Countries: frame by frame

ONE'S surroundings can easily influence an individual’s perception of how life operates. What fishes would deem a normal environment where they thrive in would actually rob people of air and drown the latter.

Art in a way is no different. St. Augustine of Hippo would say, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” That said, perhaps the chances of an author writing from his own experience would be very likely.

Maybe, one has to see to draw. One has to hear to say. One has to feel for himself a gripping emotion, so he could channel it into some creative output that could touch others.

As for traveling and seeing more of the world, this art exhibit at Montebello Villa Hotel at Banilad, Cebu City makes it a lot easier. A plan between Asian artists that was in the works since 2008 came into fruition and thus the exhibit Kita: The Philippines/Indonesia Art Exchange was launched.

Representing the Philippines would be Darby Alcoseba, Epifanio Atencia, Adler Llagas, Radel Paredes and Celso Pepito. The guests from Indonesia are Antonius Kho, Wayan Linggih, Made Somadita, Syahrizal Koto and Ade Artie Tjakra.

The styles depicted vary greatly in this exhibit. From representational works, to a few abstract pieces; even sculptures were present. There isn’t much of a difference between the execution of medium and message in the sense that both places these artists hail from are just neighboring countries in Asia. But yes, if a person takes the time to observe the art and think, he’d be treated to a view of what a particular country is like in a single frame.

The show runs until June 13 here in Cebu before moving to the Exhibition Center for Contemporary Art Gallery in Valle Verde, Pasig City on June 16-21. After completing the shows here in the Philippines, the exhibit goes abroad will also be available for viewing at Gaya Art Space in Bali, Indonesia on June 30-July 7.