Aurora, the first light. An online art exhibit

The category is: Joy. A glimpse of tomorrow after the pandemic.

This is the Part 2 of our online art exhibition and fundraising. This is unique. It’s a curated art exhibition on an online format. We bring the show to you to cheer you up. 

Generosity has no limits. This online art show challenges the Davao artists to work on a theme, just like Part 1 (COVID19 in art form) and now, Part 2, is about a “virus-free tomorrow”; work on any medium; size of artwork should not exceed 12” x 12”; and priced no more than P10k.

Note that the line-up includes Davao’s prominent artists whose works sell far more than the ceiling price. This allows would-be collectors to snag a piece from these celebrated artists at a fraction of its cost. And because this is for charitable cause, several artists were very generous to submit larger-than-required pieces to sell. All sales will go to the artist to give to their respective charities of choice.

Dadai Joaquin. When The Tides Turn. “Let’s remember the sunlight, the warm sand under our feet, The sting of the salty air on sunburned skin. Let’s remember our beautiful world. And let’s remember the beautiful hearts that are capable of boundless compassion and kindness. Let’s be strong. For when we may seem to drown right now in distress, soon the tides will turn.”

Rodney Yap. Dreams from Heaven is the artist’s thoughts on a 13yo kid wo dies because of the virus, the youngest recorded in the UK. What could life offer him if her were alive and healthy? The artist sees him in the park feeding pigeons or on the swing, or relazing his dreams and aspirations. Just like the rest of us, he looks forward to enjoy life full of love and compassion.

Gilbert Miraflor. He Died That We May Live. The pandemic was crippling but it gave the artist the opportunity to focus and refocus. Like a blessing in disguise, it brought his family closer. It allows us to see what really matters in life—family, friends and our relationship with God. When this is over, the world will never be the same because we will become better people in a better world. Like art, the more an artist focuses in his obra the more liberating he becomes in his expression.

Mary Anne Guinoo. Blue Water. As the sun rises and turns the water’s hue from deep blue to a a lighter shade that reflects the blue of the sky, we ask, “Doesn’t the water look clearer, the sky’s shade sharper?” COVID19 allowed Mother Nature to heal and the artist revels in the thought that we can step out into the world without worry and catch the sunrise from an open space. The moment of isolation was but a dream.

Kim Vale. Breathe. Mouth agape, eyes shut, the artist captures the emotions of someone luxuriating in fresh air and the outdoors. To be liberated from the mask and step out into the open without fear is what the world is wishing for now. 

Robin Castillo. Pigeons 2. There is something about chasing pigeons that gives us joy. It brings out the child in each one of us. This is what the street artist want to express in his piece. When it’s safe to be outdoors, we will be like children looking at the world with child-like eyes and appreciate the simplest and smallest things we have neglected in the past.

Mark Tolentino. Paglami-lami. In Ta’u Sug, it means “merry making”. Using his signature look, a Ta’u Sug Pangalay dancer, the artist presents his muse in a celebratory dance. Bright light beams on the dancer signifying hope. At this, the artist makes his muse smile, a very unusual treatment by the artist knowing that Ta’u Sug dancers are always expressionless. 

This is an older work of the artist. I decided to include it because it is also a dance of celebration – a bridal dance.

Dennis Puzon. Flowers Will Bloom Tomorrow. To be able to touch one’s face, spend time outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature without the fear of contracting the virus. A picture of joy on a COVID19-free tomorrow is painted by the artist.

The quarantine period requires detachment from everyone. Fourteen days if waiting for a symptom to appear, and longer if one works in the medical field as a frontliner. In At Last and Together Again, the artist paints happy, affectionate couples who get reunited after a period of separation.

Romilo “Do dong” Nadonza. Bend and Not Break. The piece interprets life in times of storm. The coconut tree, though disfigured, still stands symbolizing toughness despite the adversity. It  will be bent but won’t break. Have strength and have faith in God. No matter how hard the situation is it will pass.

Monkeys can be mischievous. But as one of the most intelligent creature, it can be domesticated and trained. The artist likens us to Winkey. On this time of crisis, we need to trust the system – stay calm and stay home. In doing so, we help flatten the curve.

Jearby Remmollo-Lañohan. Dawn’s Harvest. Through her piece, the artist reminds us that even if tragedy, such as a pandemic, takes so much from us, life rewards those who hope, wait and trust its generosity.  Life takes, but life also gives.

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