Victor Espinosa (Bong Espinosa)

Davao Artist showcases works on Leaving the American Dream

ART PRESS RELEASE


Davao Artist showcases works on Leaving the American Dream



Many Davao visual artists are attracted by ethnic art and have produced a good volume of work on the genre. The waling-waling, the Philippine eagle, the tribal folks of Davao , and Mount Apo have become favorite subjects of home-grown realists, impressionists, cubists, and expressionists.

Among these many Davao artists is one who experimented with various media and technique. This artist has successfully overcome the challenge to create an outstanding body of works with a unique mode of visual interpretation, a style that he has distinctly developed since time immemorial. His natural talent and exemplary perseverance drove him to transcend geographical limitations and penetrate the international art scene.

Victor ‘Bong’ Espinosa, fresh from New York City , USA , is set to open his seventh homecoming art exhibition on November 18, 2006, Saturday, at Charlie’s Diner, DAMOSA Gateway, corner Mamay and Lanang Roads, Davao City , Philippines .

Entitled: “TURNING POINT”, the exhibit will showcase Espinosa’s latest works that express the psychic and spiritual impact of the artist’s exposure trip to the world’s Mecca of modern art, New York . His previous solo expositions include: "Different world in series" 1st at Mother Bear Restaurant on the year 1996, "Nature-Nurtures” 2nd at the CAP Art Center on the year 1999, "Black Lists" 3rd at Chiaroscuro, Victoria Plaza on the year 2000, 4th: "Mythical Feast" at Linya Gallery, Iligan City on the year 2002, 5th: "heART and Soul" Gallery-J, SM City mall on the year 2004 and 6th: “ArtiFacts” at
Kubiyertos Restaurant held also on this same year.

Espinosa considered himself a consistent Finalist in different local and international art competitions, some of which are launched in the internet. He first made international impact in 2002 when he became a Finalist in the International Symbolists Juried Art show in Canada . Followed by a repeated feat In the 9th & 10th launchings of the Internet International Art and Photo Contests in Japan , 2003 and 20'04. His pen and ink drawings were also chosen from amongst the 40 emerging International artists in the "Phases of Eve" An interpretation of the female ideals. A fine art multimedia show presented by Art Fix International, USA 2006. Lately, he had two artworks chosen to be exhibited in the BTB "Beyond the Barrelman" Juried International Show ( Chicago , USA ) May 2005.
Recently, his artwork “Daba-daba” was chosen amongst a hundreds of foreign and international artists in the worldwide web to be published in the year 2007 and Artslam table Calendar which will circulate globally.

Last April of this year, Bong exhibited, along with fellow Artisthood members at the Philippine Center Consulate in New York . The spring exhibition is called “5 Artists, 5 Paths” also featured are fellow Dabawenyos Phillip Somozo, New York-based Ega Carreon and Ben Banez, Jr., and Canada –based Paul Corpus with guest artist Rex Kyamko.

Espinosa observed that New York is a melting pot of all major races. Immigrants, both legal and illegal, from all over the globe do all they can to make it in the world’s largest city. The title “Turning Point” refers to Espinosa’s decision to “Leave the American Dream”. His works will be on view until February 2007.
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