The Different Dimensions of Art at Qube Gallery

Posted on January 13, 2020April 9, 2021 / by CA /

I am not an artsy person.

I always tell myself that. Usually, when we speak of art, paintings come to mind. Or is it just me? And paintings don’t really catch my attention. I am just not fond of them, let’s get that out there as early as now. But art has many forms, I keep forgetting that. Taking good pictures is art. Writing is an art! What I’m trying to say is that I am no expert at this topic. But I can write about my own experience and interpretations. So, I’ve decided to take Pia Mercado’s Invite to witness the 1st of their Salon Series at Qube Gallery. It is situated at Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu City. Should you wish to check it out.

The show was curated by Stephanie Misa. It started with a reading from poet and essayist, Lawrence Ypil. He featured his book called “The Expirement of The Tropics”. It was available and up for sale that night, too.

It’s an art gallery, and so it has a lot of art forms on display.

It was the very first time that I saw someone writing a poem out of photos that he sees. And they are not just any photos, but those taken of the olden times in Cebu. There was a photo of the old Colon Street, the port, and Fuente Osmeña Circle.

Photos of the people of old and how they used to really dress up, not just for occasions but simply for going out. We also used to have railway stations, and whatever made it disappear is a wonder to other Nationalities even. Maybe, I can find some article or book that can explain the history of the train stations in Cebu. Makes me want to do a research on the question.

Mr. Ypil was able to write beautiful words of poetry out of each photo.

If you’re curious, you can look for his book and check it out for yourself. I am so tempted to do the same for the photos that I’ll be uploading on my social media account. But I’m not there yet. I used to write poems when I was younger and even a few songs. But I’m no poet.

The next part of the show was a performance-lecture by Eisa Jocson.

It was called Corponomy Digest. Taken from the words Corpus (anatomy) and Economy. Why? It was a show of how different performers have used their bodies and the art of movement to bring in income and to sustain their lifestyles.

This performance was divided into four parts.

First up was the Pole Dancer. I would have wanted to see her perform on a real pole, although what I saw was a video of what she could do. Her exhibitions were breathtaking.

Followed by the Macho Dancer. Yes, she’s a female. But this was to defy gender specifics and a showcase of her ability to be rigid aside from flexibility. It captures the strength and the male side of women.

Next up was the host. This shows her performance as a Japanese Hostess showing her skills with the fan. As well as other female dances and performances.

And the final part depicts the talents of our Filipino workers in Disneyland as Princesses. This performance came with theatrics and dialogues. A monologue for her, but she involved the audience by interacting with them. Asking questions which created impromptu dialogues. She is so witty.

Her performance ended with the line, “You don’t know what I’ve been through”. Which was repeated over and over for emphasis. True enough we have no idea what our OFW Performers go through. And also applies to everyone we know, unless we get a glimpse of their lives.

The last three photos were taken by Cha Esper. She came to this show with me. And I’m pretty sure that she has her own interpretation of everything. One thing is for sure, going to galleries may not be my thing, but I did sure enjoy the experience. It was definitely something else. Well, except for the fact that I had some personal issues that night. But let’s set that one aside.