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Linugdang- A Glimpse of Celso Pepito's Art Practice for More Than Five Decades

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  In the landscape of contemporary Philippine art, few figures embody the intersection of deep-seated values and technical mastery as distinctively as Celso Duazo Pepito . A pillar of the Cebuano art community, Pepito has spent over five decades crafting a visual vocabulary that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Through a masterful adaptation of modern cubism ( Sugbokubismo ), his work transcends mere aesthetic experimentation, serving as a profound apostolate dedicated to the restoration of the family, national identity, and spiritual devotion. Born in 1956 in Daanbantayan , Cebu, and raised in the rural expanse of Bukidnon, Pepito’s creative journey was grounded in the rich cultural and natural tapestry of the southern Philippines. His formal artistic evolution began at the University of the Philippines Cebu, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1981. It was during these formative years that Pepito fell under the mentorship of Martino "Maestr...

Beyond Pink Art Exhibit

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  The Friday Group Sessionistas (FGS)  is a well known vibrant art collective and commumity organization based in Cebu City, Philippines. Founded by Efren Enolva and Francisco Soria, the group was officially formalized in 2019.  The collective originally started as a close circle of artist friends who would gather on Fridays—the day they felt most free—to hang out and engage in live "plein air" (outdoor) painting sessions. Among the members are Rodel Estudillo, Anna Maria Lubanga, Tina Marie Gandionco,  Karsten Pabinguit,  Chauncey "Chenie" Ferolino,  Krisha Mae Alsola,  Paul Tagalog and many more. Core Mission & Activities Promoting Cebuano Art: Their core mission is to make visual arts highly accessible to ordinary Cebuanos, encouraging locals to understand, appreciate, and love drawing and painting.   Live Sessions & Workshops: True to their name, the group regularly hosts live art "sessions"—which include painting on the spot togethe...

Jogen Mil's One Woman Show-Interconnected: A Celebration of Philippine Biodiversity and Natural Heritage,

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  Nature does not exist in isolation; it survives through a delicate, invisible web of relationships. In Interconnected: A Celebration of Philippine Biodiversity and Natural Heritage , Cebuano visual artist Jogen Mil invites viewers into the heart of our archipelago’s living ecosystems. This exhibition serves as both a visual sanctuary and an urgent call to mindfulness, capturing the fragile beauty of native flora and the vibrant spirit of regional wildlife. Through Mil’s meticulous brushstrokes, the canvas becomes a mirror reflecting our profound, inescapable bond with the natural world—reminding us that to protect Philippine biodiversity is to preserve our very own heritage. Jogen P. Mil stands as a pivotal figure whose work harmoniously bridges the gap between artistic creation and community education. Based in Cebu City , Mil has carved out a unique identity as a visual artist, educator, and cultural organizer. Her multi-faceted career reflects a deep commitment not only to h...

Unbound Horizons- The Enduring Legacy of Kimsoy Yap's Proteges

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Unbound Horizons - in the vibrant ecosystem of Cebuano art, the lineage of mentorship acts as the lifeblood of regional mastery. At the heart of this lineage stands Jose “Kimsoy” Yap Jr. , a towering figure in Philippine art celebrated for his ethereal command over watercolor, expressive landscapes, and meticulous use of line and space. Having studied under the legendary "Dean of Cebuano Painters," Martino Abellana , and later at the National Academy of Design in New York, Yap synthesized classical discipline with a modern sensitivity to light and atmosphere.  He belongs to the Cebu Siete , an elite group of seven Cebu-based master artists who have have found their way into the Manila market and other parts of the globe. The rest include Adeste Deguilmo , Fred Galan , Jun Impas , Mar Vidal , Celso Duazo Pepito and Orly Ypon . However, a master’s true magnitude is measured not only by his own canvases but also by the generations he inspires. Through his dedicated instruction ...

Whispers of Time- The Art and Vision of Tatz Lee

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  Tatz Lee  (Maria Carmen Lee) is a rapidly rising contemporary Filipino visual artist celebrated for her luminous landscapes and deeply spiritual paintings that serve as visual prayers . Balancing an early passion for music with fine art, she took up drawing in 2017 before transitionally adopting wet mediums like oil and acrylic by 2021. Today, her name is closely tied to evocative, soul-stirring oil, mixed media, and watercolor works that explore the themes of faith , hope , and divine creation - these contextualizes her artistic journey, signature themes, and growing legacy in the contemporary art world. In a frantic and heavily digitized world, art often serves as the final frontier for silence and reflection. Among the rising voices in contemporary Philippine art who masterfully cultivate this space is Tatz Lee . A painter who explicitly views her practice as an offering of gratitude to her faith, Lee has established a unique niche through landscapes that transcend physi...