FRESH from his six-month globe-trotting US stint via art exhibitions in Vermont, New York early this year, Dabawenyo artist Bong Espinosa stages his comeback on Philippine shores as he holds his one-man permanent art exhibition at the Cubiyertos Uno Restaurant on F. Torres St. Davao City.

This was after his artworks were shipped back here from a Manila show last September at the Sulyap Kultura Gallery of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

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His comeback art show, simply entitled "Bong Espinosa On Exhibit: Past and Recent Works," is a wide collection of Espinosa's art spanning from his early years as an artist in the 80s up to his recent works showcased in the global art scene.

A growing admiration for the artist's undeniably sterling talent is clear with raves about him: "His natural talent and exemplary perseverance drove him to transcend geographical limitations and penetrate the international art scene."

His humble beginning as Dabawenyo artist relates his active participation in community art organizations. Initiating projects for the benefit of street children, Espinosa organized and facilitated the "Pandayan," a child and youth skills enrichment workshop in three key cities in Mindanao funded by the NCCA.

In recent years, he co-organized "Artisthood" with founding members from the US, Canada, and Philippines, undergoing "immersion trips" to B'laan, T'boli, and Manobo ethnic tribes in Glan, Bagumbayan, and Kulaman towns in late 2007.

More recent projects of the artist include his book illustrations, commissioned by non-government organization Tri-peoples Concern for Peace and Development in Mindanao (Tricom), and studies conducted by the organization related to indigenous mythology, beliefs, history, culture and tradition. He is truly an inspiration for younger artists, having participated in numerous national and international art gatherings, exhibitions, competitions, and congresses.

His international art sojourn began in 2002 when he became a finalist in the International Symbolists Juried Art show in Canada, followed by his participation in the 9th and 10th launches of the Internet International Art and Photo Contests in Japan in years 2003 and 2004.

Later he became more active in international group exhibitions: "Beyond the Barrelman" Juried International Show in Chicago, May 2005-2008 Annuals; "Phases of Eve" multimedia art group show presented by USA's Art Fix International, 2006.

Earlier this year, his works were also displayed in Time Frames: cross-culture exhibit in Washington, DC.

Early April, Espinosa was part of a four-week Asian Artist Fellowship and Residency Grant at the Vermont Studio Center, another art exhibition in Barbara White studio in Vermont.

After completing his Vermont residency, he spent another four months in a private residency program and had a solo exhibition in New Jersey.

The Dabawenyo artist was among over 600 painters, sculptors, and writers who trooped to Vermont, New York to share their manifold experiences in a variety of expressions articulating the universality of their distinct art making. They join "the prestigious roster of Dabawenyos who previously had their stint in Vermont and brought home productive experiences by working on their own creative areas and exchanging ideas with artists of similar high caliber."

His Orange, New Jersey exhibition entitled "Kagikan" (which means origins) elicited raves from art critics. Bong presents works from 2003 to 2008, including a piece he completed in Vermont that one may think of as a counterpart to the richly designed and intensely hued Gobelin tapestries from Paris, showcasing the themes of indigenous peoples, the preservation of heritage, and what the UN has focused on, promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

Espinosa is a bemedalled veteran with more than 10 solo exhibitions worldwide and around 40 group shows since he started his art career in 1988.

Espinosa's works are permanently on exhibit at Cubyertos Uno Restaurant at the Food Plaza on F. Torres St., Davao City which is open from 5 p.m. onwards daily.

For details, contact the artist at 09212628213 or the NCCA-Public Affairs and Information Office at 527-5529/ 527-2192 local 612-615 or log on to www.ncca.gov.ph.

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(December 3, 2008 issue)
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