Wednesday, July 23, 2008 Unique works of art in Bumanlag exhibit By Nelson C. Bagaforo
HE'S a Manilan but has decided to settle in Davao City that he called his second home -- where he has been showcasing art pieces he created.
These pieces of art, which he has worked on since 2005, are on display in the finest dwellings in some of the city's posh subdivisions, bought by their new owners at affordable prices.
But his latest artworks, about 30 of them, will be showcased as he mounts his second solo exhibit at SM City's Event Center, starting Thursday until July 30.
For 39-year-old Gil Bumanlag, his non-objective modern contemporary abstract paintings are an option to ethnic art of Davao's visual artists.
He said his work shies away from subjects commonly used by Davao's homegrown talents, such as the Waling-Waling, Philippine Eagle, tribal folks, and Mount Apo-which become favorite subjects of homegrown realists, impressionists, cubists, and expressionists.
This artist has successfully overcome the challenge to create an impressive and remarkable body of works with a unique mode of visual interpretation, a style he distinctly developed.
Bumanlag said his works never focused on a certain subject, making the art pieces unique with the "use of beautiful color schemes, heavy texture, and composition to create an artwork for the eyes' delight."
"There are no such literal characters in non-objective art. But such artwork is intriguing in the form, color, or composition," the artist said.
"In this kind of work, you always see something in it that reminds you of a familiar tangible object," Bumanlag added.
He said his works have already created a stir among art enthusiasts in the city and nearby provinces. It has also its own market.
"Most of my clients in the city are couples who have built their first homes. Coffee shop owners, too. They appreciate this kind of work as they look for art pieces that fit their homes and establishments," he told Sun.Star in an interview.
His natural talent and exemplary perseverance drove him to transcend geographical limitations and penetrate the art scene.
He mounted his first solo exhibit as an artist on March 16, this year, timed for the celebration of Araw ng Dabaw, in his gallery he set up beside his wife's clinic located at Metro Avenue Commercial Building on de Guzman St. (near Gaisano Mall of Davao). His wife, Aileen is a dermatologist. They are blessed with a five-year-old girl named Alyanna.
Bumanlag is an artist by heart. A self-taught abstract painter, he specializes in modern abstract painting using acrylic and whatever medium he could put his hands on for his paintings.
As an impressionist artist, he explores art to the fullest, working "to portray the beauty of the world in every way the imagination allows."
Bumanlag started to explore the world of art in 2005 after he failed to find a piece of artwork that fitted his family's new home in Davao City.
A nurse-turned-businessman, who has the talent to draw, he tried working on abstract paintings that he later on displayed in their home.
"My friends like it. They convince me to nurture my skills in painting, which I did," he said.
A few months later, he has developed a professional level of skill in abstract art painting.
He expanded his horizons to the world of arts, along with running his own medical and chemical supply business starting in 2001, the year he and his wife set foot in the city.
In 2007, due to high demand for his artworks, he stopped the business to concentrate on being a fulltime painter. His works were sold and displayed in many houses, offices, and coffee shops in Manila, Davao, and nearby provinces.
In March 2008, he set up his own gallery where he mounted his first solo exhibit.
