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Tuesday, October 25, 2005
More art as the Art Republic opens
By Kathy Villalon Cinco
(Part One)
LATELY, this column has focused mostly on art instead of parties. It is because this writer believes that art has to be given importance and the artists and their rare passion be recognized.
Last Friday, Ilonggo artists were again given boost when Art Republic opened at Robinsons Place Iloilo. This is the biggest step in honoring our very own, regardless of group affiliation or style, since the successful holding of Arte Ilonggo in another mall last month.
Art Republic provides an accessible venue for Ilonggo artists' works to be witnessed as this comprises half of the wing of the third floor of Robinsons Place Iloilo.
Comprising the gallery are the Gallerie Artesons composed of Ritche Baylon, Erwin Chiongson, Dante Aguirre, Angelo Duarte, Momo Dalisay, Voltaire Fernandez, Nelson and Pam Ferraris and Erwin Sabio; C' Calleria composed of Levy Salmon, Paulo Cabales, Prof. Ramon Sanares, Wilfredo Sy, Jhonny Liwanag, Mylen and Nikki Salmon; Gina Apostol Garcia's Gallery; Verneil Visitacion's Gallery; Angelo Moleta and Rene Peconcillo's Gallery; Brownman Gallery by the Busilak Artists Group composed of Jomari Moleta, Voltaire Fernandez, Nona Lasaga, Marlon Penetrante, Mike Moleta, Richard Rull and Eugene Cichon; and Hangaway composed of Mario Magno, Ronie Apines and Efraim Alfaras.
About time
Erwin Chiongson has been a virtual artist for the past 25 years but for a long time, he's more known as a fitness and health buff, being the owner of Winners Gym. Seeing Chiongson's artworks of glass formed into blocks with a faucet as their main element was a 'wow!' experience. “It's about time,” this writer said to herself. Yes, it's about time that Chiongon's rare artistry is witnessed by all.
Dante Aguirre, an Ilonggo who is an architect and interior designer in Manila, has finally diversified by featuring his glass art. Aguirre revealed that whenever he makes a house, he would always leave a trademark of his - a glass art.
Again, it's about time that another Ilonggo creates something different. His glass art will be on display at the Art Republic for a month.
Consistent
The consistency of Erwin Sabio in portraying one's daily chores through pastel or watercolor is impressive. He's one of this writer's personal favorites.
Angelo Duarte never fails to impress, either. He is an architect, a visual artist, designer and art instructor. In fact, he's into performance art, too. He's Iloilo's pride and his latest achievement was being nominated for the Thirteen Artist Award by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Pg Zoluaga, another Ilonggo who also makes waves in the national arena, never fails to awe an art lover. This writer's favorite is his Dinagyang Spirit, although this is not his recent work. This piece portrays beer as the icon of the celebration instead of the Child Jesus. Anybody who has witnessed Dinagyang can agree that his portrayal has a hint of truth in it. More people look forward to the celebration with drinking and parties in mind more than its religious aspect.
A woman’s touch
Gina Apostol's gallery features her paintings on canvas and clothes, carvings and necklaces. This founder of Clayworks Ceramics, Panubli Arts and Crafts, member of Ilonggo Producers Association and art instructor is perhaps one of the most versatile and active women artists around. In fact, she's already concocted some art festivals that we can look forward to. There's the Festival of Art Lamps on December 16 to 31 and Celebration of Churches: Clay Sculptures of Famous Panay Churchest on January 20 to February 31, 2006. All these at her gallery at the Art Republic.
What are the other artists up to? More of this on part two of this column . . . soon.
(October 25, 2005 issue)
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