|
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
High Fidelity
By Ritchie Landis Doner Quijano
THOUGH, essentially, it is a way to bare their fruitful relationship as painters.
The marriage of painters Ber Hermoso and Rita Piczon is, from the very start, complimentary and compatible, for they both share an undying passion for the arts.
Both first met as fine arts students at the University of the Philippines (U.P.). They are among the very few local art couples who have sustained their creative energies to a production peak after 16 years of being together.
After all the struggles they’ve been through—hurdling one trial after another, they’re celebrating their years of togetherness with an exhibition of the art they have nurtured over the years, now ongoing at the SM art center. They’ve fittingly entitled the exhibit “Couple’s Fidelity in Arts” on view this month of April. A display of what they truly cherish—they’re commitment to one another and to their art.
The couple is into representational painting, selecting subjects that are important and have certain significance in their lives—like scenes and landmarks of their hometowns. Ber hails from Danao city and Rita is from Sibonga in the south.
Though Rita’s works are heavy, suffused with detailed still lifes and texturing techniques that she sculpts on the artwork’s ground, much like how a bas-relief is made. Ber, on the other hand, shows his best in the execution of rare figural subjects. His mother and child themes are intimate and appealing, reminding us all that the familiar and innate are the easiest to relate to.
In contrast, Ber’s particular strength in rendering figures crowds his work with the activities of humble life, while that of Rita’s are very modest in handling peopled canvases, and so are often devoid of personages.
Yet, there is still a strong unity and cohesiveness in their sensibility towards each other’s art. Over all, their works complement each other, picture-perfect in quality and frame-worthiness.
Since most of their mentors at U.P. have already departed, (the late Martino Abellana, Julian Jumalon, Lucille Agas and Msgr. Virgilio Yap) they take this opportunity to honor them and acknowledge during the opening two remaining and living teachers who have helped mold their early artistic developments by having them as guests of honor.
These two influential professors are the surrealist Dulce Cuna Anacion and visual chronicler Carmelo Tamayo, who is known for his documentations of baroque churches and the “tartanilla”. Other guests were Jose Venancio Batiquin, Fr. Carmelo Diola, Haydee King and Amy de Pio. The couple’s long time friend and sculptor Jet Florendo participates as guest artist.
Part of the shows proceeds will be given to DILAAB, a Catholic movement for social transformation where Rita is an active supporter. Definitely a show to watch, it will set the right mood and example that will inspire and encourage other art couples out there to follow suit.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (April 18, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
