Veteran and emerging sculptors in an exhibit for a cause

Contemporary artist Gus Albor is something of an institution in the local art scene. His long career began in the seventies, and his abstract works and pensive aesthetic have since been displayed in countless exhibits both here and abroad. 

 

On the other hand, young painter/sculptor Lucky Salayog's name is relatively unknown. The 25-year-old started his art career two years ago when he sold some pieces to junk sculpture collectors. So far, he has only had one exhibit, which took place in Fort Santiago just last October.  

As it turns out, Salayog's second exhibit will be Albor's nth—and both of them will be showcasing works at the upcoming Alay Sining 5, an exhibit/sale featuring the sculptures of over 40 established and emerging artists including three National Artists: Abdulmari Imao, Napoleon Abueva, and Arturo Luz.

 

The exhibit was organized by the Rotary Club of Makati West (RCMW) to raise funds for the Gift of Life Foundation, which provides free surgery to indigent children who suffer from congenital heart disease. Fifty percent of the sales from the artwork will go to the foundation.  

According to RCMW president Atty. Ed Balois, they are expecting to raise P1 million for the foundation this year.

 

The exhibit will host a diverse collection of works from artists whose styles cover everything from the abstract to the absurd.

 

Some of the works collectors and art lovers can look forward to in this year's Alay Sining include "Into the Grove," Ferdie Cacnio's brass depiction of love under a mangrove; "Lady with a Fan and Umbrella," Benjamin Dailo's exaggerated homage to the female form; and Noy Gepte's macabre masterwork, "Brainstorm."

 

Promoting sculpture

 

Balois shared that they opened the exhibit to any sculptor who wants to be part of it, regardless of how many awards they've won or how many exhibits they've done.

"Wala kaming screening process because we want to encourage established, upcoming, and those that are starving artists," he said.

 

"The established attract the crowd. The young ones get the exposure. So in the process, they become veterans, because they have patrons. ‘Pag nakabili ka na ng isang work, inaabangan mo na ‘yung next. It's really amazing how this network has grown," he explained.

 

Jun Alvendia, co-chairman of RCMW's culture committee, said that they are holding the event not only to support their beneficiary, but also to promote Philippine sculptors and sculpture in general.  

"It has always been the vision of [National Artist and culture committee co-chairman] I.P Santos that every home should have a sculpture. He also wanted to promote sculpture of all the visual arts because he thinks that nobody is dedicated to promoting sculpture by itself," Alvendia said at a press briefing Thursday morning.

 

"Paintings are normally the ones more popular. That's why for all five years, we have resisted all invitations to exhibit paintings. We've stopped with sculptures because we want to be known for it, and we want also to develop it as a profession and also develop its appreciation among not only our members but the community at large," he added.  

Albor agreed with Alvendia, saying "nakakatulong din [ito] mag-promote ng sculpture."

 

"Magandang maganda ‘yung ginawa nila... Tamang tama kasi lalo na sa atin, kulang ‘yung appreciation sa sculpture at saka sa art in general, kulang pa ‘yung appreciation ng karamihan," he told GMA News Online.

 

For Salayog, he sees the exhibit as a big opportunity because it allows him to show alongside established and well-known artists.

 

"Para sa akin, napakalaking event nito kasi una sa lahat mga involved dito is malalaking tao," Salayog told GMA News Online.

 

"Napakalaking opportunity nito bilang bagong artist katulad ko na mai-promote ko naman ‘yung ganitong klase ng art na made of junk," he said. 

 

One of his pieces in the exhibit is called "Modernong Musikero," a sculpture made out of scrap and junk pieces depicting a robot playing a violin.

 

"At the same time, nakakatulong ka na sa environment, nakakatulong ka pa sa ibang tao," he added. –KG, GMA News

 

Alay Sining 5 will be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Ballroom on November 19 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.