People say that art has a way to empower both the viewer and the artist. It empowers the viewer by giving them the means to think and explore new worlds and ideas as projected by the visual artist. It empowers the artist by allowing them to express their inner feelings and intangible thoughts into something real and tangible.
Earlier this week, I was able to attend two unique exhibits that both empower as well as delight and awe. The first exhibit I was able to attend was the “Mindanao: Then and Now” group exhibit by the all-female artist group, BaiHinang, at the lobby of the Marco Polo Davao.
The exhibit features not only the varied techniques of the 11 participating artists but also their ideas about change. Each artist shows one piece that represents the old Mindanao and another work that visually describes the current state of the region. With their diverse backgrounds and experiences, it is a visual adventure to see the varied strokes, shapes and imagery that they use to create their works.
The 11 exhibiting artists are, Elenita Dumlao, Rita Bustamante, Amanda Echevarria, Dadai Joaquin, Jing Rabat, Mean Tan Guinoo, Maria Amor delos Santos, Gloria May Lariego, Jacinta Eve Sevilla, Tanya Gaisano Lee, and Anne Worsely. There will be pieces in acrylic, mixed media and oil. Their artistic voices range from realism, to pop art, and then, to abstractions.
Opened last October 15, the exhibit is on until October 29.
Art for a cause
Another exhibit that empowered both art connoisseurs and artists was the recently concluded “A Visual Art Exhibit,” a fund raising exhibit for the projects of Patches of Green Mindanao Foundation Inc., and jointly participated by Patches of Green, Alveo Land Davao’s Team Lancelot and Davao art group Tabula Rasa.
Held at the Patio Suites showroom at the Abreeza Mall, the opening of the exhibit last October 19 featured works by Davao artists, Ega Carreon, Brando Cedeno, Daryl Descallar, Elenita Dumlao, Alfred Galvez, Dadai Joaquin, Bituin Knott, Mary Jane Ramos, Madoline Agudo-dela Rosa, Vic Secuya, and Josie Carriedo Tionko.
Part of the proceeds of the art sale goes to the foundation, which is celebrating its 13th anniversary this year, to aid in the implementation of its poverty alleviation projects. The exhibit demonstrates how art can sway emotions and empower the people around it.
