CEBU, Philippines – If one were hard pressed to prove that visual art in Cebu doesn't have a precarious relationship with relevance, bringing up the different art shows and art-themed events that are currently happening within the metro's bounds would quell the doubts of most.
Should a condensed summary of this month's omnibus of Cebu art gatherings fail to prove this point true, a #throwbackthursday of Cebu's visual arts scene would - surely - quell all doubts.
In living up to The Freeman's "Nobody Knows Cebu Better" and "Cebu keeps me going" slogans, following are the noteworthy art events in Cebu during this last quarter last year.
Exploring Three Centuries of Philippine Art
Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas Cebu; October 2-18, 2013
When Cebu's art and culture pundits initially heard about "Exploring Three Centuries of Philippine Art" last year, many didn't think that the works of some of the country's national artists would be the highlights of the exhibit - considering that reproductions have typically populated such shows in the past.
But as it turned out, Cebu had a big surprise when the actual works of visual art maestros Juan Luna, Felix Hidalgo, Fernando Amorsolo, Victorio Edades, Carlos "Botong" Francisco, Jose Joya and more went on display in the Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Cebu office.
Featuring 20 priceless masterworks from its extensive art collection, the BSP-spearheaded exhibit was one of the grandest art shows - if not the grandest - in Cebu last year.
Paco Gorospe: The Picasso of the Philippines
Qube Gallery at The Henry Hotel; November 12-28, 2013
More than 30 works by master artist Paco Gorospe Sy were showcased in the exhibit "Paco Gorospe: The Picasso of the Philippines" - Qube Gallery's featured show for the second half of November last year.
Bringing together a relevant sampling of the different techniques and styles the artist had immersed himself in during his lifetime, the show proved why Paco Gorospe Sy is widely regarded by certain art circles and cliques as the "Pablo Picasso of the Philippines."
From works that illustrate the varied assertions of enterprise to pieces simply intent on capturing beauty in all its forms, the show mainly "explained" why Gorospe's standing as one of the country's top artistic talents remains unfettered even a decade after his demise.
The ArtQuake Art Fair
Redemptorist Chruch grounds; November 17, 2013
Spearheaded by a group of Cebuano visual artists, church workers and volunteers, the one-day-only "ArtQuake Art Fair" was essentially a fundraiser meant to raise funds for stress debriefings and art-therapy workshops for the many affected by last year's string of natural calamities.
The art fair showcased pieces that were made by Cebu's established and on-the-rise talents - which included visual artists Palmy Pe-Tudtud, Radel Paredes, Raymund Fernandez, Felix Catarata, Josua Cabrera, Jojo Sagayno, Remy Rault and more.
Philippine Abstract Art Review
Qube Gallery at The Henry Hotel; November 30 to December 23, 2013
Qube Gallery's "Philippine Abstract Art Review" lived up to the metaphorical implications of its title - as it showcased the works of 24 Filipino masters of abstraction.
Curated by Dr. Reuben Ramas Cañete, the exhibit reminded viewers of abstraction's ties with progressive shifts and technological advances - the two creative slants which gained popularity after World War II.
"Reviewing" the works of creative talents across three generations, the show's roster of exhibiting artists included Pandy Aviado, Max Balatbat, Benjie Bisaya, Benjie Cabangis, Gary Custodio, Ed Defensor, Andrew de Guzman, Jane Ebarle, Jes Evangelista, Harry Mark Gonzales, Allain Hablo, Fitz Herrera, Raul Isidro, Jeline Laporga, Josef Laureano, Red Mansueto, Sio Montera, Rheo Nepomuceno, Demi Padua, Eghai Roxas, Karl Roque, James Salarda, Aner Sebastian and Javy Villacin.
Ginagmay'ng Tampo
2nd Level of the Ayala Center Cebu's new expansion; December 12, 2013 to January 8, 2014
There was nothing "gamay" (small) about Cebu Artists Inc.'s last art exhibit for 2013.
"Ginagmay'ng Tampo" presented a range of watercolors, oil and acrylic paintings, photographs, pen & ink illustrations and wood sculptures made by the members of the group.
The show was not steered by an all-encompassing theme, but it did manage to take a profound stance in balancing the differences between distance and immersion - alluding to the detached-yet-realistic narratives that's often perceived by an artist's discerning eye in his zeal for capturing beauty
The Language of Flowers
SM City Cebu Art Center; December 13-23, 2013
"The Language of Flowers" was more than just the first solo exhibit of artist Novereich Agustin - as it also stood as a declaration of how he finally found his creative center after years of searching for his creative identity.
Featuring a series of art deco and art nouveau works, handmade miniature face masks were the predominant elements of the show's presented pieces - each complemented by masterfully rendered lines, shades and tones.
Though the show had the world "language," its presentation was not exactly about imposing a specific message - but was rather about leading its viewers to the unseen lines that link art pieces with different points of view.