ILOILO CITY – Two artists using two different mediums have come together for an artistic rendezvous of this city.
The art exhibit “Rendezvous: Past Meets Present” brings the interpretation of the cityscape from upcycling artist Cristhom “Dodoy” Setubal and panoramic painter Mark Vincent Java.
UPCYCLING artist Cristhom ‘Dodoy’ Selibio Setubal (left) and panoramic painter Mark Vincent Java. (Tara Yap)
The self-taught Setubal, who hails from the southern Iloilo town of San Joaquin, has expanded his trash-to-art with miniature renditions of the city’s heritage structures.
From trash and scraps such as wood and broken clothes hangers, Setubal was able to create the iconic Arroyo Fountain, the Iloilo Customs House, the old Jaro Municipal Hall, the Jaro Belfry, the Lizares Mansion (now the Angelicum School Iloilo), the Molo Mansion, and the Crown at Villa de Arevalo Plaza dedicated to Queen Isabel II of Spain.
While Setubal’s works brings a different look into the past, Java’s works takes a leap into the contemporary Iloilo cityscape.
UPCYCLED art depicting the Arroyo Fountain and old Jaro Municipal Hall by Cristhom ‘Dodoy’ Setubal. (Tara Yap)
The bird’s eye view paintings depict the hustle and bustle of the regional capital of Western Visayas.
In particular, Java’s work depicting this city’s downtown or the Central Business District are vibrant representations of what used to be the center of commerce here.
But more than the visible landmarks – the Plazoleta Gay monument, the Filipino-Chinese Arch, and the Eusebio Villanueva Building – Java gives the viewer a sense of the importance of Calle Real and Iznart St., a testament of the old Iloilo to Ilonggos.
Java also depicts the bird’s eye view of Plaza Libertad, Jaro Plaza, and Molo Plaza. In all of his works, Java’s vibrant pieces manifest how Ilonggos treat shared public spaces.
MARK Vincent Java’s depiction of downtown Iloilo City and Plaza Libertad. (Tara Yap)
The collaborative works currently at the lobby of Days Hotel by Wyndham Iloilo is timely as visitors flock to Iloilo for the highlight of the Dinagyang Festival from January 26 to 28.
Exhibit ends on January 30.