HE HEADS an art group, she leads another. As a couple, they joined forces and merged their groups to make a beautiful collaboration.
Pastor Arthur and Miriam Bayles made their respective art groups as partners to launch “Duag sa Bakolod (Color of the Hills),” in celebration of the Women’s Month this March.
Pastor Arthur is the founder of Christian Artists Negrense Visual Arts Society (Canvas), while Miriam is the founder of Babayi.
Together, the 30 artists of both groups exhibited 60 paintings at the People’s House of Bacolod (formerly Bacolod Government Center) from March 10 to 15.
The rationale behind the title is the idea that “duag” or color is what characterized the Bacolod artists coming from these two groups, Pastor Arthur explains.
“Secondly, we acknowledge that women give color to life in the context of the creation of man,” he said.
Conversely, the city would be colorless if women are absent in the community, he adds.
From a historical perspective, Pastor Arthur says, “Bacolod" originally came from "Bakolod" or hills. The early settlers of this place were known as "Ang Minuro sa Bakolod" or the settlers on the hills.
We use the word Bakolod with a "K" instead of "C" and it should be read as ‘Bakulod’," he says.
The coined name "Duag sa Bakolod" is translated as “colors of the hills, giving an imagery of the historical rustic terrain of the city in its beautiful scenic environment, a nest of creativity and beauty,” Pastor Arthur says.
Aside from Pastor Arthur and Miriam, the artworks were done by Sony Golez, Dolly Gatuslao, Anita Feria, Nilda Claveraz, Leah Samson, Jasper Bayles, Daniel Bayles, Rodney Martinez, Ritchie Cuesta, Arthur Bayles, Rodney Martinez, Fred Juson, Orville Visitacion, Jojo Regollo, Ritchie Cuesta, Fe Sumagaysay-Cuesta, Daniel Bayles, Elijah Bayles, Karen Soberano, Jasper Bayles, Verlyn Lastierre, Mache de la Torre, Joan Honoridez, Bea Mocorro, Michelle Tupaz, Jing Torrecampo, Tex Romero, Jane Lizares, Chrysee Samillano, Carol Salvatierra,Ellen Kochoa and Paul Sumagaysay, and Councilor Jocelle Batapa- Sigue.
As the exhibit was composed of works of both men and women artists, Pastor Arthur says it did not focus on gender, but on women and their role in society.
The exhibit was held in cooperation with the Bacolod Arts and Culture Council, Bacolod City Tourism Office and Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on History, Arts and Culture.
Miriam says most of the 60 paintings on exhibit in “Duag sa Bakolod” will also be displayed at the Negros Museum starting March 20.
Still in celebration of the Women’s Month, the exhibit will be titled, “Inspiring Change,” in partnership with another art group, Arte Kuriti, and will open this Thursday, 2 p.m.