Renowned portrait artist Edwin Sion is set to captivate Davao art patrons for the second straight year with his solo exhibit at the Marco Polo Davao on August 18 to 21, 2010. The exhibit will highlight Sion’s works in watercolor, pastel, and his signature sepia. Dubbed “The Soul in You,” the event will likewise coincide with Davao’s Kadayawan Festival.
After securing his reputation as one of Manila’s most respected portrait artists, Sion ventured into the South and was quickly embraced by the local art scene that recognized the man’s extraordinary talent.
Since his successful exhibit last year, Sion has become Davao’s portrait artist of choice. Among his clients are socialites, business executives and politicians in the region that include Sonny Dominguez, Amylou Aarts, Cherly Uy, and Jonjon Ramirez.
Sion first became known in the 80’s for his portraits done in sepia. Art critics have described how Sion literally puts life in a portrait by pouring his talents into emphasizing his subjects’ eyes and making it the focal point of the artwork. In a glance, those knowledgeable of local portraiture can easily spot Sion’s works because of his distinct soulful style.
Sion’s most famous work is perhaps the portrait of President Corazon C. Aquino that appeared on the cover of The Fookien Times Philippines Yearbook 1986-1987. The portrait was first unveiled during the Punla Art Group Exhibit at the Champagne Saloon in Manila Hotel in August 1987 where Mrs. Aquino was the guest of honor.
Mrs. Aquino actually loved Sion’s portrait so much that she commissioned him to do one for her beloved husband, Ninoy. These two portraits hang proudly in the Aquinos’ Times Street home. These portraits, hanging side by side, are often seen whenever President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III entertains guests and dignitaries at home.
As a testament to his artistic skills, Sion was also appointed the official portrait artist during the Aquino Administration. His portraits of then US First Lady Hilllary Clinton, Japanese Prime Minister Noburo Nakshita, Taiwanese President Li Teng Hui, and US Secretary of State George Shultz were all given as gifts by Malacanang. Sion was likewise commissioned to do the portraits of all the country’s House Speakers which grace the stately halls of Congress.
For more details on Ed Sion’s exhibit contact the Marco Polo Hotel (082) 221 0888 local 7334. A gallery of some of Sion’s portraits can be viewed in at the main lobby from August 18 to 21, 2010. For inquiries on Ed Sion’s portraits, call Thess Sion at 0917-9486494 or 454-2094 or email ed_thess@yahoo.com.
