Eloquent manipulation

CEBU, Philippines - It was a lazy Sunday afternoon as we made our way through the hills of Antipolo.  Our destination was tucked away somewhere in the vast green expanse: that jewel of a museum bestowed with the name Pinto.  The event: the newest one-man exhibit by sculptor Daniel de la Cruz, entitled Silent Eloquence.

The distance posed no problem for the stellar cast that made its way out from the enclaves of Manila.  Politicians headed by Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Grace Poe, celebrities like Edu Manzano and Richard Gomez, and diplomats like the Singaporean Ambassador all converged to witness Daniel's latest offering. 

Guests of honor included Speaker of the House Jose Belmonte,  Representative Lucy Torres and former Ambassador to the Philippines of the United States Harry Thomas. A host of other notables such as designer Patrice Ramos Diaz, political kingpin Reli German, and fashion plate Techi Hagedorn were also in attendance.

When the eco-friendly palm branches that served as ceremonial ribbons were parted, the crowd surged through and began snapping up the works.  Coveted pieces had triple reservations as many buyers tried hard to decide which piece they really liked the best.   Ranging from P80,000 to as high as P720,000, Daniel's sinuous pieces were still quick to sell out.

And yes, there were many works to love and desire.  For example, brass, stainless steel, copper and nickel were fashioned into a woman in the throes of what could be tango in de la Cruz's 'All I Have Left Behind', with her copper skirts blooming around her as she staggers against a wall with the force of her efforts.

There were several high wire acts, delicate balancing feats achieved by the artist, usually females holding each other in a bid for safety.  The aptly titled "I am My Faith" shows us what can be achieved when we put our lives, literally, in the hands of someone, and reminds us what trust is all about.

My own favorite were crawlers up a stuccoed wall in a piece entitled "To Live Through The Night".   This evoked a more visceral reaction, as this depicted a couple grappling their way up to freedom.  Or were they groping their way down from a cliff? 

Each piece showed dramatic tension, beautiful juxtapositions of poses and forms, the flair and verve that have made Daniel de la Cruz so popular among serious collectors.  Who would have known this college acquaintance from the University of the Philippines, who was not in an art program but instead, studying Philosophy would finally find his place in the sun in the field of arts?  

Never mind that he had no formal training.  Striking his own path through the design world, Daniel first found work in an industrial design firm, then gradually shifted to full time focus on creating, all before he was 40.  And now we are privileged to witness his creations, as Daniel shows us how masterfully he can manipulate inert forms into expressions of emotion.

With exhibits in South East Asia, it will not be long before we will count ourselves lucky to have encountered a national treasure in our midst. (FREEMAN)