Dream exhibit Secuya, Millan combine to present painting show

EASILY this year’s dream project in Davao’s art scene is the Vic Secuya-Kublai Millan ‘The Spirit of Davao’ exhibit of more than 50 paintings produced by an accomplished artist and a sculptor/painter which will open at the Museo Dabawenyo at the junction of Magallanes and C. M. Recto streets on August 17, 2009.
One of the artists, Vic Secuya, has been holding painting exhibits in many parts of the country. In between big projects and commissioned art works, Vic, 52, teaches at the Ateneo de Davao University. He also writes.
The other is Kublai Millan, 32, the young sculptor who did the striking figures at the People’s Park and other big projects.
Despite the generation gap, Vic and Kublai agreed to collaborate and present the rare exhibit.
“We had been dreaming of putting this up because by so doing we would be able to help in our own small way in the appreciation and promotion of art in Davao,” Secuya told reporters covering the Club 888 press forum at The Marco Polo Davao Wednesday, last week.
The exhibit is perfectly timed to coincide with the 42nd Kadayawan sa Dabaw Festival slated August 17 to 23.
A satellite exhibit at the pre-departure area of the Davao International Airport will unfold earlier on August 8.
“There is a dearth of art activities in Davao,” Secuya said. “We have been meeting for the past year about wanting to have art make an impact in the Davao community and this is the first. We will have more partnerships in the future.”
This is the first time that Kublai, an accomplished sculptor, will present himself as a painter as well, according to Secuya.
“Kublai is so inspired, he has started to paint seriously,” Secuya said.
“While I’m back to my flowers, of semi abstract flowers, Kublai depicts his experiences in the probincia — children playing, carabaos and all that. It is interesting because these works are not reproductions or mere representations of nature, but they are personal expressions, and I can say that these works will be at par with any in the international level which I saw outside the country.”
Both artists are still putting the finishing touches to some of their pieces.
“Kublai is full of energy, we are both passionate about our art and we have so many dreams for Davao,” Secuya said, adding “we have always been thinking of how to make Davao the center of the arts in Mindanao; and even in the Philippines. With all the work we are producing, if we are supported by the community, hopefully we can definitely make a name. We can put Davao in the international art map.”
Bantay Bata 163 charity will benefit from the exhibit because for every painting sold, a percentage of the proceeds will go to the foundation put up by the ABS-CBN media giant, according to Bantay’s Rachelle Pueblas.
“We are thankful to Mr. Secuya and Kublai and their supporters. Because of them Bantay Bata will continue to serve Filipino children, especially those in Mindanao, through its various programs of assistance,” Pueblas said. [AMA]