Cedrick Dela Paz's 'unconventional figurism' at Leon Gallery International
Many moons ago, palanggas, young social realist and one of the most sought-after contemporary artists, Cedrick Dela Paz, had his fifth solo exhibition, “Si Juan sa Ikatlong Mundo,” at León Gallery International.
Behind the show’s success was the continued fruitful partnership between DF Art Agency, represented by art impresario Derek Flores, and the country’s most trusted auction house León Gallery’s muy simpatico Jaime Ponce de Leon.
Interest in social realist art has grown exponentially throughout the years, with audiences across all generations, circles, careers and backgrounds banding together to appreciate such timely and relevant art.
The opening salvo of Dela Paz’s show was attended by his beloved family, fellow artists, art connoisseurs and collectors, esteemed business people, and other personages. Seen chatting were the elegant and chic Melot Sunga and London-trained designer Robbie Santos, who has a vast art collection, foremost of which is…ooops, my lips are sealed, dahlings.
Also spotted at the event were the beautiful next-gen business tycoon Cecile Ang, photographer to the stars and artist Mark Nicdao, co-founder of DLSU-Saint Benilde’s architecture program and former dean of the CSB School of Design and Arts Gerry Torres, ham queen Romana Go, Singapore-based executive Ken Chua, banker Jhong Dela Cruz, lawyer par excellence Tonico Manahan and his son Skippy, dashing French monsieur Geoff De Boissieu, master toy maker and designer Rommel Chua, best pals Mikey Tolentino and Patrick Co, mega collector and business magnate Jonathan Que, and businessman Paolo Perez with his inamorata Julia Cyrille.
Cedrick’s ever-supportive circle of family and friends were, of course, present, including his lovely half Rose Alcaide-Dela Paz and her twin sister Rosanna Alcaide.
Cedrick’s mates at Door 305 Collective Jojo Senense, Mark Laza, Arnel Natividad, Macj Turla, and Jenna Mae Garcis also came in full force. Promising DF Art Agency artist Tita Halaman was seen in the event; so were fellow social realist Melvin Culaba, Gary Custodio and Milmar Onal.
In the works showcased at the exhibition, Dela Paz revealed the harsh gospel truth behind “Juan dela Cruz.”
As the exhibition notes put it, Dela Paz “paints various images of the national personification of Juan dela Cruz, an office worker, jeepney driver, ice cream vendor, electrical lineman, barber, teacher, and tailor — and the various tools with which they perform their functions as members of the society.” They are rendered in the artist’s distinct style, which he coined as “Unconventional Figurism,” palanggas.
The notes continue: “This style enables De la Paz to authentically capture and unequivocally expose the harsh realities of Juan de la Cruz, void of any ‘Pinoy’ pride, downtrodden, enslaved, and distressed by their very sources of living. Being a social realist, Dela Paz’s creative virtuosity will never fade into the sands of time.”
Dahlings, we can’t wait to see what Dela Paz has in store for us for his succeeding creative excursions.
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