With the hope of ‘inspiring a sense of wonder and pride in the richness of Mindanao’, artist Alfred Galvez launched a watercolor art exhibit entitled ‘Mindanao Opulence’ in Ateneo de Davao University’s Calungsod – San Vitores Art Gallery 11F of Community Center of the First Companions (CCFC).

The exhibit aims to bring out the richness in the simplicities of indigenous life, rural landscape, and native wildlife through different artworks that symbolize life in Mindanao.

Galvez utilized his own inversed ‘chinoiserie’ (the imitation or evocation of Chinese motifs or techniques in Western art, furniture, and architecture in the 18th century) which he called ‘filipinoiserie’, where the rococo technique honors the culture of the Filipino Mindanaon.

He also shared that despite the conflict and poverty in Mindanao, his exhibit is a reminder of the richness of Mindanao and its people.

“Despite all of the wars, despite [Mindanao] being dubbed as the poorest, I think [the exhibit] is more of reminding us of what we have,” he said.

Galvez is known in Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) as the artist who painted the portraits of Jesuit figures displayed in the fourth floor of CCFC as well as the muralist of AdDU – Senior High School chapel.

“Just paint. Bring your passion to whatever level. Get inspirations from issues around the world, from nature most especially,” he added.

The art exhibit is open until June 28 at from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.