Centro Luna’s ‘Gratitude of Colors’ Showcase Ilocano Art

Vizcara, a young painter from Benguet, uses oil as his medium.

Centro Luna is set to embark on its first exhibit, according to Sitio Remedios’ marketing director Sigrid Salucop. The gallery only hosted private art viewings in the past decade, but on 31 October 2023, Centro Luna will open its doors to the general public.

In a press release, Sitio Remedios Heritage Village in Currimao, Philippines said, “The group of Ilocano artists whose works will grace Centro Luna include accomplished painters, published illustrators, architects, and young, talented neophytes.”

“Art is my solace,” Angelie Maranan Banaag expressed in a short interview. The young woman from Dingras, Ilocos Norte, much like Centro Luna, has been in the art scene for 10 years. Banaag paintings are colorful and vibrant — a signature she developed in the past few years. Charlotte Rafanan, an artist from the nearby city of Vigan in Ilocos Sur, is a contrast to Banaag’s work. Using predominantly monochromatic pigments, Rafanan showcases a unique style. The difference between Rafanan and Banaag are testament to the diversity of the Ilocos’ creative influences.

Mixed media artists are also included in the lineup based on Centro Luna’s press release. Cherry DV Agoyaoy, for example, submitted artwork made from colorful plastic while J.M. Agdigos sent in a huge painting made from resin.

Angelie Maranan Banaag’s bright hues and intricate patterns give her work a lively and happy vibe.

“It is fascinating and heartwarming that these talented artists from the region are working together to make this exhibit happen. I have never felt so welcome,” Sissel W.M. Salucop, a published illustrator expressed during a short interview. The Brisbane-based Ilocana uses oil as her medium.

Mark Lesther Macapulay is a painter from Ilocos Norte.

Artists such as Mark Macapulay and Adonis D. Ladera concentrate on Ilocano heritage while James Gabito promotes patriotism, with Old Manila as his inspiration. Patriotism is also prominent in the works of Kizzel Mina, an Amorsolo enthusiast. Mike Kairuz and Rosqueta, on the other hand, are focused on the future while Summer Lozano, the daughter of one of Baguio’s most prominent artists, is fond of mixing various colors in her abstract art.

Over twenty painters will be displaying their work at Centro Luna on 31 October. The gallery said that Gratitude of Colors was inspired by both unity and diversity.