Kwadro

CEBU, Philippines — Co-curricular organizations have long been seen to be a boon for students, given the many ways such organizations hone important skills that can’t be fine-tuned in the classroom.

This aspect to co-curricular organizations takes a nuanced stance in an ongoing art exhibit titled “KWADRO” currently on being held at the second level Alcoves Wing of the Ayala Center Cebu, running until November 27.  The creative presentation features artworks by students and instructors affiliated with USC Pintal – the painting students’ organization of the University of San Carlos’ School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design.

Drawing inspiration from the word “kwadro” (which translates to “frame”), the show mainly reveals what the term means to the exhibiting artists – what their take on framing that which should be framed is, so to speak.

Mainly composed of pieces that combine process-oriented methods with the technical elements of academic painting styles, the show’s curatorial scope skips at the pace of the many motifs that comprise the overall contemporary arts body. This is can be seen through amalgamated treatments of various creative styles, ranging from blendings of the ethereal aspects of surrealist themes, the utilization of the narrative propensities of impressionist motifs and an integration of contemporary sensibilities to traditional modernist styles.

More than a fusion-themed exhibit that brings the works of students and their teachers together, “KWADRO” illustrates how outside-the-box artists engaged in the academe and artists-in-training are flexing their creative mettles – how progressive they are in framing their sights on the variegated creative journeys they are embarking on.