CREDIT: Cagayan de Oro Information Office
PHOTOS CREDIT: Reynan Baylin/CIO & Jonalyn Cabahug
The art world and religious communities alike were greeted with a profound display of faith, culture, and artistic mastery on March 25, 2024, as the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, together with the Department of Trade and Industry (Misamis Oriental) and the Kagay-an Misamis Creative Council (KaMi Creative), inaugurated a photo exhibit that would capture the hearts of many. Named "Saulog: The Marian Collection," this exhibit took center stage at the St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall, marking a significant event in the art realm of the Philippines.
The exhibit paid homage to the late Pennessencio "Nonoy" Estarte, an artist whose works have reverberated through the corridors of Philippine art history. Positioned as a culmination of Women's Month, the Marian collection showcased a series of 15 mixed-media portraits by Estarte. These artworks distinctively blended features of Mother Mary with the attire and features of the indigenous women of Mindanao, presenting a tapestry of cultural reverence and artistic ingenuity.
This artistic endeavor was brought to life through a collaborative partnership involving the Birhen sa Kota Development Foundation, Inc., Peacebuilding GWAPA (Group of Women Advocates for Peace in the Archipelago), and the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro. Each entity brought its unique influence and support, ensuring that the exhibit was not just an art show but a narrative of interconnected faith, culture, and advocacy.
The unveiling of "Saulog: The Marian Collection" was emblematic for several reasons. It not only celebrated the 80th birth anniversary of Archbishop Emeritus Antonio Ledesma, S.J. but also symbolized the dynamism of cultural heritage and the enduring spirit of the archdiocese's care under Estarteโs artistic narrative.
In an act of homage to Mother Mary and all women striving for peace and salvation, the archdiocese's participation underscored a deep respect for Nonoy Estarteโs artistic legacy and his contributions to the religious and cultural tapestry of Cagayan de Oro.
Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas, representing the city's leadership, eloquently voiced the Kagay-anons' devotion and admiration for the Virgin of Cotta through Estarte's artworks. The collection, lent to the archdiocese for public viewing, evidently bridged the gap between divine devotion and artistic expression, illustrating the community's collective reverence.
With the stewardship of John W. Asuncion head of the Oro-TIPC, the exhibit extends an invitation to the public, offering an immersive experience into the religious and cultural dimensions of Estarte's art. Scheduled to remain open until April 30, 2024, "Saulog: The Marian Collection" is a testament to the city's rich heritage and spirited community involvement.
The Marian collection serves as a beacon of inspiration, not just for the religious or art aficionados but for the community at large. It encapsulates the life's work of Nonoy Estarte while fostering a sense of unity, peace, and cultural pride among the Kagay-anons and beyond.
"Saulog: The Marian Collection" stands as a remarkable example of how art can be used as a medium for advocacy and cultural expression. Through the visionary eyes of Nonoy Estarte and the collaborative efforts of various organizations, the exhibit articulates themes of peace, empowerment, and spiritual reverence.
As the exhibit remains open for public viewing, it beckons art lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and the general public to immerse themselves in the profound narratives encapsulated in each portrait. "Saulog: The Marian Collection" is not just an art exhibit; it's a journey through the lens of faith, culture, and unwavering devotion.
In the grand tapestry of art and culture, "Saulog: The Marian Collection" embroiders its unique signature, inviting one and all to partake in its celebration of faith, heritage, and artistic brilliance.
