Art Review : HERstory – Passion for Art

HERstory is a group exhibit held at the Level 3 of the Ayala Center Cebu New Wing. The exhibit will run for 2 weeks from June 14 to June 28, 2014.

Though it is not a new concept, HERstory still stands out as it showcases the works of women artist in Cebu such as Palmy Pe – Tudtud, Hali Marmol, Gigi Ocampo and Sonia De La Torre Yrastorza.

‘I am Me’ by Palmy Pe -Tudtud , 48″ x 36″, Oil on Canvas

Palmy Pe – Tudtud’s first painting, “ I am Me” is a portrait of a boy surrounded by flowers. It is a huge painting, and also a lonely one as it depicts a child gazing onto something far away. Its skin is closer to gold than brown. The title does not give much of an explanation as it only adds to the mystery of the work. Why, “I am Me”? Why the flowers surrounding it? The boy indeed looks lonely but what is he thinking about? If the artist wanted us to look at the artwork and wonder why, then she has truly succeeded to do just that.

‘Pink Memories’ by Palmy Pe- Tudtud 48″ x 36″ Mixed Media

Palmy Pe – Tudtud’s 2nd work, Pink Memories is a good combination of realistic figures and patterns. It is again gazing on something but at least we know now what she is thinking about- pink memories.

‘Symmetry’ by Halei Marmol , 36″ x 24″, Mixed Media on Canvas

Hali Marmol’s artworks shows a good balance of colors and figures that reminds us of Manansala’s brand of cubism. It pleases and teases the eye and at the same time giving effect that there is still more to it than meets the eye. It is both erotic and mysterious.

‘Bonded’ by Halei Marmol 36″ x 24 ” , Mixed Media on Canvas

Between the two artworks, I like “Bonded” more because of its colors and mermaid figures. It is more mysterious, more erotic than “Symmetry”.

The only regret I can say about Hali Marmol’s art works is that the works were small. It would have been better that it had been larger.

‘Usa Duha 1’ by Gigi Ocampo 36″ x 24″ Oil on Canvas

Gigi Ocampo’ s artworks are funny and smart. She did not overdo it as she gave an effect that the painting looks unfinished. By making it unfinished she leaves the viewer something to imagine about.

‘Usa Duha 2’  by Gigi Ocampo 26″ x 24″ Oil on Canvas

The size and the color of Ocampo’ s art works are just right for the concept. Any change would have truly given a different effect.

‘Living the Dream’ by Sonia De La Torre Yrastorza, 20 x 16 Mixed Media

Then with Sonia De La Torre Yrastorza’ s artworks, ‘Living the Dream’ is a declaration of success for her. Still having a chance to paint even at this time of her life where she has kids and all is indeed living a dream.

‘Freedom: Open door’ by Sonia De La Torre Yrastorza 20 x 16 Mixed Media

Then in the artwork, Freedom, she is saying that freedom is as easy as opening the door, going out and travelling.

There were still a lot of artists and artworks in the exhibit, but these four artist’s works were the only ones who that caught my attention. With their 8 paintings, the exhibit is already deserving of our attention.

So if you want to support Cebu’s art scene, do visit their exhibit at the Ayala Center Cebu.

(Contributed Photos)

About the author: N.M. CABANGBANG graduated Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Painting at University of the Philippines Cebu. He is currently teaching grade 6 – 10 Art at B.R.I.G.H.T.  Academy, Cebu City.