LAST June 6, I formally opened my solo art exhibit in Bohol entitled, “Woven Narratives: A Visual Tapestry of Freedom”. Within the tapestry of my artistic narrative, one finds scenes that speak of my milieu, intertwining my quest for freedom with a yearning for rootedness. These intertwined desires cannot exist independently, for they are inseparable in the intricate fabric of my artistry.
My creative lexicon, in this show, dances with metaphors where houses become vessels of mysterious expressions and fields of flowers transform into vibrant ecosystems teeming with the essence of life itself. My brush strokes reveal a vibrant spectrum of colors, carefully chosen, casting my figures further away from the shackles of reality. Tarsiers, depicted with curved and geometric shapes, whimsically play musical instruments, while carabaos elegantly traverse the canvas, adorned in vibrant and audacious shades of acidic orange. Through these playful and whimsical subversions of natural appearances, my art becomes a testament to the unbridled freedom of creative impulses.
I invite you to view the paintings and sculpture at the Modala Resort in Panglao. The exhibit runs until July 6.
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Let me share a portion of my speech I delivered during my solo show at the resort:
“…Today marks a truly historic moment, for we stand here, gathered together, as the vibrant community of local artists finally reclaims their rightful place within the very heart of our beloved home, Bohol. For far too long, our talented artists have been alienated, their voices stifled, and their masterpieces hidden from the world. The absence of a proper venue to showcase their paintings and sculptures has left their creativity shackled, preventing them from sharing their extraordinary works of art on their own soil. Instead, they were forced to exhibit in soulless malls, where their fine artistry was drowned amidst the sea of mundane commodities. Such was the unfortunate scenario that plagued Bohol for what felt like an eternity…
“However, today, a glimmer of hope emerges on the horizon, casting its rays upon the art scene of Bohol. I extend my deepest thanks to ma’am Elizabeth Mendoza and the visionary management of Modala Beach Resort, who have generously granted me the privilege of showcasing my artworks in this magnificent venue.
“Here, within these walls, I have the joyous opportunity to share with you my woven narratives, where you will witness firsthand the artistry of a Boholano soul. These narratives are the embodiment of my personal struggles and dreams as I embarked on a journey to find freedom and self-expression deeply rooted in my heritage. This very concept lies at the heart of my exhibit, for when I resided in Iloilo City as a mentor, I found myself constrained by suffocating office politics, where my achievements were often disregarded solely because I was not an Ilonggo or an alumnus of their revered university.
“Returning to Bohol, my beloved home, I aspired to change this disheartening reality. For it is here, amidst the embrace of my fellow Boholanos, that I have discovered the true essence of freedom. Freedom, to me, is the ability to live out my dreams while remaining firmly grounded in my identity as a Boholano and guided by my Christian beliefs. It is through this rootedness that genuine liberation thrives.
“The paintings and sculpture presented before you today are the culmination of several years dedicated to honing my artistic style. In my first solo exhibition at UP Gallery, I ventured into the realm of neo-pointillism, employing countless dots to form intricate images. However, true creativity should never stagnate; it yearns to explore and evolve.
“Thus, in this exhibition, you will witness a departure from the confines of dots, as curves, lines, and geometric shapes dance across the canvas, embracing the very essence of horror vacui. As my artistic journey progressed, I sought inspiration from my mother’s treasured bedsheets, carefully crafted long before my existence. Their enduring strength resonated deeply within me.
“With this realization, I began incorporating mercerized cotton strings as an additional medium within my paintings. Suspended above the canvas, these strings breathe life into the artwork, symbolizing connectivity and rootedness. Some may argue that strings are impermanent, destined to fade over time. Yet, I purposefully employ them to embody the concept of temporariness, reminding us of the transient nature of life itself.
“Today, as I stand before these influential individuals who shape our community and province, I recognize that this moment is but the beginning. In my role as the newly appointed chairman of the Committee on Visual Arts from the Bohol Art and Cultural Heritage Council, I envision organizing and curating future exhibits within this very resort. I firmly believe that through such endeavors, we can foster the growth and development of the art scene in Bohol, nurturing its immense potential.
“May this exhibition be a source of joy, inspiration, and profound appreciation for the wondrous creations that grace our presence today…”
(For comments, email lucelllarawan@gmail.com).
