LAST June 18, Dennis “Sio” Montera opened his solo exhibit wittily called “One Man Sio,” a riveting display that gathered viewers to revel in appreciation of abstract expressionism, and of his works that are praised for its careful craftsmanship and gripping messages.
IN THE official statement released by curator Vinnie Tan, Sio’s works were described as ones that defies the present trend of modest abstraction.
Sio uses alternative media such as acrylic-based textures and oxidized asphalt in building the tactile surfaces, and acrylic layers for its enhancements. “The exhibit exudes the intuitive yet rational decision-making process of creating a painting,” the statement said.
Literally and figuratively, the biggest piece in the collection was “My Sun Sets Only To Rise Again,” a creation so dear to the artist. The title is borrowed from a quote by poet Robert Browning, and was used by Sio as his way of immortalizing how he and his relatives overcame the tragedy that struck his hometown in Leyte late last year.
Sio said the tragedy taught him the true value of life, and provided him with a meaningful, spiritual experience from being able to give refuge and comfort to others.
“This is my tribute to those who were affected,” he said. “Through this painting, I want to speak of the resiliency of the Filipinos and the importance of loving each other unconditionally.”
Apart from being a commemoration of recent Sio’s works, the exhibit also stood as celebration of the artist’s more than a decade of being in the creative industry. Tan noted, “Introspectively, the exhibit showcases various composition techniques he has mastered over the years, providing an avenue for reexamination of his growth in the field.”
Sio is presently an associate professor in the fine arts department of the University of the Philippines Cebu College, and has numerous awards, distinctions and active leadership involvement in various art groups.
Just the previous month, he was also appointed managing director of Qube Gallery. With his new post, Sio said, “I want to highlight and give exposure to young artists, especially marginal artists from Visayas and Mindanao, and present their collections to the Cebu crowd.”
Qube Gallery is located on the ground floor of The Henry Hotel in Maria Luisa Rd., Banilad, Cebu City. It is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. One Man Sio runs until July 16.