Angelo Magno

Art as legacy By Rowell B. Capuz

In paintings, sculptures, and installations, artists do their best to capture the very essence of life. Blooms that are so vivid you can almost smell them; fruits that are so detailed even the slightest puncture on their surface are clearly seen; idyllic towns that tell how beautiful life is outside the bustling metropolis; canvases that acknowledge the divine origins of the female body; and revolutionary concepts that provide a glimpse of the future of Pinoy art.
Paintings that reveal the artist’s definitive brushstrokes, serigraphs that bare the mark of a steady hand, and sculptures and ceramics that tell a thing or two about the skilled craftsmen behind them and other facets of art were the feature of Sigma Delta Phi Alumnae Association’s (SDPAA) “Arte a la Carte,” a revival of the sorority’s art exhibit traditions. Sigma Delta Phi, a Society of Dramatics and Fine Arts and the oldest sorority in UP, has mounted art exhibits and cultural presentations from the ‘40s up to the ‘90s. “Arte a la Carte” was the first art exhibit of the Sorority in the new millennium. The exhibit, which was held at the art center of SM Megamall, featured 26 artists and their respective works: 16 Sigma Deltans, five Upsilonian painters, and five special friends of Sigma Delta Phi.
The exhibit aimed to expose the general public to Philippine art for their appreciation, revive a Sigma Delta Phi traditional endeavor, and raise funds for Project HOPE and other SDPAA socio-civic activities. “Arte a la Carte” was also in line with the 20th founding anniversary of the Alumnae Association and the 72nd year of Sigma Delta Phi.
Art enthusiasts, sorority’s close friends and relatives, and special guests trooped to the exhibit hall to witness yet another milestone for Sigma Delta Phi.
The inauguration
Gracing the exhibit opening was Sorority’s living founding member—92-year old Gloria Lucero Monzon (batch ’33). Special guest included National Artist Napoleon “Billie” Abueva, and renowned glass sculptor Ramon Orlina.
Gloria Lucero Monzon is one of the Ikebana flower art pioneers in the Philippines and was also a founding member of the country’s Ikebana Society. National Artist Napoleon Abueva designed and sculpted the Sigma Delta Phi Mariang Maya statuette, given by the SDPAA to its outstanding members in recognition of their achievements and excellence in various disciplines once every five years. The Abueva sculpted statuette was also part of the exhibit. An acclaimed glass sculptor, Ramon Orlina represented a contemporary art form that easily became one of the exhibit’s highlights.
The selection of these eminent personalities symbolizes the thrusts of the sorority and its quest for excellence—in the past through the present, and the years ahead.
Most of the artworks were for sale, except for a few on loan from personal collections, which were for exhibit purposes only.
Artists and their masterpieces
From blooms, landscapes to nudes and mixed media, “Arte A la Carte” brought out the creativity and personal style of each artist. There was Tess Sarmiento Duldulao’s pastel on paper. She painstakingly imprinted the minute details of delicate china in one of her works. Ruth Nguyen Carpio’s vibrant hues underscore the subject of her masterpiece. Manuel Gamboa’s Moonlight Sonata can be simply put as an ode to National Artist Nick Joaquin’s May Day Eve.
Standing on the left side of the art center is Nina Libatique’s Sister Talk, an installation of reinforced plaster with small parchment of hidden messages attached to its body (guests got one and read its message as they passed by).
One of the most intriguing set of artworks was done by architect Bart Aguas. His was a collection of ceramic tiles on brass plate and wrought iron frames. “I used to paint before, but I wanted to experiment on a different kind of art form, so I decided to utilize ceramics,” Bart said. “You spend almost as much with this art form—in terms of money and time—but this is much harder to do. In the end it’s all worth it.”
Herman Lazo’s work, on the other hand, used blooms as subject. But his style is very different—almost surreal flowers with no definite shape. He only relied on the hues for which he made a flower’s outline. “I’ve always loved to paint, but I don’t join exhibitions. Most of my work is at home, but some are commissioned by those who knew I can paint,” explained Herman. “I’ve seen this kind of technique, which is not really popular here. I sort of experimented on this style and added a few personal touches to achieve this kind of effect.”
Other artists included Anita Magsaysay Ho, Kathy Yatco Bengzon, Celia Diaz Laurel, Lucy Vergara Fernando, Bella Yan Ramirez, Ofelia Gelvezon Tequi, Bing Chanco Libatique, Yoly Bello Pajaro, Emily Aniag Marcelo, Rescina Sarmiento Bhagwani, Janice Revilla Rubio, Cherrie Anne Sarmiento, Glenda Ollero, Dr. Mars Custodio, Romy Carlos, Angelo Magno, Jia Rubio, Sylvia Amorsolo Lazo, Jing Uy, and Dr. Jose Mari Imao.
Women of distinction
Spearheading this event were Baby Salmingo Olivar, project chairman; Maripaz Tagle Chua, vice chairman; Linda Gamboa, SPDAA board chairman and president; Ligaya Lualhati Tankeh, SPDAA 1st vice president; Ike Gelvezon Tequi, assistant treasurer; and Vee Javier Sese, special projects committee chairman. The exhibit was curated by Riel Hilario.
On the exhibit’s last day, important art works whose commercial worth ranges from P5,000 to P75,000, were given away through a raffle. Among these masterpieces was Pot Vemis, a framed mural in oil by France-based artist Offie Gelvezon Tequi (listed in Who’s Who in International Arts book,) is the top prize.
Books by the late Purita Kalaw Ledesma, a Sigma Delta Charter member and a multiawarded icon of Philippine arts development, were on sale during the exhibit, as well as Upsilon Sigma Phi’s KKK book.
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