Wood and art

CEBU, Philippines - Wood adds depth and warmth to a room. It makes the atmosphere in the room inviting and comfortable. This effect of wood on the human psyche trickles down to the fixtures inside the room: Electronic gadgets become less hostile, books are more appealing, and paintings and other works of art more enigmatic.

It was only lately that I was able to appreciate this powerful quality of wood, as I marveled at the different works and styles of different artists in Cebu.

The earthy appeal of wood, whether used as a frame or as a separate piece that would complement the artwork, adds character and personality to the entire creation. It becomes a part of the composition, invoking a sense of mystery, inviting the audience to study every corner and every detail of the piece.

A sense of harmony becomes apparent.

Last October 29, Variations, an art exhibit featuring the works of 10 of Cebu’s top artists, was opened by Treveño’s Arts and Antiques at the Art Gallery of SM City Cebu. The paintings were beautifully blended with the antique center’s collection of woodworks ranging from wall décors to furnishings, giving substance to the harmonizing effect of wood.

Artists featured are watercolorist Fred Galan, wood sculptor Jet Florendo (whose works are also currently being displayed at Bluewaters Gallery in Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort), and glue-gun artist Andrew Barba. Other painters featured were Tony Alcoseba, Mar Vidal, Paulino Carvajal, Rudy Manero, Vidal Alcoseba Jr., Darby Alcoseba, and Antonio Vidal.

Artist Boy Kiamko once told me that the problem with group exhibits among painters is the clash of styles among the artists. The difficulty of mounting the pieces becomes more apparent as one tries to reconcile an abstract work with loud colors with the more subtle figurative paintings.

In Variations, this challenge is virtually nonexistent.

As one enters the exhibit area of SM Art Center, one would be bombarded with different styles, different disciplines, and different mediums of the different artists, each respected for their mastery of their styles, discipline and medium. But despite these differences, there is a sense of harmony, a sense of meaning that can be felt as one goes from one painting to the next.

Interspersed between the different painting styles are decorative wooden plaques commonly found adorning houses of the affluent of Asia.

Chairs and benches, whether of minimalist style or made to highlight the driftwood origin of the material, invites visitors to sit and contemplate deeply on the meaning of the artworks displayed.

While coffee tables, chests, and other wood furnishings serves as a respite for the eyes as it tries to absorb every detail of the different works on display.

Nene Treveño of Treveño’s Arts and Antiques revealed that the display was designed so that the works will be highlighted and the viewers would be able to see it as if it was displayed in their homes. The inclusion of the wood furnishings and décors gave each and every piece the highlight it deserved.

“This will make them appreciate the works better,” Treveño said.

Already on its third year, what encouraged her to come up with the exhibition is the fact that many talented Cebuano artists lack the venue to showcase their works. Variations, she said would help these artists get their due recognition.

“Together we could support our Cebuano talents in their endeavor to uplift the awareness of our unique culture and arts, making this event part of our Cebuano heritage,” she said.

Variations will run until November 11.