Cuevas: A Retrospective (Iconography and Style)

CEBU, Philippines - "Cuevas: A Retrospective (Iconography and Style)" is a celebration of a master's life, not his death.

Despite Wenceslao "Tito" Cuevas' uncompromised style, which at one point some artists in Cebu disliked, he fought for it and lived the life he so loves. It was said that he started painting late in life, invigorated the Cebuano art scene by putting out works in the abstract expressionist style, and was later on considered by colleagues as the "Father of Abstract Expressionism in Cebu."

The exhibit presented by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. Culture and Heritage Unit and Alternative Contemporary Arts Studio in partnership with the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission, Cebu City Government and Contemporary Cebu iscurated by John Vincent "JV" Castro. It is housed in the Casa Gorordo Museum and will run from April 27 to June 10, 2012.

Its opening day marked the 40th day of Cuevas' death.

According to Castro, contemporary Cebuano art is best epitomized in the works of TitoCuevas. "His uncompromising style completely deviated from the classical school of thought popularized here by his art professor, Maestro Martino Abellana."

In his presentation of the rationale of the exhibit, Castro mentioned that Cuevas resisted doing landscapes, seascapes, and portraits.

This was confirmed by fellow artist Sonia Yrastorza who quoted the late Cuevas urging them: "Ayaw na mo sige'g paint og rice fields ug kabaw uy!"

Instead, Cuevas exposed himself to art outside the Philippines. "This exposure paved way for his signature abstract expressionist style. Splatters of paint and bold brush strokes done in bright colors set against a black background have become apparent in a Cuevas piece," Castro pointed out.

One of the oldest pieces in the exhibition, Salagimsim, captures the beginning of a new movement in Cebuano art history. Done in an old form of art paper (labeled "KE Paper"), Cuevas has "freely expressed himself with colors and without solid form."

Eventually, Castro added,this has become a style that he is best known for, evident in his iconic pieces.

It was also learned that Cuevas' works usually contain red and orange, as these are his favorite colors. Midnight blue and purple are also apparent in his signature color scheme.

Aside from abstract expressionist pieces, Cuevas also experimented with religious pieces from 1999 to 2004. The inspiration came from an art restoration class granted to him by the Spanish Government at the National Museum of the Philippines. Since he did not go to church every Sunday, he expressed his faith through these devotional works. Influenced by Byzantine and Russian icons, Cuevas painted images of Madonna, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Family.

"This set of works contains more value because of the technique and medium that he employed: egg tempera with gold leaf," Castro underlined.

Castro further pointed out that "Madonna (Blessed Art Thou, O Woman)" is believed to be the first religious icon Cuevas did in 1999. "After this set of complicated technique, he transferred the idea on canvas using acrylic to depict a more local subject -Sto. Niñoand Our Lady of Guadalupe. Meanwhile, BalaanngaAnak highlights the iconic child image of Christ with Visayan baybayinscript surrounding it."

The exhibit shows the evolution of his works throughout the forty years of his artistic career. Such also examines the visual images, symbols, and modes of representation foundin his pieces.

Dr. Jocelyn Gerra, executive director of RAFI Culture and Heritage Unit, said that Cuevas' retrospective exhibit series reflects RAFI's advocacy to bring attention to the artistic and creative aspects of local culture, the reason why the foundation is supporting it. She added the exhibits are significant in giving tribute to a Cebuano master and for making people aware of the diversity of artistic expressions found in Cebu.

This is just the first of a series of retrospective exhibits that pays homage to a master in Cebu visual arts. "Cuevas: A Retrospective (Personal Memoirs and Influences)" was launched on May 5, 2012 at ACAS (Sacred Heart Parish)along D. Jakosalem Street, while "Cuevas: A Retrospective (Masterpieces and Rare Works)" will open on May 23 at the Cebu City Museum.

Next month, the concluding exhibit, whose title and content will be revealed later, will be launched in SM City Cebu.