THOMASIAN artists showcased their works in the 19th Annual Sculpture Review exhibit, which opened Sept. 12 at the Art Center in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong.
The sculpture exhibit, which featured diverse styles, had nine Thomasian artists as part of this year’s 70-man roster.
“The Annual Sculpture Review is more than just a showcase of artistic mastery, it is a celebration of camaraderie that flourishes within our community,” said Gabriel Loste, one of the exhibit’s curators, during his opening remarks.
The Thomasian artists in the exhibit were Ramon Orlina, Richard Buxani, Sheldon Villanueva, Al Perez, Salvador “Buddy” Ching, Maria Magdamit, Wilfredo “Willy” Layug, Jaime Nepomuceno, and Elmer Dumlao.
Orlina, a UST architecture graduate, exhibited his signature abstract glass and crystal sculptures at the event.
Among the Orlina pieces exhibited were a 28x28x8-inch carved lavender crystal titled “Nebula,” a 26x28x8-in. carved pink crystal titled “Cosmos-2023,” a 62x24x24-in. carved orange crystal titled “Ambrosia,” and a 37x28x22-in. carved peridot glass titled “Seasons of Love.”
Buxani, also an architecture alumnus, featured Japanese bonsai trees in his copper, brass, and stainless steel sculptures “Navel of the Earth” and “Sculpted by the Wind.”
The sculptor likened the bonsai trees to himself, saying that despite the “harsh environment” they appear to have grown in, they were “still standing and still surviving.”
Villanueva drew inspiration from his faith in making “Aba Ginoong Maria,” a 2.5×7.5×27-in. molave sculpture with wood-burned carvings and gold leaf details.
“I’m led by the spirit. That’s why most of my work is based on religion, it’s like a sacred ritual,” Villanueva, an advertising arts graduate, told the Varsitarian.
Perez, another advertising arts graduate, also exhibited works with religious themes, including “Quiapo Church,” a 42×35-in. brass sculpture, and “Jesus the Savior with Barasoain Church,” a 17×23-in. mixed media art.
“I always go to the Quiapo Church. I did this so that the patrons of Quiapo will see my work and hopefully, they will like it,” Perez told the Varsitarian.
Magdamit turned to her childhood memories in making her stoneware sculptures “Whimsical Circus,” a 51x12x16-in. piece, and “Whimsical Box Balancing,” a 43x12x12-in. work.
The advertising arts graduate emphasized the tedious process behind sculpting, which sets it apart from other art forms.
“Very few use the medium—the stoneware, the ceramics—because the process is very long and you need to have your own kiln and clay,” Magdamit said.
(Photo by Valere Jane R. Callorena/ The Varsitarian)
The Annual Sculpture Review exhibit will run until Oct. 3. Jan Alyanna G. Tamaray and Sofiah Shelimae J. Aldovino
