"Colorvision"

CEBU, Philippines - New vistas of reality stand out as the stellar hallmarks of "Colorvision," where the representational and process-oriented inclinations of visual artist Jesse Rona exalt the triumphs of beauty in literal shades and hues.

 Currently on display in the 2nd Level of the Ayala Center Cebu, the exhibit brings together more than 20 acrylic-based pieces made by the Cebu-based artist - whose attention to detail and disciplined handling of the brush evokes how art can never be made with paltry half-hearted convictions.

 Going against the popular contemporary art scene's predilection for social commentaries, "Colorvision" manages to leave audiences with a positive aura - steering clear from the clumsy translucence one can gain from after-school confessionals or the revelations one can cull from spending too much time overanalyzing timely events and situations.

 Though creative testimonies of fact can be molded from looking into the corrosive qualities of the signs of the times, the show's exhibiting artist opts to create and feature art pieces that are not made for analysis or debate - but are simply made for viewers to appreciate.

 Working with a rich cache of color palettes, linear curves and fluid hues, Rona's playful exploration in the creation of art is evident in "Colorvision," a quality which readily points to his passionate heart and creative center.

 The exhibit runs until tomorrow, August 15.

Dance Workshop with Top Artist

Ballet Philippines' Principal Dancer Richardson Yadao came to town to conduct a 3-day Workshop in Classical and Modern Ballet on August 1-3, upon the invitation of Cebu Centre for Dance.

 It was truly a marvellous experience for the students to have been given the opportunity to be taught by one of the country's great talents.  His love and passion for dance were apparent in the way he taught. He was always eager to impart his knowledge as well as give advice to the students. 

 Richardson had performed lead roles in such ballets as Vicente Nebrada's "Our Waltzes," Bam Damian's "Evacuation," Paul Morales' "Tales of the Manuvu" and Alden Lugnasin's "Bungangsakit."  In 2010, he was nominated for Outstanding Featured Male Performer for his portrayal as Captain Hook in Edna Vida's "Peter Pan" and in 2013 he got an award for Most Outstanding Lead Dancer in a Modern Production for his role as Rama in Alice Reyes's "Rama Hari," both Gawad Buhay Awards. 

 He also danced the role of Albrecht in Nonoy Froilan's "Giselle," Oberon and Demetrius in Carlo Pacis's "Midsummer Night's Dream, and Bonifacio in "Rock Supremo." Richardson played Emilio Aguinaldo in the recently staged and critically-acclaimed "La Revolucion Filipina" last July 25-27 at the CCP Main Theater, a fourth re-staging based on Apolinario Mabini's memoir of the revolutionary movement that he wrote while he was in exile in Guam. The masterpiece performance was a collaboration of the country's legendary artists, like Agnes Locsin, Ryan Cayabyab and Dennis Marasigan, just to name a few. Yadao's performance was deemed powerful and poignant which not only resonated in his movements and bearing but also in his voice as his character, Aguinaldo, did a lot of dialogue in the production. 

 Richardson Yadao is really a Pinoy pride, an inspiration to dancers and art enthusiasts everywhere.  Cebu Center for Dance is inviting more artists like Yadao. Just yesterday, August 13, they had internationally-renowned artists Candice Behlert and Ernest Mandap conduct a workshop on contemporary dance and jazz. 

 To inquire about upcoming workshops at the Cebu Center for Dance, one may call Rina at 416-9637, or visit the CCD studio at Door 4, Tango Plaza Bldg, Queen's Road, Cebu City. (FREEMAN)