Embracing Similarities and Differences: Tubô Art Fair 2023

“In its essence, this year’s Tubô Cebu Art Fair is a reflection, a mirror that magnifies both contrasts and similarities,” 2023 curator Jay Jore shares. This year’s theme is ‘Juxtapose’, allowing attendees to explore contrasts, similarities, and the growth that emerges from such reflections. The event is set to take place from September 15-17 at the Ayala Center Cebu. This is the fair’s fifth installment and biggest iteration yet, gathering over 500 diverse regional artists and groups.

The lineup of Visayan and Mindanaoan artists includes Agurang Artist Group, Iloilo Artist Group, EROS, Cebu Artists Inc., Studio 31, Palawan Artists Collective, Ebony Visual Artists, Dibuho, Toledo Neo Arts Group, Dayon Art Space Collective, Aninaw Art Group, Art Portal Cebu, SIHAG, Paper Jam, Regional Art Forum, Luyo Space, Bohol Pop, PISKAY, Kolor Banwa, Cuatro Marias, IMoCa, SWAC, Palomar Fine Arts Services, STUDIO UNOSINOTRA, KOMiWET, SPACE XYZ, White Brick, Happy Garaje, Solitaryo Cinco, Sleepy Sickness, SAGRADO, Tres Independentes, Florentino Art Gallery, MAVDNO, Manila Art Frames, PASPI, IMAGES, Philippine Art, Joya Awardees, and more.

The Signature Collection will spotlight the works of esteemed artists Alex Ordoyo, Anton Quisumbing, Cezar Arro, Charlie Co, Gary Carabio, Geovanni Abing, Happy Garaje, Irish Galon, Jonas Pacifico, Khriss Bajade, Lester Amacio, Mark Belicario, Mark Copino, Melvin Guirhem, Nicole Asares, Orland Espinosa, Orley Ypon, Palmy Tudtud, Pepe Delfin, Romulo Galicano, and Yvonne Quisumbing.

The Fair also features “Just A Lawyer Drawing Sports Icons,” a captivating collection by Atty. Jovi Neri. This will present 36 ready-to-frame, removable illustrations of renowned sports icons, including nine from the Philippines. Printed on specialty art paper designed to emulate the original artwork’s texture, each illustration is accompanied by Neri’s insightful commentary, revealing his artistic journey and interactions with some of the featured sports legends. With a foreword by bowling Hall-of-Famer Paeng Nepumoceno, this book is not just a visual treat but a deep dive into the confluence of art and sports.

Collaborations with esteemed cultural entities such as the Cebu Art Book Fair, Cultural Center of the Philippines, and Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. aim to add depth and dimension to the fair’s lineup. Gallery partners Mono8, Qube Gallery, and Manila Art Frames amplify the ambiance, crafting varied avenues for both artists and art aficionados to engage and connect as well.

To further underscore the fair’s commitment to fostering education and collaboration in the arts, this installment also partnered with Cebu Institute of Technology University, Foundation University (Dumaguete), SWU Phinma, and the University of the Philippines.

Aside from the exhibits, an enlightening panel discussion awaits art enthusiasts during the first day from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at The Gallery, Ayala Center Cebu. The event has meticulously selected a versatile ensemble of speakers, including Atty. Jovi Neri, Januar Yap, and OJ Hofer. These panelists, each excelling in fields ranging from visual arts and fashion to music and literature, will delve into their distinct artistic journeys. 

Attendees can anticipate insights into the inspirations behind the panelists’ works, the challenges they’ve faced, and the milestones they’ve achieved. The dialogue promises to cultivate collaboration, spark creativity, and fortify a nurturing environment for the artistic community, encouraging a vibrant exchange of ideas and experiences. Other talks will be announced in the coming days.

Since its launch in 2018, Tubô Cebu Art Fair has illuminated the Southern Philippines’ cultural and creative landscape, offering a dedicated space for visual artists, aficionados, and collectors to connect, learn, and flourish.

The fair has seen remarkable growth, driven by community support and the dedication of its patrons and volunteers. With a vision to embed Visayas art into the broader national tapestry, Tubô makes it possible for even novice art enthusiasts to curate a regional art collection. •

Tubô Cebu Art Fair is organized by the Arts Council of Cebu Foundation, Inc., co-presented by the Department of Trade and Industry, Ayala Center Cebu and PRWorks, Inc. Sunstar Cebu, The Freeman, Cebu Daily News, MyTV, Balikbayan Magazine, Wonder Magazine, Freebie MNL, Complex Ph, Agimat, Cebu State Magazine, Bai TV, and GSpot as media partners. Sponsors include Coffee Bean & Teal Leaf, Shakeys, and Black Smokehaus.

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