Juan Guido Lubanga Exhibit in Ayala Center Cebu

One time we noticed that there were sculptures or artworks scattered all over the gardens of Ayala Center Cebu. My sister has this thing about exhibits and lets her curiousity get hold of her. She went to further investigate what these pieces are...

"With the mall as its canvas, contemporary art makes a mark and engages shoppers in Cebu. Ongoing until Dec. 15, Art Park exhibits the stonecast sculptures and installations of Juan Guido Lubanga, one of Cebu’s brilliant artists, around the parks of Ayala Center Cebu.

Launched first in 2009 in Greenbelt Makati, Art Park collaborates with notable artists to transform Ayala Malls’ spaces into one magnificent canvas and fluid gallery where art can best be experienced up close. It aims to let people appreciate the wonders of art in an informal and unrestrained setting." - Art in our Midst (Cebu Daily News 8.26.2014)

Installed at the fountain area of the new expansion wing roof deck, “The Giant’s Feet,” as regarded by most spectators, is a piece designed to mirror the Christian scripture of Jesus walking on water, also an allusion of faith and tranquility amidst ordeals. 

Thinker

An interpretation of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin’s timeless bronze sculpture, “Le Penseur,” Lubanga’s “Thinker” embodies the significance of knowledge and philosophy in a sleek design.

I wholeheartedly agree that it is about time that we, ordinary folks - should be introduced to the appreciation of arts. Malls should not only be a cool place to hide from the heat of the sun, to go shopping or eating, to watch movies... but a place for entertainment and learning as well...

A Cebu Artist - Sio Montera

Just in case people are wondering if our lives are merely focused on food trips or on the appreciation of food and nothing else, we kind of beg to disagree (hahaha...). We tried to wander into some art trips too.

A few months ago, we were invited to an Art Exhibit by a dear distant cousin, a prominent Cebu artist, Sio Montera. He is not only an accomplished artist, he also works for the promotion of local artists (Bisaya artists) in the National scene as Vice Head, Committee on Visual Arts at National Commission for Culture and the Arts. To promote oneself as an artist is hard enough, but to support fellow artists as well, is quite commendable!

In the past, I think Manila artists have some kind of edge in terms of exposure compared to artists from Visayas and Mindanao because they have more galleries or Art Patrons. But I think it is slowly changing now. With greater awareness and more galleries, and more young moneyed professionals appreciating arts -  artists from Visayas and Mindanao now have more available venues and market for their work. And that's great! 

The art exhibit was held in Qube Gallery in One Paseo, Ma Luisa Road, Banilad Cebu right beside Hotel Henry.

The Artist - Sio Montera