Art of respect

WORTHY of note are those works that provoke one’s thought, but divine are those that kindle reverence.

Pondering upon those words will lead one’s attention to a fascinating art collection courtesy of an artist notable not only in Cebu. Through the support of Qube Gallery, he brought together an exhibit he proudly calls “Anthony Fermin: Tribute to Sinulog 2013,” needless to spell out his name.

He was born in Manila but is well-traveled and is also known in Dumaguete, Bacolod and San Carlos City, among the many places he has been to. He likes to consider himself a true Visayan at heart. For more than 15 years as an artist, he has garnered various accolades from various institutions, here and abroad.

Sans formal training, he started out by capturing the most basic aspect and lesson of art by himself. From realism, he eventually transitioned to different styles until he reached the realm of modern art. This is now the foundation of this exhibit, apparently paying homage to the Mother of Festivals.

Fermin refers to the artworks as a pool of modern art pieces that play somewhere between the lines of naïve and folk art. These are considered naïve in the sense that they evoke innocence, simplicity and purity yet colorful while folk art on account of dealing with social and cultural aspects of life.

“Ang nakalahi ani, first time nako nagpagawas ug black series,” explained Fermin, though he prefers calling the portion of the collection as “Itom Series,” to give the title a Cebuano touch. He went on to say, “If tan-awn nimo, simple ra but mao na ang lisod kon unsaon pag-balance sa contour, unsaon nimo paghatag og life sa painting nga black ang color.”

Should anyone find irony in his portrayal of what should be a more festive an event, Fermin is fast in countering that curiously, the gloomy shade somewhat gives him energy. Instead of a lonesome mood, he finds a sort of verve in the challenge posed before him.

This exhibit showcases around 26 paintings, prepared and worked on for about five months. Even so, this is not the first time he set up a one-man show since he has had more than 25 of those charged to his experience.

Fermin has all pieces kept equally close to his heart. In other words, he regards them all as his favorite, owing to the fact that each piece articulates a particular story each time.

An example of that is the one entitled “Sinulog,” which is a recollection of how women used to dance to a certain rhythm that was later traced the origin of the festival.

Using acrylic on board are the “Trisikad,” “Tartanilla,” “Tartanilla II,” “Guitara I,” “Guitara II,” “Puso II,” “Cathedral Bell Tower,” “Boljoon Bell Tower” and “Viva Senyor Sto. Niño!”

Using acrylic on paper are the “Basilica Bell Tower,” “Sto. Niño,” “Magellans Cross,” “Puso I,” “Danggit I” and “Danggit II.”

Using aquarelle on board are the “Sabong,” “Panabong,” “Skipping Rope,” “Carcar Bell Tower,” “Alegria Bell Tower,” “San Fernando Bell Tower” and “Pardo Bell Tower.” Using acrylic on canvas are “Vision on Theater,” “Magellans Cross,” “Boljoon Church” and “Sinulog.”

True enough, Fermin is a multimedia artist. He is someone who knows not only how to come up with laudable masterpieces but through the different strokes of his brush, he also takes every opportunity to express his “art of respect.”

“Sinulog 2013” art exhibit by Anthony Fermin runs until Feb. 2 at the CAP Art Center, Osmena Blvd., Cebu City.