Tigum-tigum: Kita-kita

CEBU, Philippines - There's an enlightening aspect inherent in the art exhibit "Tigum-Tigum, Kita-Kita."

This aspect can't be discerned by looking at the individual works that complete the show, but can be embraced by heartily perceiving the exhibit as one work of art - a work that's all about beauty and where it can be found; not crass theatrics and flirtations with misguided clichés.

Opening on July 30 and ongoing until the end of August at the second level of the Banilad Town Center, the exhibit brings the works of Cebu's established and up-and-coming visual artists together in one venue.

Featuring still lifes and portraits that are set next to landscapes and expressionist paintings, the show adheres to the familial implications that are metaphorically tied with its title - functioning as an avenue where the works of different artists converge as equals.

In "Tigum-Tigum, Kita-Kita," exhibit viewers get to see how a point of view can serve as a vehicle in inferring what is beautiful to form. The works "Pope Smiling" and "Pope Francis" by Gil Maningo drive this point home - exemplifying how different points of view have their respective inclinations in framing the 'what' and the 'when'.

"Of Light and Shadows" by Rhodesa Cruzet - another featured work in the exhibit - construes how an effective understanding of the basic elements of composition can result to timelessly beautiful visual tableaus.

Jojo Sagayno's "Lontano" - an abstract expressionist piece - alludes to the forward-thinking views that inspire artists to create, reminding viewers that the good old days were not always good and that tomorrow is a gift waiting to be unraveled.

"Tigum-Tigum, Kita-Kita" underlines how artists would never leave a stone unturned in this journey we're all in. (FREEMAN)