CEBU, PHILIPPINES — The Philippines’ largest abstract painting will be on display during the week of the first-ever Visayas Art Fair in this city. “Alab ng Sining” measures 62 feet by 40 feet. It is a grand work by advertising man turned artist, Lloyd Tronco, who himself is a Visayan from Region 6.
“Alab ng Sining” first appeared in February 2021 at the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Avenue in Metro Manila as the artist’s way of celebrating National Arts Month. The work, according to the artist, is a statement on the democratization of art appreciation wherein art and the appreciation thereof should not only be confined within the walls of galleries, museums, or auction houses.
“The world is our gallery, a place to share our God-given talents, a place to share our craft and ideas. The purpose of art is really to connect with as many people as possible,” says the artist.
Created during the pandemic during the time when visiting galleries or museums were not allowed, “Alab ng Sining” is also a statement on social distancing. Given the size, one has to stand from afar to truly appreciate it.
Due to the sheer size of the painting which measures 230 square meters of surface area, “Alab ng Sining” will not be displayed on site at the Visayas Art Fair exhibit hall but will be hung on a billboard along Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City.
The Visayas Art Fair 2021 is a historic undertaking by Cebu Design Week, Inc. to unite three regions (Regions 6, 7 & 8) in the Visayas to present to the world the identity of the Visayan arts and culture. This fair, the first of its kind, will take place on November 25 to 28 at the Montebello Hotel, Cebu.
