For his first one-man exhibit, artist Lotsu Manes breathes life and irony into some famous Filipino proverbs. Titled Idiomatic Expressions, the exhibit, featuring mostly oil on canvas works and one in mixed media, will be held at West Gallery in SM Megamall from May 18 to 30.
Are people turning backs on what their predecessors held scared? This is the reason why Manes stresses “idiotic” in the word “idiomatic” in the exhibit’s title Rendering images in lifelike fashion and great detail, Manes zooms into the youth culture and how it has become warped with different influences coming into play. There is “Nasa Kabataan ang Pag-asa ng Bayan,” where the youth’s responsibility in the society is questioned. Maybe there aren’t enough superheroes to look up to. In “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang”, Manes recalls the character of Juan Tamad, seemingly waiting for life to unfold. “Nasa Diyos ang Awa, nasa Tao ang Gawa” portrays our dual faith in both prayer and fortune. “May Gatas Pa sa Labi” turns on the mighty influence of mass media, particularly television, on the youth.
Manes says his major artistic influences include contemporary artist Alfred Esquillo, whose ability to depict social situations in seemingly light scenarios is remarkable. Manes hopes to take on the same challenge and be known for his keen grasp of cultural realities through the use of fine details and subtle tones.
Idiomatic Expressions is the first step toward that goal. Manes also credits fine arts professor Ibarra dela Rosa for teaching him the importance of discipline and hard work, Renato Habulan for generously sharing his techniques, and artist Antipas “Biboy” Delotavo for his inspired, painterly brushstrokes. Manes may have only met them briefly but they helped shape the artistic direction that Manes is currently treading.
Since winning the grand price in the oil category at the 29th Shell National Students’ Art Competition in 1996, for “Alay sa Dating Kanlungan”,and becoming a finalist at the Metrobank Young Painters’ Annual Competition in 1996 and1997, Manes knew that he made the right decision to pursue painting. Prior to that, he was taking up Eeconomics and seemed headed nowhere. Now Manes, who took up fine arts in Philippine Women’s University, is sure that there is nothing he’d rather do but paint.
When not painting, manes also studying are restoration, occasionally joining the Art Conservation and Restoration Specialists, Inc. for special restoration projects. In March, Manes joined in restoring Juan Luna’s “Spoliarium.”
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