An orange environment

CEBU, Philippines - Bacolod seems to be positioning itself as the art capital of the south, as a new complex that’s straightforwardly named as The Art District opens its avenues to the public.  Mixing bars, cafes, a language school and boutiques, the new complex is obviously driven by a dedicated patron, as it builds upon the existing sculptures (notice the robots and the giant billiard balls) and its anchor tenant, the Orange Gallery.  The vibrant buzz in the district provides great atmosphere for Orange, as surely, more art lovers wend their way to the sugar capital.

Orange is getting to be known as the creative powerhouse of Bacolod.  Carrying as it does internationally sought-after artists like Charlie Co and multi-talented geniuses like Dennis Ascalon, this center has been instrumental in bringing to the attention of imperial Manila new and exciting young talent.  But, not only is its focus the nurturing of talent, other, worthwhile causes likewise receives Orange’s support.

This summer, for example, the gallery combines its focus with environmental consciousness.  In tandem with the Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation as well as the Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation, Orange launched a fund-raising exhibit that showcased not just the prodigious talent of the local artists, but their hearts as well.

Headlining the exhibit was Charlie Co, with his whimsical “Dreaming Danjugan on the Turtle’s Back”.  Here, a Negros lass decked in a crown and flowers clutches the moon, while perched safely on top of a turtle’s firm shell. She perhaps dreams of a greener future, while surrounded by piscine creatures and, of course, and in keeping with the theme, colourful coral reefs.

Not to be outdone, Inquirer’s exciting new artist for 2010 Raymond Legaspi offers a new twist to his fat women series with his aptly (and tongue-in-cheek) named “2 Clowns.” His fish duo is garnered with pearls and a little bit of clown make-up, while playing in the deep blue.  Raymond then scatters magical flecks throughout his canvas, as a green horizon beckons from the distance.

Dennis Ascalon’s tribute is surprising, a fresh take from the always imaginative artist. Dennis discards his old subtly-hued oil canvases for bits of crystals and glass, arriving at a gleaming mosaic that is a bit antiseptic, yet attractive.  A purple ichthus with green fins looms across and dominates the entire frozen acrylic frame, perhaps emphasizing the importance of wildlife over the shiny material needs of humanity.

In a simpler ode to nature, Junjun Montelibano contributes ‘Nightingale,’ with a simple yet strong narrative.  Here, a wide-eyed heroine is armed with a book and accompanied by her hound, drifting down a wide river.  But her single-minded determination to have alone time is interrupted, and her attention is arrested, by the warbling of a sweet nightingale. 

Young master Roderick Tijing offers two surrealist interpretations.  Both feature turtles, but in completely opposite sizes.  The first (Turtle Dreaming) showcases a gigantic sapphire and emerald monster, while a wee bit of an elephant swims alongside it and a corpselike figure floats along.  The second (In the Arms of Sleep VI) depicts a tiny turtle cradled by a diver (and we see the toy elephant hovering inconspicuously in the background, together with Tijing’s trademark castle.)

And still, there are more wonders to marvel at, just as nature offers a bounty of wonders.  “The I Revolution” by Gwen Decena is a quiet statement that may be a bit overshadowed by the stronger-hued canvasses by her peers, but seen by itself, this piece ably draws one’s attention, offering subtle colorations that entrance the viewer. In the same quiet vein is “Da Nyag sa Hunasan” by PG Zoluaga, and Oscar Nava’s black and white renditions are quirky pieces that effectively deliver their message.

All in all, the exhibit is a fulfilling collection that completely justifies a trip to Bacolod. Never mind the hustle and bustle of the week, the frenetic pace and the frenzied meetings.  All those will melt away upon landing at the newly-built Silay airport.  And, the ultimate icing on the cake, the visual feasts that await at the Orange, will surely set matters (not to mention one’s environmental priorities) straight.