December 9, 2012

• A tribute to a father

  Art

  In the Philippines, printmaking as an art form that still has to take root, perhaps because of the wrong notion that prints are easily reproduced, so one could not really claim that what he has is an original, which is what collectors really go for.

  Its like photographs, which although are beautiful, the fact that it can be reproduced by anyone and everyone who has the file (negatives, for those who still use film) has lessened its value, which for me does not really complement the artists' talent. Sad to say.

  
  The Holy Family (2012), Celso Duazo Pepito

  Although many Filipino artists are into printmaking, if one still has no name in the industry, one's works would really not fetch a good price, or even the attention of people. In Cebu, we have Radel Paredes and Josua Cabrera who are also known in this genre of work. 

  
  Birds in waiting (2012), Sonia de la Torre Yrastorza

  And in the Philippines we have Manuel "Mang Maning" Rodriguez, Sr., who despite his many awards and accolades, remain to be a virtual unknown in the country. Perhaps this is the reason why until today he has not been given the National Artist recognition, and to think he has brought honor to his country countless of times.

  
  Life is worth it (2012), Celso Duazo Pepito

  One of the reasons, as artist Sonia Yrastorza related, is the fact that he relocated to the US in 1976, but that doesn't mean that he stopped working. In fact many of his works were exhibited in the US and the Philippines, helping bring Filipino artists to the world's attention.

  
  Jade II (2012), Darby Alcoseba

  The exhibit, aptly titled Homage, hopes to bring to the attention of the Philippine award giving body the contributions of this great man in the hope of giving him the most deserved title of National Artist. If ever, he will be the first National Artist from Cebu and the first for printmaking. This centenarian artist is considered to be the Father of Printmaking in the Philippines.

  
  Dahong Laya (2012), Guido Lubanga

  Because of this, several artists under the auspices of Cebu Artists Inc. (CAI), decided to do a workshop on printmaking. These artists, although already recognized for their craft, were excited to learn this new genre in the hope of highlighting the contributions of Mang Maning in Philippine art and at the same time bringing attention to printmaking as a mature art form.

  
  November Print (2012), Guido Lubanga

  The exhibit carried some of the works of Mang Maning together with Cebu artist's first venture on the art form. One who is familiar with the works of the artists who participated would still see that even with printmaking, their works still carry their signature: Celso Pepito's geometric spaces, Sonia Yrastorza's solitary subjects, and Cesar Castillo's elegantly adventurous strokes.

  
  Spring (2012), Sonia de la Torre Yrastorza

  The exhibit will run until December 21 at the Art Center of SM City Cebu.

  
  Spring (2010), Radel Paredes

  
  San Pedro Calungsod 1 (2012), Jess Dinglasa

  
  San Pedro Calungsod 1 (2012), John Dinglasa

  
  It sucks (2012), Joseph Ong

  
  Siamese (2012), Joseph Ong

  
  Parables of not one less (2012), Fr. Jason Dy, SJ

  
  Cosmos II (2012), Remy Rault

  
  Handaan (Undated), Manuel Rodriguez, Sr.

  
  Nipa Hut Madonna (Undated), Manuel Rodriguez, Sr.

  
  A new beginning (2012), Cesar Castillo

  
  The artist, Cesar Castillo, with his work.

  
  Salingsing (2012), Josua Cabrera

  
  Seeking serenity (Undated), Manuel Rodriguez, Sr.

  
  Market day (Undated), Manuel Rodriguez Sr.

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