Celebrated Dabawenyo visual artist Victor Secuya recently opened his 26th one-man-show titled “SECUYA: Symbols and Meanings” at Galerie Raphael, Durianburg’s premier gallery for modern and contemporary art.
The exhibition also serves as the inaugural event of the gallery after it opened its doors at Azuela Cove.
“SECUYA: Symbols and Meanings” features images purely that of the famed artist as he labors to create paintings that are authentic expressions of his life experiences—from childhood joys and trauma, fears, struggles, his arduous journey as a committed artist, to books he voraciously read.
An avid traveller, Secuya had cultural immersions in several continents which helped shape a profound and personal vision of who he is as an artist and what it will take for him to pursue his direction.
Of the various cultural exposures Secuya has experienced, the one that shook him to the core was his South African sojourn. Klein Kariba, Kruger Park, Cape Town, and Johannesburg captivated him deeply and are reflected in the latest exhibit.
“It has been years since that trip, but I still dream of the colors, forms and textures I saw in their paintings, sculptures and crafts found in their marketplaces. I could still feel the pulsating energy in the details of every artwork.” shared Secuya. “There is nothing like African art. It stands out in its distinctive originality and awesome presence. They are full of authentic convictions of who they are. “I owe them big time in my quest for my own identity.”
He adds “there’s nothing like African art. It stands out in its distinctive originality and awesome presence. They are devoid of pretensions and full of authentic convictions of who they are. I owe them big time in my quest for my own identity.”
While his works are evidently influenced by African artists, Vic emphasizes that they are not African art. “My subconscious mind, from where my art emanates, are a complex mix of my life experiences, from my childhood to my education , to my readings, travels and relationships, good and bad. They are like dreams released into the canvas – raw and unadulterated. My forms are symbols of meanings – layers and layers of meanings that speak of the complex dynamics of my personhood.”
“SECUYA: Symbols and Meanings” by Victor Cabuga Secuya is already open at Galerie Raphael, Azuela Cove, Lanang, Davao City and will run until October 2021. For inquiries, call (+63) 09988881531 or email galerieraphaeldavao@gmail.com.
