Tales of the world

Monday, February 6, 2012

ART crumbles down the barriers brought about by language, culture, and distance. It is a timeless mode of expression used by many, that which has allowed people to better understand one another in spite of differences.

In the fifth Cultural Confluence exhibit of the Cebu Artists Inc. (CAI), this astonishing power of art is once again highlighted as painters from different parts of the world converge. Not only was it a display of the best of Cebuano artistry, but also of impressive artworks hailing from Davao, Malaysia, and France.

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CAI founder Celso Duazo Pepito said in his opening message that the Cultural Confluence series is “a great opportunity to know other cultures through their paintings.” Indeed, the artworks are a peek of the images unique or prevalent in the artists’ homelands.

The first Cultural Confluence exhibit was held on Sept. 14, 2010 in Cebu. Since then, they have had succeeding exhibits in Cebu, Davao, and Paris. The current exhibit is at JCentre Mall in Mandaue City and will run until February 20.

Cultural Confluence 5 presents works done by twelve artists, namely, Darby Alcoseba, Cesar Castillo, Pronnie De La Cerna, Janiz Chan, Quennie Chow, Bruno Dider, John Dinglasa, Guido Lubanga, Julbert Marañon, Melver Mercado, Renulo Pautan, Celso Pepito, Fe Madrid Pepito, Karren Pepito, Lito Pepito, Ritchie Quijano, Remy Rault, Rocky Sandalo, Aida Uy Sze, Josie Tionko, Antonio Vidal, and Sonia Yrastorza.

Sonia, CAI’s president, shares that her painting “Gift of Music” pays tribute to the musicality of the Cebuano. “That’s actually my husband’s guitar,” she says. Sonia is not a guitar player herself, but she praises this object as a very significant image of Cebu.

Davao artist Josie Tionko has been painting images of nature for over thirty years.

“It is an extension of my spirituality,” she shares. She is particularly known for her works depicting the lush colors of flowers. Josie then discloses that she is on a personal mission to paint the life of St. Theresa of Avila, who will be celebrating her 5th Centenary in 2015.

The Cultural Confluence is a chance for everyone to have a glimpse of the tales and stories that happen in other places. Take joy in seeing similarities such as in Aida Uy Sze’s “Food Cart,” or learn new things from unfamiliar sights like Janiz Chan’s “Share Light” or Bruno Dider’s “Missing Dylan.”

One doesn’t need a travel guide to go through this multicultural exhibit. Art, as mentioned, can simply be understood by all.