The colors of harvest

CEBU, Philippines - Harvest to me is the reaping of one’s hard work. It is the product of patience and perseverance to the tests of time. For many, it is always in relation to farming or fishing. But Last October 18, I’ve witnessed a different kind of Harvest. For the first time, I find myself covering an art exhibition by the Cebu Artists Incorporated (CAI) at the SM Art Center. It wasn’t just any ordinary art exhibit. It was something special to me since most of the prominent members of the group happen to be old art mentors, way back in my teen years.  The show was put up in line of the group’s 17th Founding Anniversary.

Seventeen years isn’t an easy accomplishment. In these times of digital invasion and the ever heavy visual entertainment these traditional craftsmen have managed to sail through rough waters. Having seen the group’s past exhibits, I have witnessed how the group grew, not as mere colleagues but as a family. Their goal seventeen years ago remains intact. CAI wants to use their talents to help develop art awareness within the community, as well as expand the professionalism among Cebuano artists.

The participating artists were Darby Alcoseba, Cesar Castillo, Pronnie de la Cerna, John Dinglasa, Guido Lubanga, Joseph Ong (photography), Renulo Pautan, Celso Duazo Pepito, Fe Madrid Pepito, Lurline Rodriguez and Sonia Yrastorza. Their show, as Celso said in his opening message, is simply a manifestation of the group’s gratefulness to its collectors, supporters and partners who have been very supportive of their mission.

Their paintings vary, but with the common theme they have created colorful worlds of co-existence. Some painted in classical Realism, which is quite very hard to do, as the respective painters capture life’s moment faithfully into their canvases. Others chose impressionism wherein only the essential forms and figures, as well as movement were given emphasis in free strokes. A few also ventured into expressionism, a modern approach in painting, more subjective & emotional in perspective. It completely disregards natural forms and physical realities. And lately the group is now considering to include photography.

These maestros are really blessed and gifted. It was magical to see their framed masterpieces. It’s astounding to see how they turn daubs of paint into marvelous representations of nature and humanity. It was so enthralling to ponder on colored strokes transforming into grass and gradually becoming vivid fields in magnificent landscapes. How a wash of cool-colored watercolors became skies and fluffy clouds. Or the spread of acrylics and oil paints became waves of a seascape over empty canvases.

These artists are just like our regular farmers and fishermen. Just like how fishermen worked so hard to get a good catch, it’s the same as obtaining the right mixture of hues and tones to apply whether it’s for a person’s skin or the color of a petal. As farmers carefully plant their crops in their fields, these artists exactly knew where to put their paint colors in the rights places to paint a picture in harmony. They create worlds in their minds and made them real on their canvases. But these creators are just ordinary people. They have families, they have their basic needs, and they have their own share of problems. And these genuine traits are greatly depicted in their works.

I believe that what CAI has achieved over the past years is a remarkable feat. Right now I’ve seen many new faces joining them. So that it is clear that Cebuano art is alive. As long as there are painters out there with the heart to continue the legacy of these brush workers, as long as there are people who appreciate the beauty of fine art, Art in Cebu will remain strong.

May CAI and other groups of Cebuano painters remain steadfast. I believe that through their works, they will continue to inspire as they share their knowledge and their love of life. This will always be every artist’s main subject. And in the end, every artist’s hope that everyone will see the harvest of Life’s blessings though art. (FREEMAN)