Luther Galicano II- Painting Collection
The rhythmic scraping of a palette knife against canvas, the rich scent of oil paint clashing with the savory aroma of ramen from nearby Rai Rai, and a quiet, unassuming man completely absorbed in his craft—this is the enduring image of Luther Galicano at mall in Cebu where I first met him. To the casual shopper navigating the mall’s bustling corridors, he was once a hidden gem creating masterworks in plain sight. Today, his brilliance has found its rightful platform as an in-house artist at Galerie Raphael, a milestone that formally anchors his reputation as an exceptional draftsman and a brilliant custodian of Cebuano art.
What immediately draws viewers to Galicano’s work is his profound mastery of rural Cebuano scenes and seascapes. In an era dominated by hyper-modern and often detached art forms, his canvases offer a soulful sanctuary. He captures the vibrant, sun-drenched spirit of the Visayan countryside—the rustic charm of nipa huts, the gentle sway of coconut palms, and the honest dignity of provincial life. Equally mesmerizing are his coastal views, where his treatment of light, shifting tides, and vast waters evokes a profound sense of peace. There is an undeniable warmth in his color palette and an empathetic texture to his brushstrokes that transport the urban onlooker straight to the shores and hills of Cebu.
To witness his evolution as an artist is a rare privilege. The pieces from his Art Students League of New York days in the 1990s reveal the raw, foundational knowhow that drives his current mastery. These early creations showcase a striking, foundational prowess in classical drawing and anatomical precision. They hold a distinct, disciplined energy—a testament to his period of intense training, cross-cultural exposure, and the rigorous molding of his artistic identity in one of the world's most competitive art capitals. Owning these early works is akin to holding the first chapters of a master novelist’s anthology; they contain the technical ambition and structural drafting mastery that now effortlessly ground his fluid, atmospheric paintings.
Beyond his technical brilliance, it is Galicano’s accessibility that makes him a truly remarkable figure. Even as he transitions into prestigious gallery spaces, his roots remain tied to the interactive spaces where his art first connected with the community. Becoming friends with him reveals the deep humility, resilience, and quiet dedication that fuel his ambition—proving that his character is just as profound as the landscapes he produces.
Luther Galicano is far more than a local talent; he is a visionary capturing the fleeting, beautiful essence of our culture and environment. He is an artist whose mastery was forged decades ago in New York and is unfolding beautifully today in Cebu—he will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greats.
