CEBU, Philippines - In Cebu’s roster of masters in the field of art and painting, Celso Duazo Pepito stands tall with his exceptional talent and inexhaustible imagination. His work is unique in that it is created with his emotions that allow the viewer to connect and relate to the stories told through the use of the brush.
As a fitting tribute to mothers on their special day, gifted artist Pepito recently staged his 35th solo exhibit entitled Homage to Mothers which brought to light the many facets of motherhood in the Filipino culture.
Held at the beautifully landscaped Montebello Villa Hotel, the guests of honor were Erlinda Boiser Ramos, and her daughter Regina Ramos, both accomplished and well-respected lawyers.
Pepito belongs to the illustrious line-up of the University of the Philippines Cebu College’s Fine Arts graduates who have excelled in their pursuits.
His paintings reflect moments of joy, serenity and contentment in a mother’s life. He uses all available colors and highlights or subdues them by a balanced application of light and shade. Fine line, pronounced form, structure and light collectively make up the defined value of his work.
Born in 1956 in the northern tip of Cebu, Daanbantayan, he however grew up in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. In his younger days, he reaped the Artist of the Year award in his school which paved the way for him to further explore the intricacies of visual art.
Pepito was under the tutelage of Martino Abellana, a Cebuano painter from Carcar who was known as “The Dean of Cebuano Painters". His penchant for cubism was highly influenced by Vicente Manansala, a National Artist of the Philippines in Visual Arts. However it was Tito Cuevas who encouraged and inspired him to become a professional artist. (FREEMAN)