August 24, 1999

THE FIRST art exhibit of the College of Architechture and Fine Arts (CAFA) sophomores, Ritwal: Unang Pahid, showed a lot of promise with artworks that displayed clarity of moods in different styles.

The exhibition, which ran from Aug. 24 to Sept. 10 at the Beato Angelico Exhibit Hall, was formally opened by UST Museum Director Father Isidro Abano OP, CAFA Dean Yolanda Reyes, Associate Dean Jaime De los Santos. Assistant Dean Tobias Bonaobra, Painting Department head Mario Santiago, and Communicatio and Language directress Cecile Lana.

The exhibit showcased the "first attempt" in the visual arts by young painters. They were Jordan Arabejo, Leida Austria, Joe Blancaflor, Joel Bodegon, Jaime Cambi, Jimmy Candari, Minette Caraig, Marco Coching, Jeric Concepcion, Percival Cuevas, Charles Daza, Christian De Vera, Jonalyn Evangelista, Donna Ira, Micaela Labitoria, Rachelle Lamano, Michael Logaring, Franz Madriaga, John Aylmer Malavega, Mark Matabilas, Roel Membrado, Lawrence Memije, Mark Obsequio, Cecile Oliveros, Joseph Pavia, Brenda Praico, Mira Pelegrin, Jacob Reynoso, Lou Saludez, Eriberto Soriano, Kristine Sevilla, Gilchrist Tan, Reginald Tioleco.

Bong Ducat's Lotus, is a post-impressionistic rendering of oil on canvas by an artist who has yet to define his style. Its superb image made it chintzy. Though the blending of colors is dramatic, the imagery is ideal as a display piece.

Turkish Moon, an acrylic on wood, acquires elegance by its futuristic Amblin litany that is very rare among Filipino artists.

Seine at Saint Cloud by Jerryson Blancaflor, a light-hearted "Renoir" type oil on canvas, on the other hand, is the most unique, with its blisters of colors disturbing the light to achieve visual beauty.

The Old Man by Percival Cuevas, an 18x24 oil on canvas, gives an oblique impression with its semi-realistic genre. It is very expressive in its brushstrokes, mixture of colors, sharp edges.

Cuevas' brushstrokes and the shades of colors are similar to that of Vincent Van Gogh's Postman of Roulin, but more linear and clearer in dimensions.

Another standout is a very simple monochromatic painting by Eric Arvin Soriano, Kiss Me. The theme's unfurling is subtle and the viewer is left to create his own impression of the painting.

The paintings were generally bold. However amateurish, the exhibit is proof that the Thomasian fervor for the visual arts is here to stay. More importantly, it shows that the young artist does not only care for the aesthetic value of his work, but also for its social relevance.

Indeed, these young Thomasian painters will live to continue the artisticlegacy of UST, the home of today's great artists.

J.C. Malcampo, The Varsitarian, 1999