Recollections

Held at Galerie Raphael Cebu, the gallery’s seventh and latest branch, is a collection of stories that evoke nostalgia, memorabilia, and honor. Recollections showcases art pieces that intertwine symbolic and defining parts of Filipino heritage – rendered in its most glorious, vibrant, and visionary.

Featured in the exhibit are three established talents in their own right: Richard Arimado, Almer Moneda, and Ralph Villaluz. Richard Arimado has steadily built a name for himself since his humble beginnings as a self-made artist. His unparalleled visions depict bustling scenes of historical landmarks, where every character is captured in mid-action, coloring the canvas with nuanced interactions and unbroken spirit.

In a similar vein, Almer Moneda’s simple yet sublime iterations of our beloved history allow viewers to glimpse archival memorabilia that is steeped in aesthetic harmony. Each of Moneda's paintings serves as a portal to the past – eliciting sentiments of nostalgia as he brings his subjects forward with the use of dynamic elements.

Ralph Villaluz’s part in this exhibit perfectly contrasts with his contemporaries, as his narratives require deeper cognition and introspection. By homing in on the nuanced details of his leaves and foliage, such as how light affects the colors of the leaves or the trailing fibers on found wood, Villaluz’s paintings stand as an intimate understanding of the relationship between man and nature.

As such, these narratives weave an immersive exploration of Filipino cultural identity and historical resonance – recollecting pieces of the past and recreating them into novelty expressions that resonate with the times. At its core, the works for Recollections hope to be deemed as spectacles in the years to come, as the presenting artists reimagine history through their contemporary lenses.

Recollections features works by Richard Arimado, Almer Moneda, and Ralph Villaluz, on view from July 19 – 30, 2024 with an Opening Reception on July 19, Friday at 5 pm. Galerie Raphael – Cebu is located at the 2/F, New Wing, Ayala Center Business Park, Cebu City. For inquiries, contact +63 917 771 1000 or email graphaelcebu@gmail.com.