CEBU, no matter how small the island is, has many secrets and is full of surprises.
The Queen City’s art history still needs to be further unearthed. While contemporary Cebuano art is an amalgam of all things complicated and sophisticated, it still needs to be thoroughly documented.
Among the hundreds of artists out there, here’s one whose art and career transcend the multiples of artistic styles that come and go over the years. Chicoy Romualdez, the 44-year-old painter, could be one of Cebu’s best-kept secrets. For even his aunt, Rep. Imelda Marcos, only realized that there is a painter in her family when she attended Chicoy’s art exhibit opening.
Chicoy is back, fresh from his first solo painting exhibit at the Rico Renzo gallery in Bel-Air, Makati. His solo debut, titled “Kasilayan ng sining,” was composed of 27 paintings, although we only have one sample.
In “Red Trade,” the bright dot of color surrounded by the sepia background draws the eye into the canvas. His series of paintings on doorknobs was particularly symbolic.
Perhaps those doorknobs will open to another world or dimension. After all, the art world is oneof endless possibilities.