The Anthem Philatelist

True artistic genius rarely introduces itself in the pristine, clinical halls of high-end galleries. Instead, it lingers in the margins, waiting to be stumbled upon in the most mundane corners of everyday life. My introduction to Eli Manongas—a pioneer and co-founder of Cebu’s groundbreaking Neo-Tribalism Movement —did not begin with a formal exhibition catalogue. It began, quite literally, in a comfort room, and unfolded through a series of serendipitous encounters that revealed a man who was simultaneously an avant-garde rebel and a master of classical mimicry. I first learned Eli’s name from a simple watercolor painting hanging on the wall of a restaurant restroom. It was an unassuming location for art, yet the piece demanded attention. The fluid brushstrokes and masterfully controlled washes of color transformed a sterile, utilitarian space into a brief sanctuary of contemplation. The signature at the bottom read "Eli Manongas." It was a profound lesson in the democratic...

  Minglanilla River, 33" x 47", Oil on Canvas, 1986 For some artists, a work art of can become part of themselves and are hard to let go of.  Such is Celso Duazo Pepito 's the Minglanilla River , an oil on canvas painting he created in 1986. During this pre-cubism period, he was obsessed with the use of a palette knife .  " I remember, I consumed almost 2 tubes of 200 ml white oil paints.  That was the time when 200 ml was only 12 pesos", he fondly recalls. Martino Abellana was his foremost influence in understanding the use of color.   " The Law of Simultaneous Contrast that he shared with us in our art class was one great guide in my creativity, understanding the proper use of warm and cool colors, even up to now when i am following the Cubistic style", he said.   "It was great to remember the past in relation to the future as I continue my journey as a painter." Master Celso, why is this painting so close to your heart you're ...