A group of artists from all over Lapu-Lapu City gather for the very first Mactan Art Fest.
Artists from around Lapu-Lapu City collaborated to bring the first Mactan Art Fest. This inaugural exhibit displayed exquisite original artwork portraying the lives and experiences of artists through various mediums and methods.
This art exhibit coincided with the celebration of the Kadaugan sa Mactan Festival, which commemorates the victory of the early Cebuanos against the Spaniards in 1521.
THE INAUGURAL ART FEST
The exhibit features fascinating paintings made by Cebuano artists.
A collection of glamorous artworks created by Lapu-Lapu City residents brought about one of the first large-scale art exhibits on the island of Mactan.
The event featured live sketching, tattoo sessions, and paintings made by some of the most creative talents that are part of the Mactan Artist Guild (MAG).
The group previously set up an art gallery at Pueblo Verde last February, showcasing several artworks inspired by the aftermath of Typhoon Odette.
The art festival’s gallery consisted of pieces created through traditional and contemporary methods, like true-to-life oil paintings, eye-popping portraits, and mind-boggling abstract artworks.
With free rein to create whatever they wanted, artists produced a group of paintings with various topics and subjects, ranging from the pragmatic to the surreal.
The event aims to promote the growing arts industry on the island of Mactan.
Some artworks depict the simplicity of Filipino life by conveying compelling stories of struggles, dreams, and hopes that could inspire and elevate you. This could serve as an entertaining lesson for those who may be going through tough times or need something to push them to go further.
One image depicts the childlike glee of using a hand water pump, while another illustrates the calmness of life at sea. You will be amazed by the detail and expertise behind the brushstrokes.
The realistic artwork also portrays the fascinating lifestyle of animals. Paintings of a herd of horses, a school of koi, and a table of fruits have stunning life-like detail.
The exhibit also features celebrity portraits that have stunning true-to-life characteristics. These include images of Tom Holland, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., Whang-Od, and the late Kobe Bryant.
Several artworks also represent Lapu-Lapu, the first national hero of the Philippines. He is famous for fighting off the Spaniards – led by Ferdinand Magellan – during the Battle of Mactan.
Other artworks also showcase world-class guitars made in Lapu-Lapu City. These have become famous souvenirs that are synonymous with the island. You can purchase one in places like Ferangeli and Alegre.
Paintings aren’t the only art form that was showcased in the exhibit. Henna tattoo sessions were made available to the public, and hand-painted bags made out of local material were sold as well.
Finally, artists gathered around the venue for a live sketching session. They set out to sketch a realistic portrait of a model, using whatever medium they preferred, with either a pencil, ballpen, or a piece of charcoal. Many mall-goers stopped by to see these sketches come to life.
The first leg of the exhibit was held on the ground floor of the Island Central Mall in Barangay Pusok from April 22 to 24. The second leg was held at the Liberty Shrine from April 30 to May 1.
It may be the first of its kind, but Lapu-Lapu City’s growing arts industry, which is filled with endless talent, can potentially make this exhibit a premier art festival in the Philippines. Not only do the local artists have an eye for detail and narrative, but many lesser-known creators can bring some much-needed diversity as well.
The Mactan Art Fest celebrates the most esteemed creative minds and offers a glimpse of their thoughts and feelings through their thought-provoking artwork. This art exhibit could put Mactan as more than just a Historic Resort City, but also a haven for artistic talent.
