It’s probably the earliest form of art. Since the dawn of humanity, cave dwellers have expressed art reflecting their beliefs in something greater and beyond. Art Lounge Manila channels this form of expression as works by Cadapan, Sansó, Cacnio, Obemio, Reyes, Pagkatipunan, Del Rosario and Villanueva reflect not only their personal faith, but also the times.
The Holy Week may be over, but occasions of reflection continue this Easter season with Art Lounge Manila’s ongoing show dubbed as “Bisita Iglesia,” (ongoing until April 15) a rare, contemporary artistic expression of faith by artists Juvenal Sansó, Michael Cacnio, Roel Obemio, Omi Reyes, Agi Pagkatipunan, Anita del Rosario, Jik Villanueva and Inday Cadapan, who did 18 church façade paintings, which are featured at the premier exhibitor’s Podium Mall gallery.
Marvel at the works of devotion like the intricate cross by Presidential Medal of Merit Awardee Juvenal Sansó, the sculptural cross “Substitution” by Michael Cacnio and the interactive crucifix by Jik Villanueva with Omi Reyes and Roel Obemio.
There’s more: the meticulously intricate abstract crucifixes of jeweler-sculptor Anita del Rosario created with mother of pearl, brass, and copper; a sculpture inspired by the life of Christ by Jik Villanueva; the contemporary crucifixes by Omi Reyes; and the joyful church façade paintings by Inday Cadapan.
Devotional art is probably the earliest form of art. Since the dawn of humanity, cave dwellers have expressed art intended to express a belief in something greater and beyond. It has become a defining feature of humanity, as it not only expressed the yearning for protection and security besought from a higher power, but more importantly, the belief in the continuance of the human soul, and a most poignant expression of love as humanity yearns to be reconnected with the departed in the life beyond.
With the rise of major world religions, art has become an evangelical tool to express the core beliefs of a faith, allowing even the non-literate to imagine and remember significant stories of the religion. Countless churches and places of worship have been adorned with iconic paintings and sculptures rendered in the most valuable materials – gold, jewels, the costliest pigments, ivory and precious woods – to be a fitting dwelling place or tribute to the divine.
In the Philippines, aside from indigenous expressions of belief, art has been a constant companion to the propagation of the Catholic faith. Beyond the churches, home altars and religious jewelry were employed to symbolize piety, as well as power and influence. These beautiful works often reflected the ideals and styles of the age.
Art Lounge Manila channels this form of expression as works by Cadapan, Sansó, Cacnio, Obemio, Reyes, Pagkatipunan, Del Rosario and Villanueva reflect not only their personal faith, but also the times.
For further information, visit artloungemanila.com.
