Argao in oil

Crude oil is not the only oil that can be found in Argao. Cebuano artists recently revealed in their works in oil that Argao has a treasure more valuable than the black gold which the local government hopes to discover in its fragile seascape.

The Art Center of SM City Cebu recently hosted the Argao 400 Art Exhibit which featured artists who participated in the Argao 400 painting and photo contest held early this year. Twenty artists were featured in the exhibit, together with 43 of their best works on Argao.

One could not help but notice that the predominant theme is life in and around the St. Michael the Archangel church. Perhaps a reflection of the religiosity of the people of Argao, but then again, I couldn’t help but wonder if there are any other interesting subjects in the place that deserves to be immortalized in oil and canvas.

The main entries of the exhibit were the artworks which won the major prizes of the contest. It is not hard to agree with the judges for their pick of winners. The grand prize went to a painting of an old woman making the famous Argao torta, aptly titled Torta by Ronillo Abayan.

Roniel Compra’s Catch the Devil captured the essence of the Argao church not from the outside (which seems to be the favorite subject of many artists), but from the inside; while Jesus Rona’s rendition of Puerto Real with the recently discovered Altar de Sacrificio perched on its side, reflected the important role that the town played in Cebu’s trade and commerce during the Spanish era.

Seeing so many interpretations of the belfry may seem to be monotonous, bordering on boredom, but then again every artist sees a subject in a different way. This difference is made obvious by Bobby Gonzales’ creative use of bright colors in rendering the different symbols of Argao such as the belfry and the torta.

During a presentation by Argao’s tourism officer, Alex Gonzales, he revealed that Argao is rich in natural wonders, as well. Highlighted were: the giant mystical Balay sa Agta cave, the rich greenscape of the rice terraces in the mountain barangays, the beautiful Lantoy Mountain and its rich ecosystem, and the enchanting sunrise at Lawis.

Perhaps artists should start painting the many natural resources of Argao which will soon disappear when the oil rig will start pumping eco-destructive development into the place. But as that does not yet take place, the painters, nonetheless were able to capture the spirit of Argao, its heritage, and even its people.

The exhibit is part of the many events and activities sponsored by the Argao Municipal Government to promote its 400th year anniversary as a Christian settlement.