A luminous moment has heralded a pioneering move for Cebu’s cultural scene. For the first time, the city welcomes an art exhibition with its constellation of revered National Artists, contemporary luminaries and a treasury of ethnographic treasures.
Arthaland, the Philippines’ leading green property developer, is joining forces with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to unveil “Udtong Tutok: Art at High Noon” at the Cebu Exchange Tower located in Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City. This unique exhibition, at the intersection of art and sustainability, promises to redefine the Philippine cultural landscape.
With sustainability as its guiding principle in all endeavors, “Udtong Tutok” is a tribute to the convergence of diverse cultures, highlighting the significance of tensions, contradictions, affinities and continuities in shaping collective imagination and creativity.
“We eagerly anticipate the artistic treasures CCP has in store for all of you. Udtong Tutok promises to be a unique experience set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Cebu Exchange,” said Ma. Angelina Magsanoc, Arthaland vice president.
Beyond being an art showcase, it serves as a melting pot of ideas, virtues, values and introspection. “Udtong Tutok: Art at High Noon” is poised to chart new territory for Filipino creatives and cultural workers.
The exhibition also puts the spotlight on regional cultures’ role in Philippine art. By liberating artworks from the confines of the CCP and taking them to different regions, “Udtong Tutok” introduces these masterpieces to new audiences. It encourages passersby to engage with the art, sparking dialogues and exploration of fresh perspectives.
Cebu plays a significant role in this narrative, where “Udtong Tutok” seeks to initiate a discourse on Philippine modern and contemporary art. It pays homage to the legacy of national artist Jose Joya, who played a vital role in establishing Cebu’s inaugural fine arts program outside of Manila in 1975. His visits to Cebu catalyzed cross-cultural exchanges, shaping a new direction in Cebuano art.
“This is the first time that the art collection of the CCP has traveled far out of Manila to Cebu. CCP has projects here mostly performances, musical performances but this is the first time that the art collection has come to Cebu. It is seldom that we see these important works of Philippine Art in Cebu and it has always been our concern as educators of Philippine art that our students, the public, and the Cebuanos don’t have access to these important works of Philippine art. This exhibition would therefore give the Cebuanos the rare opportunity to look at works of our national artists,” said Jay Nathan Jorre, exhibit curator.
Cebu’s reputation as a hub of artistic encounters continues to inspire artists to manifest their creativity in forms that genuinely express their passions and beliefs.
“Udtong Tutok: Art at High Noon” features an impressive lineup of artworks, including contributions from National Artists such as Napoleon Abueva, Federico Alcuaz, Benedicto Cabrera, Ang Kiukok, and Jose Joya, among others. Additionally, the exhibition also includes a fascinating collection of ethnographic objects representing diverse ethnolinguistic groups, including Bagobo, Blaan, Bontoc, Gaddang, Ifugao, Ilongot, Itneg, Kalinga, Mandaya, Manobo, Maranao and T’boli.
“Udtong Tutok: Art at High Noon” is an opportunity to witness the transformative power of art and culture from Sept. 15 until Oct. 12, 2023.