Over 500 artists from different parts of the region gathered in Ayala Center Cebu from Sept. 15 to 17, 2023 to celebrate Tubô Art Fair 2023.
The three-day extravaganza not only showcased the extraordinary talents of diverse artists but also offered a platform for profound discussions on the intersection of art and environmental advocacy.
A canvas of diversity
The sprawling venue was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors and creativity as an eclectic array of artworks was lined up for display. The art pieces, crafted from a myriad of mediums including painting, mixed media, sculpture, acrylic, watercolor, drawing, charcoal, and even installations, formed an awe-inspiring tapestry of human imagination. Tubô Art Fair 2023 was not just an exhibition; it was an immersion into the diverse world of artistry.
‘Tubô Talks’: Where ideas flourished
As an opener, “Tubô Talks: The Role of Art in Environmental Advocacy” brought together revered artists PG Zuluaga, Gerabelle Rae, Mel Araneta, and Cling Vega to share their insights and experiences on how art can serve as a powerful tool for sustainability.
According to Valencia-based artist Gerabelle Rae, art can also be used as a catalyst for activism. She drew parallels to Michelangelo’s masterpiece, “David,” originally intended as a religious sculpture but now an enduring symbol of civic activism against the formidable Medici family of Florence, Italy.
Different “Tubô Talks” happened throughout the three-day fair, such as “Art Handling” by Les Tamacio, “Introduction to Artistic Photography: Capturing Art through the Mobile Lens” by Jan Tadoyo, “The Art of Giving Back” by Frank Nobleza and Kenn Manatad, and “Defining Your Practice as a Multidisciplinary Artist” by Jovi Neri, Januar Yap, Junrey Alayacyac, and OJ Hofer.
From 50 to 500: A blooming haven
Tubô Art Fair has come a long way since its inception in 2018 when it modestly featured 50 artists. Fast forward to 2023, and the event has bloomed into a huge gathering of more than 500 artists. It has emerged as the ultimate platform for local talents to exhibit their creativity in multifarious forms.
Cling Vega, who hails from Iligan City, expressed her gratitude to the organizers of Tubô Art Fair for holding the event, where both artists and art-enthusiasts alike can get together and celebrate art.
Mel Araneta, a Bacolod-based artist, hopes to make an installation made of the waste materials collected during the fair and create an interactive sculpture for next year.
As the event grows bigger year by year, it promises to be a beacon of creativity, sustainability, and enlightenment. It will continue to foster a community of artists committed to crafting a better, more beautiful world through their creations.
