Elements of element

ELEMENT” is a word that encompasses quite a broad scope, that is, talking about meaning.

ELEMENT could refer to the different parts of something or certain amount of quality or emotion. It could also be an important quality or feature of something. While another possible definition that it is a substance consisting of only one atom (chemical element).

However in this piece, element is basically a celebration of artistry and scenery dubbed as Element: Amara held in Ayala Center Cebu on June 22. More than being an engrossing photo exhibit that unravels the scenic landscapes of Amara—an Ayala community—it is also a beautiful fruit of the joint labor of three notable photographers.

Raul V. Arambulo, Estela Ocampo-Fernandez and Raymund L. Fernandez were the exhibitors lumped together by friendship and common passion for photography and the visual arts.

As narrated, this project was said to have humbly started as a simple conversation at a gathering in a friend’s place.

The agreement was to have a show that would possess a solid unifying theme to hold various crafts together while still allowing ample space for the exercise of diversity in expressing individualism. Then a trip to Liloan and snapshots of the sprawling landscape of Amara followed soon after.

The site was seen to have the promise of inspiration, with the inviting panoramic views that also offer opportunities to appreciate the elements of nature: water, wind, earth and fire. In this exhibit though, the highlight was drawn more to water, the sea, grassy fields, gardens and the famous Liloan lighthouse.

Hundreds of shots were taken, but only 12 were chosen to essentially relay the message the exhibitors wanted to convey. These photos were tactfully selected in order to fit together into an intelligible narrative that depicts the collective experience by the photographers while exploring the expansive boundaries of the place.

Raul is a professional photographer with a strong and varied portfolio in a range of categories including food style, lifestyle, design interiors, portraiture, travel as well as sorts of landscape. He has served many prominent clients in Cebu since the 1980s.

Around the same time, Raymond also started to venture into the fascinating world of photography while being a writer-photojournalist for varied local weekly magazines.

Eventually, this interest took him further into sharing the art of photography to students in the University of the Philippines.

Estela, the better half of Raymond, is currently the product development manager for Kenneth Cobonpue, a well-known furniture company. She was the one who picked the photos on display and is also serving as the curator of this photo exhibit which runs until July 8.

Of the many definitions left unmentioned about element, there is one that relates a lot to this event. It can be said that a person is in his element when he is in a situation that he enjoys most, and no doubt about it, these three photographers are definitely in their elements through Element: Amara.