Japanese artist Ayumi Endo commemorating President Rodrigo Duterte with a live painting exhibition. Photo by Charlotte Billy Sabanal
Vibrant hues and a festive spirit filled the Arrupe Hall of the Ateneo de Davao University last Aug. 18 as local artists, painters, and students gathered to witness the live painting by the Japanese artist Ayumi Endo.
The said event, organized by Davao Future Estate Properties Corporation, was done in line with the 31st Kadayawan celebration. It featured Endo’s painting of President Duterte as its main subject, alongside with Davao’s trademarks, the Philippine Eagle included.
Marcos Paulo Risonar, one of the event’s organizers shared its purpose.
“It’s a community service or public service for Davao Future. It’s like giving back activities for Davao, by showcasing here the talents,” he said.
“We are highlighting the victory of Mayor Duterte now that he’s the president. Miss Ayumi has already done three paintings before of President during his campaign, but she did it in Japan,” he added.
Endo is a painter from Osaka, Japan known for her live painting shows, exhibitions, and murals.
She talked about the message that she wants to portray in her painting.
“Before coming here, I already had ideas about Davao and Duterte. In this artwork, I want to show the balance of the strictness and the kindness of the President, thus the colors and the other elements seen in the painting,” she said.
Participant and second year Architecture student Judiessa Gegatto also shared her experience.
“Actually helpful siya kay as Archi students kailangan pud namo siya as an inspiration for rendering, for exploring and playing with colors kay as what I’ve seen from the live painting so far kay, wow. Just, Wow,” she said.
Aside from the live painting show, local graphic artists also presented and shared talks during the event.
The completion and ceremonial turnover of the paintings to the city government of Davao took place last Aug. 19. An art exhibit is open from to the public from the 20th to the 21st.