Genre 'n Nature

CEBU, Philippines - They started as an informal group of nine (nueve in Spanish) artists meeting every Thursday (Hueves in Sp.) for lunch at Louie King’s Gallery in Barangay Tisa, this city. Thus, the name “NueVes” was coined to collectively refer to the group when they were invited as a team during the Province’s “Cebu Fair” at the Cebu International Convention Center in August of 2010.

Inspired by their sense of camaraderie and united by the same love and passion for the visual art, they are “often seen together painting outdoors for ‘on-the-spot’ sessions, and outings in remote areas, thereby coming up with ruralscape and natural sceneries.”

Group endeavors are geared towards honing their artistic ability through the constant exchange of ideas, tips on techniques and various styles and especially the mentoring of the group’s adviser — noted artist Professor Jose “Kimsoy” Yap Jr.

“The group’s constant interaction not only bonds them, it also encourages each artist to improve, excel more and make his art more beautiful. Thus, eventually finding means for them to grow not only in their art but also in other aspects of life that truly contribute to their total development,” a statement read.

Their latest works are now on display at the SM City Cebu Art Center through an exhibit which opened last July 15 to last until July 28, dubbed “Genre ‘n Nature.”

Watercolor pieces by Kimsoy Yap and other representational works composed by Luis “Louie” King Sr.; Felix Catarata, Crispin Bobier, Benjie Goyha, Wilfredo “Boboy” Cañete, Jose “Pepe” Villadolid, Cirilo “Eloi” Alferez and Ariel Caratao combine a feast of still life, ruralscape, glory of the human form, and various subjects for the artistic senses to appreciate and ponder on.

Art patrons Maria Ligaya Machida, Alma Mia Garcia, Devin Go, Dr. Achilles Cortes, and Harry Kho were the guests of honor on opening night who cut the ceremonial ribbon.

This is the art group’s third major exhibition here. After “Cebu Fair,” they had the privilege of being among the set of visual artists who used the space at the Museo Sugbo Gallery when it was first opened to the public.