Celso Pepito, one of the most passionate and hardworking of local artists today, is this year’s recipient of the prestigious Sugbuanong Bahandi Award, an honor he shares with National Artist for Literature, Resil Mojares. "Sir Cels", as most of us call him, is a devoted husband, a loving father of three, and a proud grandfather of six. His wife, Ma'am Fe Madrid, also an artist, stands beside him through the ups and downs of life. The couple, much like yin and yang, complements each other, always striving to make each other better. Sir Cels’s deep love for family is evident not only in his life but in his art as well. He believes that positive change in society starts with the family, and his paintings often reflect themes of spirituality, strong family bonds, respect for elders, and the preservation of Filipino values and identity. Hard work and passion are central to his character—qualities that his friends and family know him for. Even at 67, Sir Cels remains committed to his craft, dedicating long hours to painting every day. “When I don’t have errands, I paint all day. If I have meetings, I start in the afternoon and work until midnight. On days when I’m busy, I usually start painting at 7 p.m. If I’m really inspired, I can go on until 3 or 4 a.m. What I love about working at night is the silence, allowing me to paint uninterrupted.” When asked how many artworks he creates in a week, Sir Cels replied, “It depends on the sizes. Last week in Davao City, I completed 9 pieces at 11"×8", 2 pieces at 20"×16", and even did some on-the-spot sketching.” His advice for artists experiencing artist blocks? “One motivating factor for me is having a clear direction as an artist. I have a visual advocacy and have come to realize that being an artist is fulfilling because it allows me to find my relevance in society. By using my art, I feel that I am helping to build a better world.” Sir Cels emphasizes that his art serves a higher purpose. “I hope to help people appreciate the role of God in our lives. I want to use art to remind people about the importance of our own families. I believe that if families are strong, they contribute to a stronger society.” His final advice to young Cebuano artists: “First, hone your creative skills so you can properly visualize your ideas more effectively. Second, define your direction with your art. Third, work on improving your communication skills. Lastly have a personal advocacy. That will guide and direct your creative journey.
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Today marks the culmination of an exuberant month that celebrated self-expression and inclusivity, proudly showcasing the immense talent of LGBTQ+ artists from Cebu. In this context, we shine a well-deserved spotlight on Wilbert "Weebong" Wee, a versatile artist recognized for their whimsical watercolor illustrations. Wee's artistic prowess can transport onlookers to magical realms, captivating them with a harmonious blend of vibrant colors and meticulous details. Wee's artistic journey has been filled with exciting opportunities, including their participation in various local and international exhibitions. One standout event was their involvement in the Borneo Arts Festival held in Malaysia in 2019. As a member of the artist delegation organized by ArtCebu, Wee exhibited their artworks and collaborated with talented artists from Southeast Asia. Additionally, Wee served as an ambassador for an art materials company, utilizing this role to mentor and inspire fellow artists through educational demonstrations. Outside their craft, Wee finds joy in singing, cooking, and being part of the art group Sikada and the Cebu Cosplayers Club (though the latter is now defunct). We spoke with the usually shy Wee in the following interview about gender identity and art's intersection. Celebrating their brilliance and contributions to the LGBTQ+ artist community, let's delve into Wee’s captivating journey. How has your experience been as an LGBT artist in Cebu? Can you share some of the challenges you've encountered? Being an LGBTQ+ artist in Cebu can be a struggle to fit in. Spending time with other artists is helpful, sharing experiences and finding inspiration. However, the existing artist groups often lean towards being too male or female, making it difficult to open up and fully express thoughts in gatherings. Can you describe how your sexual orientation has influenced the style and content of your paintings? My sexual orientation may or may not directly influence my painting. However, the feedback I receive often highlights a disconnect between my plain appearance and my artwork's gentle, dreamy nature. It's peculiar because I grew up in an academic, science environment and don't conform to the stereotypical eccentric artist appearance. Nevertheless, being gay allows me to explore and illustrate my unique perspective, conveying strength and gentleness in my pieces. Can you share any specific techniques, symbols, or visual elements you use to convey concepts of sexuality and gender identity in your artwork? The colors and how I select and combine them in my paintings subtly represent my gay identity. However, I have only created two artworks that explicitly depict LGBTQ+ elements. Many of my pieces aim to be gender-neutral, striving for universality in their depiction. Do you agree that art has the power to challenge societal norms and stereotypes regarding sexuality and gender identity? If yes, how do you aim to achieve that through your work? Art is a visual tool that allows for expression without or with minimal reliance on words. It transcends language barriers, with only cultural references acting as limitations. As a result, art possesses the potential to be an influential force, challenging societal norms and stereotypes. Even if an artwork doesn't employ an overtly confrontational style, combining elements to convey a message can leave a lasting impression on viewers. The power of art lies in its ability to resonate with those who connect with the images and stories being portrayed. Are there any other LGBTQ+ artists in Cebu (or anywhere) whose work you admire or draw inspiration from? I greatly admire several LGBTQ+ artists in Cebu, including Kring Demetrio, Thirdy/Zar on Canvas, Van/Tapioca Terror, Veronica Hipolito, and Kat Layno. Witnessing their artistic journeys gives me a sense of safety, assuring me that it's acceptable to illustrate and embrace who I am while continuing to grow in my craft, regardless of societal opinions. Surprisingly, Wee holds a degree in Chemistry. Despite the apparent disparity between Chemistry and art, these two worlds intersect when exploring and manipulating colors. Wee's profound understanding of chemical reactions, pigments, and materials forms a solid foundation for their artistic expression. With this knowledge, Wee skillfully crafts mesmerizing artworks that blend harmonious color palettes, evoking a sense of wonder and awe.
Wee dedicates their time to teaching senior high school students at USC during the daytime. Looking ahead, Wee plans to devote more time to their artistic pursuits, nourishing their soul while continuing to teach. To foster LGBTQ representation in the art world, it is vital to acknowledge and uplift talented individuals like Wee. By purchasing their creations, attending queer exhibits, and raising awareness on social media, we actively contribute to cultivating a more inclusive and vibrant artistic landscape in Cebu. Together, we can significantly promote diversity and celebrate the creative expressions of LGBTQ artists. As we continue our celebration of Pride Month, we cast a well-deserved spotlight on representation in Cebu's thriving art scene. In this third installment, we proudly introduce Van Opura, known by their artist name "Tapioca Terror," an immensely talented illustrator and digital artist from Jakosalem, Cebu. Van's works have been exhibited in galleries as far-reaching as Osaka, Japan, under the esteemed curation of Gallery IYN. Their art has also been featured in publications such as Graphika Manila and Novice Magazine. Van has actively participated in local exhibitions, art fairs, comicons, and other art shows locally. Van's artistic journey has been shaped by their upbringing as an only child. Growing up with cable TV, their influences stemmed from cartoons and anime. "I always liked to draw my own versions of things that I like. I wasn't very fond of copying existing art. So I drew my own Pokemon or my own Bratz characters," they shared. While their father's side of the family possessed crafty skills, it was their mother's side that nurtured their humor and imagination. This unique blend of influences contributed to the formation of their artistic style, infused with an offbeat vibe and a love for all things horror. When asked about the inspiration behind the name "Tapioca Terror," Van reveals that during a conversation about drag names with artist-friend Drawer Kring, the word "Tapioca" came about spontaneously. They were drawn to its offbeat vibe, and the addition of "Terror" provided an alliterative flair. This unique moniker reflects their artistic persona, while their love for all things horror adds the touch of "Terror" to their alternate name. Indeed a name that embodies their distinctive style and creative spirit. In the following interview, Van shares their insights about identity and how it has impacted their art. How would you describe your art style in a few words or phrases? Surreal cartoons in vivid technicolor. They are a product of my constant fascination with the creepy and the magical. What influences or inspirations have shaped your art style? I was privileged enough to grow up with cable TV, so I watched a lot of cartoons and anime that still influence me today. I've been reflecting on my childhood recently and thinking about all the different media I loved. Most of my favorite shows back then were very weird and surreal, and those are defining characteristics of my art. I am an escapist, so I gravitate toward artists and media that portray interesting, fantastical characters and universes. That's why I also like to read fantasy and speculative fiction, which influenced how I conceptualize and come up with ideas. I was also obsessed with DeviantArt and then Tumblr growing up! Being exposed to a diverse group of artists with unique points of view back then was also really formative, especially when I found out about other queer creatives, too! Another huge source of inspiration is looking back to the past and finding loads of amazing art and artists! It's fascinating to see how they portrayed the life and culture of the past century. It seems like a fantasy since it's all so different from our reality. How has your experience been as an LGBTQIA+ artist in Cebu? Can you tell us about some of the challenges you've encountered? I can recall one instance in college when I had a friend who was part of a local graffiti group, and I wanted to join. I was later told that they don't really like to have gay members because we tend to be loud and obnoxious. I was really disappointed. Imagine if they accepted me, I would've been a great graffiti artist by now LOL. But I have since moved on, and hopefully, the local art scene now is more welcoming. I do still have self-doubts. Since I post my artwork online, I sometimes wonder if they'll like my art less if they found out I was gay, but that's more of a personal issue that I'm trying to unlearn. It makes me hopeful since I have local straight artist friends online who admire my artwork regardless of gender and sexuality. Can you share how your sexual orientation has influenced the style and content of your art? Most, if not all, of the characters I depict are queer. I have recently noticed that I have been queering my childhood. I have created characters and realities I wished I had seen and experienced growing up. I liked shows about kid adventurers, like Harry Potter and Ash Ketchum, but they were all straight young boys. So most of the protagonists of my artworks are queer effeminate young boys going on adventures and being badass. But there is also a creepy and sinister aspect to them, which is very different from the wholesome male heroes of my childhood. Another thing I like to depict is relationships between boys. Something I wish I experienced growing up. I also think there's magic in being in the grey area of sexuality. There's something so special about being free from the binary. So I also like to imagine worlds between dimensions where the magic and the surreal are as natural as the air we breathe. Can you share any specific techniques, symbols, or visual elements you use to convey concepts of sexuality and gender identity in your artwork? There is a flamboyant quality to how my characters dress. The boys are usually surrounded by flowers and adorned in floral patterns, jewelry, and bright colors but still remain very boyish in shorts and shirts. Like boy scouts but with frills! They wear clothes I specifically want to wear. I also put written words or labels in some of my pieces. It's my way of labeling and defining my reality rather than others doing it for me. There is also a constant duality existing simultaneously in my artworks, which I think is very queer. Very cute but creepy, very wholesome but morbid. That's where I got the 'terror' in my artist name since it can be 'terrific' and 'terrible.' Do you agree that art has the power to challenge societal norms and stereotypes regarding sexuality and gender identity? If yes, how do you aim to achieve that through your work? Definitely! That has been proven a lot throughout history. Queer people have been dictating sensibilities and pioneering certain artistic movements because there is power in being yourself amidst all odds. That's why other people are so afraid of people who live how they want. That's why I'll unabashedly be myself and stop apologizing for who I am. I may constantly find myself, but I'll always be myself in life and my art. Are there any other LGBTQ+ artists in Cebu (or anywhere) whose work you admire or draw inspiration from? I am part of Sikada (@artofsikada), a local art group. There are currently seven of us, and most of us are queer. I admire them so much, and they continue to be such inspiring people. My good friend Meelo (@mangobursts), a longtime friend of mine, is very good at depicting likable and human characters. I admire Tokwa Peñaflorida (@tokwap), who I've admired for so long now, whose art is lush and delicate yet provocative. Michael Deforge (@michaeldeforgecomics) is a Canadian comic artist and illustrator whose unique point of view and design sense I am constantly inspired by. Choo (@choodraws), a massive inspiration of mine, whose illustrations are full of sinister characters with fantastic attention to detail and a sense of color. JC Leyendecker is another big one for me. With his inimitable style, he revolutionized publication design with his amazing magazine covers, usually depicting male characters referenced from his lifelong partner, Charles Beach. There's also Pierre et Gilles, a gay couple producing amazing ornate photographs. They design their own sets and style the subject by themselves. They're really a match made in gay heaven. Looking to the future, Van envisions hosting a solo exhibit or show, providing an intimate platform to showcase their artistic evolution. They aspire to publish a comic or art book, inviting others to immerse themselves in their imaginative world. Collaboration with fellow artists is also a goal, as it fosters a sense of community and pushes artistic boundaries. As we continue to champion LGBTQ representation in art, let us honor and appreciate the colorful tapestry of talents, stories, and perspectives that make up the rich cultural landscape of Cebu.
This June, as we celebrate Pride Month, we feature young Cebuanos and Cebu-based artists who embody the spirit of Queer Pride in the most inspiring ways. In this week's spotlight, we present Kring Demetrio, an exceptionally gifted illustrator, visual storyteller, and painter who hails from Cagayan de Oro City and now calls Cebu her home. Her remarkable artworks have graced exhibitions in the Philippines, the UK, and the US, garnering well-deserved recognition and awards. While Kring holds a degree in Philosophy, her creative journey began at the tender age of 5 when she first picked up a pencil. Even then, she sold her drawings to fuel her unwavering passion for art, enabling her to purchase additional supplies and even indulge in Sailor Moon stickers. As a child, her heart was drawn to mesmerizing tales, lovesick deities, otherworldly creatures, and realms steeped in the mists of time. However, as her artistic journey unfolded, she transcended the realm of mere aesthetics, embracing a profound fusion of intellect and technical expertise. Her passion shifted from crafting visually pleasing drawings to meticulously composing art pieces that weave captivating narratives. She fondly refers to her unique art style as "mugna-mugna," a fusion of her self-taught techniques and an attempt to emulate the delicate line strokes found in the sketches of revered masters she discovered within the pages of library books. Over time, her style has evolved, incorporating contemporary influences and references, adding depth and dimension to her creations. In the following interview, the artist graciously shared her thoughtful insights on queerness, identity, and the transformative power of art. Her responses offer valuable glimpses into her artistic journey and the profound connections she explores through her work. How would you describe your art style in a few words or phrases? Beauty and terror combined; the old spirit in a new vessel. What influences or inspirations have shaped your unique art style? Aesthetically, my art has been influenced mainly by Western art movements, especially by baroque artists, pre-Raphaelites, and symbolists. As I grew up in the 90s anime boom in the Philippines, my work also has a significant osmosis of Eastern and Western influences. How has your experience been as an LGBT artist in Cebu? Can you tell us about some of the challenges you've encountered? Fortunately, I have met and befriended many fellow LGBT artists and their friends in Cebu. I have never felt ostracized for simply being bisexual. The phobia is mostly from me. Growing up with conservative parents, I have been taught to think that the important part of my sexuality is my attraction to the opposite sex. Any attraction to the same sex is a lie, sinful, and of the devil. This made me hide so much in my art that I didn't notice I had been drawing nothing but provocative women and effeminate men till later in my career. How has your sexual orientation influenced the style of your paintings? As I grew up closeted in a household that valued conservative views on gender and sexuality, I began to bury myself in the media I consumed and created. My favorite writer was Oscar Wilde, my favorite artist; Sandro Botticelli, my favorite monarch (obviously not a thing, but who could resist Garbo); Queen Christina of Sweden–all queer people who had to hide yet also shone for their queerness. Are there any specific techniques, symbols, or visual elements you use to convey concepts of sexuality and gender identity in your artwork?
Do you believe that art has the power to challenge societal norms and stereotypes regarding sexuality and gender identity? If yes, how do you aim to achieve that through your work? As someone who has aimed to consume every queer media I could get since the early 2000s, art has significantly contributed to changing views from then to now. Artists like Frida Kahlo, Tamara de Lempicka, Francis Bacon, and Robert Mapplethorpe, whose works are quintessentially queer, have partly shaped an upending of societal norms and stereotypes of queer women and men in the last century. For example, illustrators like J. C. Leyendecker have set the visual standard of what is considered the cultured man, which his audiences have openly adapted, unbeknownst to them that it was a gay man's perspective of masculine beauty. Are there any other LGBTQ+ artists in Cebu (or anywhere) whose work you admire or draw inspiration from? I am mainly into the work of Abel Klaer (@superstarfighter), a German illustrator whose marker and gel pen works are so beautifully intricate and mysterious. Albert Victoria (@albrt.victoria), whose neo-victorian drawings evoke a great sense of marriage between old and new, satirical and serious. I also enjoy Lauren Raye Snow's (@laurenrayesnow) emotional paintings, inspiring me to create equally thought-provoking and profound portraits. Nikolas Kafasis (@nikolas_tower) makes beautiful and moving portraits of women in colored pencils and watercolor media. Ginoe's (@hubineer) drawings and images embrace and elevate true Filipino kitschiness while skillfully retaining its visceral qualities. Cebu's very own Kat Layno (@denimcatfish) has also been making the most moving illustrations of sapphic love resonating with various audiences. Zar (@zaroncanvas), Van (@tapiocaterror), and Wee (@WeeBong) also create beautifully strange, wonderfully queer artworks.
In the footsteps of her predecessors, Kring Demetrio aspires to continue the tradition of shaping a more diverse world. In this world, no particular sexuality or gender identity is deemed the default. Her artistic vision aims to create a space where individuals can live their most authentic selves, free from societal constraints and expectations. As we continue to celebrate and uplift LGBTQ+ voices, let us embrace the transformative potential of art. By appreciating and supporting artists like Kring Demetrio, we actively contribute to creating a society that celebrates the beauty of diversity and provides an inclusive platform for individuals to express their unique identity with pride. In honor of Pride Month, we are dedicating each week of June to featuring young Cebuano artists who fearlessly embrace their authentic selves, using their art to challenge societal norms and gender stereotypes. This week, we had the honor of interviewing Zar, an immensely talented artist from Camotes Island, Cebu. Zar, as the eldest sibling among five, has embarked on a self-taught artistic journey encompassing painting, digital art, and the illustration of children's books. Their artworks are mostly colorful and expressive, delving into the intricacies and profound beauty of human experience. Zar is also a frequent resource speaker, sharing knowledge on various aspects of both traditional and digital art. Among their close-knit group of friends, Zar is also referred to as Thirdy. How would you describe your art style? What influences and inspirations have shaped it?
How has your experience been as an LGBT artist in Cebu? Can you tell us about some of the challenges you've encountered? As a gay artist in Cebu, my experience has been filled with both rewarding and challenging moments. While the art community in Cebu is generally diverse and inclusive, stereotypes and prejudices can still affect the perception of LGBT artists. It is important to break from preconceived notions about the themes, styles, or subject matter that LGBT artists should explore. Art should be appreciated for its artistic merit beyond one's sexual orientation or gender identity. Can you share how your sexual orientation has influenced the style and content of your paintings? My sexual orientation plays a significant role in influencing the style and content of my paintings. My aim is to depict LGBTQ+ individuals, relationships, and stories and offer people a glimpse into their lives while fostering empathy and understanding. Can you share any specific techniques, symbols, or visual elements you use to convey concepts of sexuality and gender identity in your artwork? Symbols like tears, blinds, florals, butterflies, and other human emotions serve as visual shorthand for me to convey LGBTQ+ experiences and identities through my artwork. Furthermore, the body language and gestures of the figures which you will notice in my paintings play a vital role in expressing these concepts. Through posing, postures, and interactions, I aim to capture the subtle aspects of queer experiences, including confidence, vulnerability, and connection. Do you believe that art has the power to challenge societal norms and stereotypes regarding sexuality and gender identity? If yes, how do you aim to achieve that through your work? Yes. Art has the ability to evoke emotions, spark dialogue, and shift perspectives. It is a very important tool for social change. Art has the power to humanize the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, making our stories relatable. By creating emotionally charged and subtle portrayals of queer individuals and their relationships, I aim to counter stigmatization and discrimination, and invite viewers to connect on a human level. Are there any other LGBTQ+ artists in Cebu (or anywhere) whose work you admire or draw inspiration from? I admire artists like Joseph Christian Leyendecker, a commercial artist in the United States who intricately portrays gay narratives, and Ross Tran, an illustrator and concept artist recognized on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. I also draw inspiration from my friends The Drawer Kring, Tapioca Terror, and Weebong, who create stunning and impactful art. As Zar continues to create more artworks, their passion for pushing creative boundaries and challenging societal norms remains unwavering. To inquire about their artwork or for any further information, please visit Zar's official website at https://www.zaroncanvas.com. By supporting Zar's artistic journey, we contribute to the celebration of diversity and the empowerment of LGBTQ+ artists in their mission to foster understanding and change through the transformative power of art.
via: Palm Grass Cebu Heritage Hotel DepEd7, heritage institutions and Katipunero descendants lead celebration of 500 years of Cebuano heroism The Department of Education Region 7 (DepEd7) partners with heritage institutions and Katipunero descendants to celebrate the 500 years of the victory at Mactan and the 123rd year of the Cebu Battle of Tres de Abril. Themed “ISOG! 500 years of Cebuano heroism”, the celebration’s highlights are the awarding of the poster-making contest winners among grade school students in Cebu island, talks from Katipunero descendants, cultural performances and a Cebu history book launch. The blended event will be held in time for the 123rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Cebu hero Leon Kilat, on April 8, 2021, 2 p.m. at Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel. Organized by Palm Grass Hotel and DepEd7, the activity is supported by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), National Quincentennial Committee (NQC), Cebu City Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC), University of the Philippines (UP) College of Communication, Art and Design, University of San Carlos (USC) Fine Arts Department, Bag-ong Teatro Junquera, Museo Sugbo, Diyandi, and ArtCebu. DepEd7 Regional Director Sal Jimenez will share insights on how schools through the arts promote love of country. Cebu City CHAC Commissioner and Katipunero descendant, Dr. Arsenio Pacaña will talk on 500 years of Cebuano heroism, especially that of his ancestor, Jacinto Pacaña who had a significant role in the 1898 anti-Spanish revolution in Cebu. Moreover, the event will launch the 4th edition of the book authored by Cebu historian, the late Dionisio Sy, “A Short History of Cebu (1500’s-1890’s) and the Anti-Spanish Revolution in Cebu”. The book is published by Tres de Abril Inc. and Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel that celebrates its 4th Grand Opening Anniversary on April 3, 2021. The judges of the poster-making contest with the theme, “Cebuano heroism from the time of Lapulapu, Leon Kilat to today’s unsung heroes” are NHCP officer Ayesha Sayseng, CHAC Commissioner Dr. Louie Nacorda, USC Fine Arts Prof. Jaclyn Abregana and UP-Cebu Fine Arts Prof. Jay Nathan Jore. The following are other highlights of the event: 1) Testimony from a barangay frontliner; 2) Message from a descendant of Leon Kilat, Jeffrey Villegas Cepayo; 2) Screening of a video on Cebu historian Dionisio Sy created by Social Communications Asia's Prospero Laput; 3) Relaunching of Leon Kilat books; 4) Live performances of Bag-ong Teatro Junquera and a new song by Palm Grass, “Nia ra ko”. The event will be livestreamed at Palm Grass The Cebu Heritage Hotel page and the pages of partner organizations.
For reference: Serafin Guivelondo Blanco Representative Palm Grass, The Cebu Heritage Hotel 68 Gen. Junquera St., Brgy. Kalubihan, Cebu City Landline: (032) 412-2438 ArtCebu and Mezzo Hotel are joining hands in an exhibition aimed at raising funds for the benefit of members of the Cebu art community who have been most severely impacted by the ongoing pandemic. Entitled “Art: Uplifting Others”, the exhibit is being held on January 14 – 31, 2021. “Art: Uplifting Others” coincides with the Sinulog Festival and showcases the best of Cebuano arts and culture. The exhibit’s opening reception was held on January 15, at 4 pm with the attendance of the exhibitors and a few guests, observing COVID-19 protocols. Exhibited artworks may be viewed at the lobby of Mezzo Hotel every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 PM throughout the exhibit period. Artworks may also be viewed virtually through Artcebu’s Facebook page. Exhibitors include twenty-five of Cebu's most vibrant artists:
To inquire about any of the artworks exhibited or about the fundraiser, please message the ArtCebu Team via their Facebook page or call them directly through 09054021408.
The annual art fair features local and international artists and is the biggest and most exciting addition to Cebu’s busy art schedule this September. Running from September 26-29, 2019, the Cebu International Art Fair 2019 showcases the artworks of 62 local and Japanese exhibitors. The event has been set up by Japanese visual artist Rin Terada, who is known for his abstract paintings using gold leaf as medium. The exhibit is being held at the ground floor of the IEC Convention Center, Cebu City, and can be viewed for free from 9 am to 6 pm daily. Among the exhibitors at the fair are the following: From Cebu
From Japan
The event opened on September 26 with a program hosted by ArtCebu’s Vice President Japamala Arnaldo. The attendees of the program include Cebuano and Japanese artists, art collectors, Department of Tourism Director Shalimar Hofer Tamano, businessman Dmitry Shubov, members of Artcebu and art group Aninaw, and many others. The featured speaker of the program is Mr. Terada himself, who spoke about some of his experiences and lessons over the years as an artist.
Although only on its first year, the Cebu International Art Fair is being positioned as one of the biggest art events in Southeast Asia. According to the exhibit organizers, the goal of the art fair is to enrich the Cebu art scene by bringing artists from around the Philippines and various countries to Cebu to interact and collaborate together through art. For more about the Cebu International Art Festival, visit this page: https://www.facebook.com/cebuartfair2019/ ArtCebu has recently been invited to represent the Philippines at the Borneo Arts Festival ’19 on September 29, 2019. The said festival will gather artists from various ASEAN countries to perform and/or exhibit their artworks in Labuan, Malaysia.
Seven visual artists will be representing Cebu and will bring with them their best artworks highlighting the culture and beauty of the province. Among the artists that will be participating are the following: Leopoldo Aguilar Josua Cabrera Allan Dimayacyac Pierre Famador Jojo Gubalane Gaudioso Torres Wilbert Wee The artists will be leaving Cebu on September 23 so they can join pre-event activities on September 25-26, 2019 in Labuan. This participation at the Borneo Arts Festival will allow Cebuano artists to showcase Cebuano arts to an international audience. It will also help the artists network with other organizations and jointly come up with projects in the near future that will benefit artists from all regions, especially Cebu. ArtCebu’s vision is to put Cebu in the map as a major global destination for arts and culture. For more information, please check the following pages: Borneo Arts Festival '19 ArtCebu Last November 24, 2018, Cebuano artist Jojo Gubalane launched his one-man show entitled "Colour My World". The exhibit is Jojo's third one-man show and features over forty of the artist's most vibrant, charming, and colorful artworks to date. The launching was intimate and personal for Jojo, who himself did most of the preparations. Among the guests that attended were family members, friends, fellow artists, and ArtCebu team members who participated during the program. Below are some of the photos taken from the exhibit launch. The exhibit is currently ongoing in Ayala Center Cebu until December 21. More photos can be found in ArtCebu's Facebook page. |