Art for Bohol

CEBU, Philippines - The successful run of Art for Bohol – Qube Gallery's most recently staged art exhibition – proves that Cebu's artists and art lovers aren't numb to life's realities, a stark contrast to the "unrealistic" inclinations many have banded and ingrained into the visual arts field.

Held last October 25 and 26 in Qube Gallery at the Henry Hotel, the exhibit - as its name would already imply - was essentially a benefit fundraiser intended to help the victims of the October 15 earthquake, with its overall organization and presentation spearheaded by Cebu's Qube Gallery, Islands Souvenirs and StreetKonect.

Showcasing a diverse selection of works made by on-the-rise and established talents, Art for Bohol's presented pieces essentially covered the wide spectrum known to encompass the visual arts field, putting the spotlight on abstract expressionist-themed photographs, digitally rendered illustrations, rough-but-gracefully made sketches and paintings made by Cebu's master artists Kimsoy Yap, Javy Villacin, Dennis Montera and more.

With no umbrella theme hovering over and inhibiting its exhibiting artists, Art for Bohol managed to be more than a humble benefit fundraiser that took less than a week to organize, with its organizers and participating artists keen on heralding art's scope and bounds in being of service to those in need.

As it is often said that there is no such thing as art - only artists, the notion that art doesn't' anchor itself to reality is also quite popular, with art and reality often likened to the day-to-day dynamic of a husband and wife whose lives run parallel to but are insulated from one another.

Art for Bohol – in its short two-day run – proves that that particular notion is simply a dogged dogmatism that doesn't hold solid structure, stature and form. (FREEMAN)