A collective offering

HIS latest batch of works could be the result of his faith in God and a new-found endearment for an English rock band. “I’m listening to a lot of Pink Floyd these days.

A favorite would be ‘Wish You Were Here,’” the artist beams.

Very interesting, noting that artist Celso Duazo Pepito would probably be already in his late 50s—wait, Pink Floyd is an old band. So it wouldn’t be anything new to see the man listening to some music that was big on the radio during his day. Blame it on the ‘hipster mentality’ these days.

“Of course, I’ve always known about the band. It’s just that lately I’ve found a deeper appreciation for their work.”

A master of cubism in his own right, Celso, a founding member of the art group Cebu Artists Incorporated (CAI) have put up an art exhibit with the group at the Banilad Town Centre (BTC). Launched Jan. 16, the exhibit dubbed as “Halad” was put up as an “offering” for members of the art group to “co-celebrate” the Sinulog Festival that recently transpired.

Aside from Celso’s works, people can see a mixture and a variety of styles from both Cebu’s veterans and newcomers in the visual art scene in this exhibit. From works that range under the disciplines of impressionism, realism, cubism—plus even a few installation pieces.

The featured artists are Gil Maningo, Jojo Sagayno, Sonia Yrastorza, Darby Alcoseba, Evan Bejec, Josua Cabrera, Cesar Castillo, John Dinglasa, Jess Dinglasa, Reynan Dingal, Jason Dy, S.J., Pong Espinosa, Guido Lubanga, Rick Maranga, Joseph Ong, K Paler, Radel Paredes, Renulo Pautan, Fe Madrid Pepito, Celso and Ruel Rosello.

According to CAI founding member Celso, veterans that make up the line-up of exhibiting artists would only be around 30 percent. The rest are fairly new in the scene with talents that show promise. CAI considers itself as a group that’s bent more on developmental pursuits; developing new local artists, new artworks for the community. It’s a belief for the skill level of Cebuanos.

“We’re definitely thankful to BTC for having us here,” shared Celso about the venue.

The exhibit runs until Feb. 10. The presence of commercial galleries has always been “a challenge here in Cebu.” But Celso says they are very grateful for private establishments who offer their help in “promoting art” as well.

Although the artworks displayed in the exhibit are not all images that depict religious themes or representations of the Sr. Sto Niño, the group sees their output still as a fitting offering. Rather than an upfront showcase of religiosity and faith, it rather is a display of the talents that has been divinely bestowed upon these select few.

For Celso who’s just recently had a successful two-man show in New York, USA, the year 2013 is a new chapter in his life that seems to show, that this novel about an artist has no signs of ending soon. “I was very encouraged at the turnout during the show in the US. Now I can’t seem to stop painting.”

Perhaps it now is a common sight to see Celso these days, after battling with the canvass and the ideas in his head for hours; he would lay his brush aside with his hand, comfortably numb.