines; engravings and dye markings on wood assemblages, into life. Aguilar’s themes vary; from local scenery to tribal/ethnic images, and symbolisms derived from imagination. Despite influences from western artists such as George Seurat’s Pointillism and George Pollock’s Action Painting, thus depicting, all in all, artworks that are undeniably Filipino in identity. The SM Art Center regularly features art exhibitions by local and domestic artists. For information on their current and upcoming exhibits, call the Art Center office at 2313446 or 2310557 and look for Marlyn Noreen M. Fortuna. Introducing Cebuano Art to the World through Cebu's premier online art gallery An art collective introduces Cebuano art to the world with the launching of Cebu’s premier online gallery site, "ArtCebu.com." A vanguard of renowned and celebrated artists coming from different backgrounds, yet wholly committed to bringing Cebuano art to a new global marketplace of ideas will be among its first exhibitors. The online art gallery will showcase the entire gamut of Cebuano art, beginning with visual art, and eventually including other genres such as sculpture, and photography. Installation art, performance art, dance, short film, and other art genres will be presented featured as well. ArtCebu aims to network with other regional as well as international art groups, to promote exchange of ideas. "ArtCebu is an online gallery intended solely to showcase Cebuano artwork on a broader scale," emphasized Japamala Arnaldo, ArtCebu.com liaison officer. "The site has the potential of making a great contribution to the Cebuano art community, and to the local community as well," adds Arnaldo. "By promoting Cebuano art and culture to the international art scene through the Internet, I believe that ArtCebu may easily capture a new and bigger audience, at the same time, establish contacts and networks with other art groups in other countries. And perhaps, more new art patrons." The thrust of the site is to become an online hub where ArtCebu artist-members may not only show their work and meet their counterparts, but to become the info central for exhibits and art events organized by and for Cebuano artists, as well. Not only does the site show various artwork, it also contains a directory of Cebuano artists and art groups within Cebu. ArtCebu promotes Cebuano art on and off the Internet More information may be access through www.artcebu.com. Inquiries may be directed through info@artcebu.com.
“Julian Jumalon: A Cebuano Treasure” Painting, like in most other nations and cultures, was the first form of art in Cebu in the 19th century, with artists like Gonzalo Abellana and Canuto Avila pioneering the shift from the then-prevalent Hispanic religious themes to more secular expressions of art. The 20th century saw the rise of the likes of Mary Avila, Jose Alcoseba, Sergio Baguio, and Martin Abellana, once known as the “dean of Cebuano painters.” And while the growth of the Cebuano art scene had spread even to other regions of the archipelago, it wasn’t until the mid 1900s that proper documentation and promotion of the local arts began. One of the most significant efforts made in this era was made by a landscape painter with penchant for butterflies, Julian Jumalon. Jumalon first established the Cebu Arts Association (CEARTAS) in 1937, together with fellow artists Oscar Figuracion, Jose Alcoseba, Emilio Olmos, and Fidel Araneta, This group was responsible for promoting community awareness of the visual arts while simultaneously exchanging ideas among various artists. Jumalon is also known for his Butterfly Sanctuary. Established in 1974, and the first of its kind in the Philippines, the Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary is an all-natural haven of butterflies. At least 53 kinds of butterfly species in the garden sanctuary, which includes some of the most coveted butterflies in the world. As an educational tool for biology students, the sanctuary also holds the complete life histories of various butterfly species. As a natural museum, it most probably has the oldest existing butterfly collection with specimens that date back to the 1930s. Jumalon collected damaged butterfly wings and pieced them together into mosaics that throbbed with living color. He started to collect butterflies as a hobby in high school in the year 1928. In 1949, he created the “lepido-mosaic” which was similar to colored glass mosaics. except that he used butterfly wings and colors. One of his notable works is one lepido-mosaic that he did for Pope John Paul II, named after and given to the man himself after one of his visits to the Philippines. But Jumalon was not only known for his “lepido-mosaic” art (art made by utilizing butterfly wings as its medium). He is also known for his landscape oil paintings. At one time Jumalon operated an airbrush portraiture business and conducted various drawing classes. He was also reported to have been commissioned to design and print emergency paper money currency during World War II, for the Cebu Currency Committee. In fact, one of the notes (a 1-peso CEBU 1941 Philippine National Bank Emergency Circulating Note) is part of a collection in the Cebu City Museum today. His interest in butterflies turned to scientific study when in, 1968, Jumalon qualified for a Fulbright Research Grant at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. His research. “Synoptic Work on the Philippine Rhopalocera,” later garnered him a SEATO Fellowship that fulfilled his research at the British Museum of Natural History in London and the Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt. Jumalon held positions in the University of San Carlos and in the University of the Philippines in Cebu. On June 17, 2000, he was recognized by CEARTAS for his 63 years of love, passion, dedication to the arts, and for his undiminishing support as the founder of the first association of Cebuano artists. Professor Jumalon died on June 26, 2000 at the age of 86. More information of his art works can be found on http://www.jnjumalon.org. In Julian Jumalon’s brilliant lifetime, he was awarded:
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