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The old saying from the late statesman Henry Kissinger that Art is
man’s expression of his joy in labor is probably the best way to
describe and characterize artist and businessman Don Quibilan.
At a very young age, he knew that he wanted art.
“I remember when I was in high school and
college, my classmates would play computer games but I would go to
places where there are art galleries or exhibits for it gave me a
different thrill,” Quibilan enthused.
He gives credit to his mother for his love for
art. He remembers visiting galleries with his mom at a young age. On
the other hand, he attributes his business acumen to his father who
taught him how to make money.
The marriage of these two influences manifested
in his present passion – collecting art.
His first collections were a variety of
paintings of mother and child made by Filipino artists.
It was through collecting art that he learned
that a lot of talents are hidden and unrecognized in the
countryside. That prompted him to discover artists outside of Metro
Manila, to give them a chance to showcase their talents.
“A lot of people think that the artists in the
provinces are not good enough, all they need is a boost and a
break,” Quibilan explains.
At first he would hide the artworks he bought
from his wife Anne, thinking that she would disapprove of them but
much to his surprise she displayed the same passion for his
collection.
Realizing that art is for everyone, he decided
to share his treasured collections to a wider audience.
Quibilan did not really turn his house into a
public gallery but only sent invitations periodically to a selected
group of people. Though he’s having a hard time parting from his
collection, he is selling them so he can collect more with the aim
of helping other artists.
One particular artist whom Quibilan thinks
deserve a proper recognition is Susanito Sarnate.
Sarnate hails from La Carlota, Negros
Occidental. His genius was first discovered when he won first prize
in the Pasasalamat Festival painting contest in his hometown more
than 10 years ago.
In 2001, he won the grand prize in the same
festival but this time in sculpture where he showcased his prowess
in terra cotta. After two years, his masterpieces were adjudged the
best entry in Bacolod City’s Panaad sa Negros.
He started collaborating with Quibilan several
years ago after they were introduced by his discoverer Charlie Co,
another Negrense artist who owns the Orange Gallery.
Through Quibilan’s help, Sarnate is bound to
showcase his latest masterpieces via the show Abakada on June 26,
2008 at Art for Space, Alabang Town Center, Muntinlupa.
The new series of sculptures will revolve around
acknowledging the basics things in life best exemplified by
frolicking children.
Quibilan hopes that someday he and his wife will
be able to stage exhibit abroad to showcase talents like Sarnate and
other unknown but deserving local artists.
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