“Art, freedom and creativity will change society faster than politics.” – Victor Pinchuk

Artists have been in this world since who knows when. From as simple as drawing a picture to creating award-winning films, their outputs served as both entertaining and meaningful to their audience.

Here in Cebu, we have unquestionably  contributed equal share of talents. As years go on and on, the Cebuano art scene is continuously growing, adapting and evolving at the same time. 

Last year, the Cebuano creative circle proved that art’s life is unending. Galleries of well-known Bisaya artists are still highlighted events. In fact, some newbies who aspire to participate in the art scene showed not only good potential skills but perceive themselves as people who can actually make a difference. And I’d like to quote Maria Gigante’s answer in Binibining Cebu 2017, “As a millennial, I have learned that you should never be afraid of being the same. Being one in an army of people who are ready and willing to make a difference in the world.” 

That rings true to these three artists who not only earned the limelight in visual arts, but also deserve to be role models in our society.

The Archiver: Mark “Kidlat” Copino

Marc Copino, more famously known as Kidlat, is known for his minimalist stencil works. He stopped attending art school and made his way to the art scene in a different approach.

Have you always been this artistic?

“Yes. I developed my skills through my passion in street art. My first exhibit was in Kukuk’s Nest in 2005. That time, it really wasn’t something of a big deal. But last year, I got the opportunity to have a show in Qube Gallery and that, for me, was something more.”

“Ang Pagpanimpalad sa Managhigala Didto sa Groto sa Punta “

Where do you get your inspiration?

“Mostly from everywhere, I’m quite the observer and I would usually just soak everything up like a sponge. The main inspiration though is my kid, Elias. Seeing him grow up brings a lot of memories from my own childhood and I would incorporate those in my art. In fact, he’s my model.”

Who are your role models when it comes to art?

“I have a lot of role models, it’s really hard to put them all in one list. I do appreciate the classical painters though, like Picasso, Francis Bacon and Michael Borremans.”

What projects are you currently working on?

“Currently I’m just experimenting with different styles in using stencils, some commissioned works which were recently finished. Mainly all just in preparation for my next solo show this year.”

“Mga Hunghong sa Labang-labang nga Duwa”

“Barko-Barko”

Other than visual arts, is there any other type of art you want to explore?

“I’ve always fantasized of making art through sound. Also Performance art. I actually tried performance art years ago but I want to make more now.”

As an artist, what do you think is your role in society?

“That’s a big question. You see, I have this need to create and how I see myself is more of an archiver of people’s experiences. I collect ideas, feelings and situations from everybody — categorize them and basically show it to the audience.”

What is your message to young aspiring Cebuano artists?

“Have fun. That’s the main thing. If you don’t have one then hey, what’s the point?”

The Visionary: Jayson “Daot” Bacunador

Daot may ring a bell or two. A graduate from University of the Philippines, his works are mostly influenced by pop culture. Colorful and surreal, he takes the audience to another dimension of how he sees everything.

Have you always been this artistic?

“As far as I can remember, it may have been in kindergarten. My mother is artistic and I can still remember how supportive she was back then– until now. But I remember how my skills were sharpened in high school because I’ve always joined poster-making contests. And of course, I enhanced it through graffiti.”

Sightseer

Where do you get your inspiration?

“Almost anything can be my inspiration. But when it comes to style, I’m inspired between  pop art and realism. I have also developed a habit in putting orbs in my works which is inspired by the three psyches of a person: the id, ego and super ego.”

Who are your role models when it comes to art?

“I’ve always idolized artists whose works can not only be seen in canvas, but also in murals, ads, shirts or shoes even. Kaws [Brian Donnelly] is one of my favorite. His works are seen almost anywhere.”

What projects are you currently working on?

“I’m working with something commission-based but it would be nice to have another gallery this year– may it be solo or part of a group. There a lot of art events this year that I will be participating on and I aim to grow my audience.”

Other than visual arts, is there any other type of art you want to explore?

“Yes. I’ve always wanted to try sculpting. I want to make a character and maybe experiment on how he should look like. I mean, as an artist, it’s hard trying to find your own identity and exploring is my way of enhancing my skills.”

As an artist, what do you think is your role in society?

“I have big dreams for myself and for this world. I would consider myself as a provider of something interesting and expose it to people who are deprived from visual art. I want to inspire other artists, especially new ones.”

What is your message to young aspiring Cebuano artists?

“Dedicate your time to your craft, I guess. Be consistent in your progress and your attitude towards your works. Don’t be afraid of criticisms because that’s one significant element for you to evolve.”

The Mediator: Lhee Deiparine Taneo

Lhee is another contemporary artist who unexpectedly found her edge due to her thesis in University of the Philippines. Shells imported from Olango Island is transformed by the artist into a beautiful mosaic piece.

Have you always been this artistic?

“Unlike others who were born artistic, I wasn’t. When I was young, my dad had always been crafty and seeing him creating stuff made me interested in art. Apparently that interest became an urge to learn which is why I went to art school. In fact, most of my skills were developed through education already.”

Where do you get your inspiration?

“I’m inspired by random everyday thoughts that I consider relevant and should be taken consideration of.”

Who are your role models when it comes to art?

“One of the people I look up to is Frida Kahlo. I admire her strong personality and her perspective despite her tragic and melancholic life. Another artist I like is Jason Dussault. He makes tiles mosaic and they are all beautiful.”

What projects are you currently working on?

“Last year I was able to have my solo exhibit. This 2018, I am currently working on another exhibit. On the other hand, I make portraits every now and then if someone would request it.”

Other than visual arts, is there any other type of art you want to explore?

“My family have showed great interest in music. Maybe art through music would be nice to try. I also like the idea of making films especially documentaries. The thing is, it’s safe to say that I still have more room to grow. Maybe if I have more resources, I’d be glad to experiment on what else I am capable of.”

As an artist, what do you think is your role in society?

“I’d like to see myself as someone who reminds other how important it is to co-exist with each other. Most of the people are ignorant about what other’s are going through. Artists, for me, can be in other people’s shoes because I think we are keen enough to notice the things that most people overlook.”

What is your message to young aspiring Cebuano artists?

“Remain human matter how big you become.”

Kidlat, Daot and Lhee represent all artists not only in Cebu but all over the world. The way they see themselves as an active part of the society surely is an inspiration inside and outside their circle.