Cebuano Artists Painting Collection- Celso Duazo Pepito

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The Will to Live 2021, (Autostereogram)
 
 
When we look and appraise a painting by color blind Master artist Celso Duazo Pepito, one will immediately come face to face with a brilliantly made work of art. 
 
He was born 54 years ago on the 22nd of November in Daan Bantayan, Cebu. He plunged into the world of art as a young man who showed special skills in lettering. He was surprised when he steps into the halls of the University of the Philippines that the fine arts course was after all about painting. His painting career soon took off soon after college. 
 
There were years of facing struggles hurdling one trial after another. But, like college education, experience is considered as the best teacher. His paintings are known to contain imagery that is brought to life by crisp and clear lines, bold strokes and his usual usage of bright color scheming. But deep within his subjects are personal motives and intentions that come from his heart. The man is with a mission he believes not impossible.
 
 
Apart from the physical manipulations of the hand that holds the brush, the works carry messages that Pepito infuses to visually communicate. The paintings aren’t just made of the medium but it can be said that the messages he wants to convey and the meaning the artwork may possess is what completes the painting.
 
Even with the seemingly straight-forwardness of Peipito’s paintings it is unwise to take them at face value because there is more to it than meets the eye. Because there are several symbolisms in the composition though these symbols are not hidden or coded. Pepito do not hide them, the symbols actually doubles as aesthetic elements and embellishments. 
 
 

 
These symbols have become a common feature and fixture.  His paintings are usually made up of three planar divisions used as backdrops to his modern figural subjects. What isn’t known to many is that they carry personal meanings. Pepito has three different explanations for the three geometrical partitions. One has to do with strengthening family ties; the second is about the spirit of nationalism while the third embraces religious spirituality. These three concerns of God, Country and Family sum up the totality of his art and person. 
 
 

 
The first symbolize the family and the number takes significance because he’s got three young-adult children who are all boys. Pepito is an unwavering believer that positive change in society will start in the family. This is why his works always depict family values and tradition. Second is that of nation-building and nationhood. They represent the concept of Luzviminda, the three geographical parts of the country.
 
Peipito’s paintings are nationalistic in the sense that it gives a positive picture of what the Filipino life style is. And notice his choice of colors- the preference are the colors of our national flag.
 
Their Life, Their Journey 2022, 3' x 6', Acrylic on Canvas
 
Lastly the third stands for the Holy Trinity. This is Pepito’s commitment to a continuing apostolate. Pepito's painting style is in the modernist vein that verges towards cubism hence they are heavy on polygons. 
 
But what is the most readily discernible is the octagon shape rising high above his canvas. To him the bright octagon symbolize hope, a virtue Pepito never seems to run out with.
 
Currently (2024), Peipito is busy working on a book on his life and art to be published and pre-launched (Antecedence) nationally on August 25, 2024 in SM Art Center, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City and official launching thereafter in Cebu City on February 28, 2025. The book titled Above, Over and Beyond will be written by Ambassador Jose Cariño, Grace Morelos Avanzado and Sayoka Takemura, published by BambooVillage Publishing. It will recount his life as a visual artist, sculptor, writer, event organizer, inspirational speaker and furtive life beyond... 


"Sanctify yourself, sanctify your work, and God will sanctify others through your work"                                                                                               
                                                                   Josemaria Escriva
 
*When viewed with the proper vergence, the paintings are autostereograms- an optical illusion of depth perception.
 
*Warning: prolonged staring at the paintings may cause vergence- accomodation conflict.                                                                   
 

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