Dominic Rubio and Michael Cacnio at Galerie Stephanie

MANILA, Philippines - Market vendors are a staple in Philippine genre art. Throughout the development of Philippine Modernism, the idyllic theme of vendors selling their wares has been subject to various forms of aesthetic distortion and abstraction to fit the temperament of the artist — the intention being to bring personal expression and emotion to a familiar motif. For Dominic Rubio and Michael Cacnio, the outlook is one of nostalgia. The two artists re-examine this Modernist standby and bring their own individual visions to the vendor theme in their latest exhibition, “Vendors,” at Galerie Stephanie in Libis, which opens on Oct. 1.  
These two artists are already well-familiar with the nuances involved in a classic Philippine motif. Their contribution to its development lies in imbuing their works with an inimitable sense of nostalgia. In Rubio’s practice, the nostalgia is brought forth in his treatment of the subjects and the colonial contexts he places them in.
Michael Cacnio takes a similar approach to his sculptural practice. Highly sought-after for his genre sculptures of brass and glass, Cacnio takes a wistful image of bygone time and asks his audience to reminisce about the idyllic life of the rural past.
An exceptional show that presents new works by the two established artists, “Vendors” manages to condense an important aesthetic approach and theme and mold them into the visions of two Masters.
Galerie Stephanie is located at Unit 1B Parc Plaza Building, 183 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue (C-5), Libis, Quezon City. For information, call (632) 709-1488.  Exhibit will run until Oct. 14.