Kristo, an art exhibit ~ D' Durian Daily

It was an art show that took five years before it finally showed in Davao City. A brainchild of multi-awarded artist, Salvador “Buddy” Ching, the Kristo exhibit was first unveiled in Bulacan in 2001. In 2005, it took its run in Manila. Together with Davao artist, Rodney Yap, the idea of holding the Jesus Christ-themed show in Davao was brought up.

Kristo 2020, the first exhibition of the newly-inaugurated Art de Triomphe along Tulip Drive, Matina

“Five years na itong napag-usapan namin na gawin dito (sa Davao) pero walang pagkakataon na mangyari. Pero sabi ko na may panahon din na mangyayari din ito,” said Rodney Yap, the curator for Kristo at Davao.

Rodney Yap, artist and curator of Kristo exhibition in Davao

Why in January and not on Holy Week? Rodney said that the theme is “anto river.” They originally wanted to hold it in Christmas or December to celebrate the season, but the artists were busy over the holidays.

The preparation took time as well, confessed Rodney. He sent out invitations to selected artists to submit their proposed artworks for the exclusive exhibition to make sure everything was according to the concept. Finally, the curated show of Kristo at Davao was unveiled on January 16^th, the Sto. Niño’s feast season.

Mean Tan Guinoo’s Crucifixion in blue, oil on canvas, and Rodney Yap’s painting

The stretch of Tulip Drive has become the venue for restaurants on the city’s Southside. However, the street does not only offer nourishment for the body but for the soul as well. Tucked in a residence of Bernadette Gular, an artist and educator, along the restaurant row is an art hub, the Art de Triomphe. Together with Kristo 2020, it debuted to the public on the same day.

(Left) Bones Bañez Jr.’s Christ Suffering, gouache on paper, 2016
(Right) Reneboy China’s Kristo series, acrylic on floppy disc

Because of its location, Art de Triomphe Art Gallery is easy to miss, for now. It will soon gain popularity just like its neighboring establishments. Why hold a selling exhibit in a yet-to-be-discovered gallery? Rodney said that there are artworks best shown in high-traffic areas like the malls, but the Kristo exhibit is meant to be contemplative and one needs a more serene space for that. Art de Triomphe provides that needed area for the show’s concept.

(Left) Bryan Cabrera’s "Wrapped Anew", oil on canvas.

(Right) Dominic Turno’s "Blood of Christ", oil on canvas

Toym Imao’s "Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus", Resin sculpture

Kristo 2020 shows the different depiction and interpretation of Jesus Christ by 21 artists, including Toym Imao. Check it out at Art de Triomphe at 47 Tulip Drive, Juna Subdivision (across Davao Light Power sub-station). Call 0917-712-7058, 0923-082-3607 or (082) 233-9061.

Also published at SunStar Davao newspaper.

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