Abstracting identity and migration

CEBU, Philippines - Coming home elicits a newfound sense over how much can change between glimpses of moments, adding more value to the process of reacquainting oneself with what one had left from.

For Cebuano abstract expressionist Dennis "Sio" Montera, "In Situ: Abstracting Identity and Migration" is more than a homecoming exhibit and his 19th solo show - it also doubles as a primer on the gains that can be cropped from conscientious cultural diasporas.

Currently the featured show of Qube Gallery, "In Situ" features works which Montera crafted as a student - not as an academician - as the award-winning artist and educator is currently pursuing higher studies at the National Cheng Kung University, Institute of Creative Industries in Taiwan.

Exposing himself to contemporary Chinese art, the pieces that comprise the collection are molded from various experiences that delve into the duality in shifts of perspectives - telling and retelling Montera's dealings as a Filipinio in a foreign land, as an artist who sees the world through an 'Adam's Eye', as an educator who sheds off his academic garb to don the visage of a student.

Much like the implications of the old Latin phrase "in situ" - which loosely translates to "in place" - the exhibit's pieces are commentaries of the various places and experiences that have been perceived and experienced by Montera in his pilgrimage for higher studies - framed as visual tableaus that are rendered from an abstractionist's point of view.

It's long been said that part of the fun in any journey is in engaging in different 'what ifs' - to bring these engagements home to a full circle. "In Situ" documents Montera's forays with these 'what ifs' - as a prelude to what he plans to bring home to Cebu once he completes his journey in Taiwan.

The exhibit opened on August 19 and runs until September 7 in Qube Gallery at The Crossroads in Banilad. (FREEMAN)