Fine Healing Force

CEBU, Philippines - Fine art collection in hospitals can go beyond their decorative role, experts have observed.

This is because fine art pieces stimulate healing of body, mind and spirit.

The recent opening of the “Fine Strokes: Sublime Works of Artistry by a Cebuano Painter” at the Sacred Heart Hospital manifests the institution’s belief in the healing force of art therapy.

“Art stimulates thoughts and emotions. In countless instances, it has been utilized for psychological and emotional healing purposes,” this was explained at the beginning of a short program.

Top-performing works of Cebuano visual artist Roberto Raul Agas, like “The Rising” composed in 1998, are seen to inspire patients brush aside a string of challenges as they tread the road to recovery.

“We’ve provided the venue for beauty to be viewed by everybody. So that like flowers, their sweetness wouldn’t be wasted in desert air (quoting Shakespeare),” Dr. Elsa Suralta, president of the Southwestern University said of the six-to-12-month-long exhibit.

She also mentioned that part of the proceeds will fund charity cases. “Lovers of art, do not only own a piece of artwork. They celebrate the finer things in life.”

Agas, a resident of Tungkop in Minglanilla, has remarkably innovated the use of discarded Automated Teller Machine cards in lieu of the paintbrush.

For 15 years now, he has experimented on the various techniques and styling he can further develop through the use of ATM cards. In fact, this is his fourth show using recycled ATM cards.

From a bloodline of artists, Agas began showing his drawing process using pencil even at seven years old. When he reached 18 years old, he emerged victorious in an on-the-spot painting contest in the professional category. In fact, he made it to the Top 50 out of 400 entries in the Philippine Art Awards in 1998; the only Visayan to have done so. Such feat was mentioned in the “Philippine Arts Now,” published in 2007, released by Manuel Duldulan.

Values of his works are best represented in watercolor on paper and acrylic.

Aside from Dr. Suralta, Dr. Grace Valdez who sits as administrator of the SHH; Dr. Lucris Tan Jr., dean of the College of Nursing; Mr. Ramon Perley Pandaan, curator; and Ms. Alma Mia Garcia, director for concerns on Heritage and Culture graced the launch of “Fine Strokes.” (FREEMAN)