Artists have always been perceived as sensitive and fragile: two adjectives one wouldn’t exactly use on former stuntman turned actor/TV host Cesar Montano. But here he is proving there is more to him than the machismo he has projected onscreen.
Cesar recently launched his first solo art exhibit at the ArtistSpace at the Ayala Museum in Makati City. The exhibit (which will run until Nov. 29) features more than 50 of his paintings, 46 of them in watercolor and the rest in oil.
Cesar’s artworks have been previously featured in group shows by legendary artists like Malang, et. al., but this is his first on all his own, which is aptly titled The First Impression.
For those who have seen Muro Ami, Bagong Buwan and Jose Rizal, the exhibit is definitely a must-see on how the dramatic actor evolved into a prolific artist.
Cesar told Philippine Star entertainment columnist Ricky Lo that he worked on the paintings for two years and feels grateful that h e had ample time to focus on them as he only has his hosting duties at ABS’CBN’s The Singing Bee to attend to at the time.
But things may change come next year. Cesar may have a lot on his plate if he wins his political bid as Bohol governor next year, but this is one topic he prefers to keep mum for now. Instead he prefers that his art be a major focus of discussion about him—especially because his paintings, which reportedly have a selling price starting at P50,000, have a worthy cause behind them. All proceeds will go to the Panaghoy Children Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Program which Cesar has put up with his fellow Boholanos.
Cesar’s ongoing exhibit have received noteworthy praise from critics, including Nestor U. Torre, who wrote in a recent article published in Philippine Daily Inquirer:
"One of his best paintings is his biggest, a moody portrait of a beefy man and some beasts of burden. There’s an iconic and even architectonic feel to the painting, with intimations beneath and beyond the readily apparent."
Cesar is also commended for his passion for the environment, clearly shown in his paintings, most of which deal with "nature" subjects.
For sure the kudos will continue to pour in. What makes it even more remarkable is that he has not had any formal training whatsoever, merely relying on his "heart" to paint what would surely become masterpieces in the future. Now that makes him a true artist. (AJPress)
( Published November 27, 2009 in RedCarpet Magazine p. 2 )
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