Mikhail Dave M. Cabuguas (Author)
Abstract
The study indicates that a majority of the well-established local artists in Cebu City, Philippines have a tendency to practice visual arts in a conservative and traditional manner. Their artistic subjects, methods, and approaches all reflect this. The rich cultural and historical legacy of Cebu City is a major influence on the city’s conservative and conventional visual art trends. These artists use classical techniques including realistic painting, sculpture, and weaving, and are frequently inspired by religious themes, local customs, and folklore. The depictions of historical events, religious themes, and images from ordinary life in these artworks highlight the importance of traditional aesthetic standards and precise craftsmanship. There is also a noticeable influence of Spanish colonial art, especially in the use of natural paints and wood as well as religious imagery. The preservation and promotion of Cebu’s cultural identity is achieved through this dedication to traditional themes and practices. In this established component of Cebu’s art scene, artists are typically those with strong ancestry in traditional crafts and classical training that has been handed down through the centuries. These artists are usually older, and many of them have studied fine arts in formal institutions or have worked as apprentices to masters in their field. A concentration on skill, accuracy, and the utilization of traditional materials and procedures define their work. The participation of traditional Cebuano artists in local festivals, church commissions, and cultural exhibitions is a means of maintaining the work’s essential role in the community. Their many artistic forms, which include realistic portraiture, elaborate religious carvings, and finely detailed landscape paintings, all support the celebration and preservation of Cebu’s artistic heritage.
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Keywords: Cebuano visual arts, Traditional techniques, Cultural heritage, Religious themes, Spanish colonial influence, Artistic preservation