LOCAL colors mean the presentation of the features and peculiarities of a particular locale and people therein. Menchie Alunan Vitente, it is celebrating the sights and lights of rural Filipiniana.
In her first solo exhibit last September 23-October 23, 2022 at Gallery 928, “Lokal Kolors” showcased not only Menchie’s expression of light and brightness but also exhibits quotidian Filipino characters and scenes like sorbetes cart, magtataho, balloon vendors, tricycles, river banks and the like. Her art comes with a unique presentation - frames made of Capiz shells, a material that has never been used as artwork mounts.
“Many of the paintings are inspired by my memories growing up in Misamis Occidental, my home province, while studying in UP Diliman, and my everyday life here in the capital,” shared Menchie.
Among the paintings displayed were “Balloon Delivery” – a 24”x24” depiction that captures the Filipino’s true loyalty to celebrations whether they be birthdays, anniversaries, welcoming home a relative, or just about any reason to share meal and talk of experiences. “Balloon Delivery” captures the essence of working-class Filipinos ever reliant on the ubiquitous public transportation called “tricycle;” the “Pulang Bangka” in acrylic at 18"x24" in Capiz shell frame portrays the jump-off point to the floating cottages in Sapang Dalaga in Misamis Occidental; “Kalachuchi Sundays” which to Menchie’s, is a childhood memory of walking to church every Sunday on a road strewn with kalachuchi flowers.
The Capiz style of windows is a common feature of Spanish-era houses in the Philippines. Made into art frames, they give the vibe of looking out a window and give off an enticing effect of a pearlescent rainbow when light hits it.
Other notable works are the "Bombels" and "Orange Bombels". As to why she named them “bombels,” “Because as a child, the word bougainvillea was difficult to pronounce, how much more spell it, so we called it “bombels” or sometimes “bonggabilya,” explained Menchie laughingly.
Other paintings include "sorbetes" cart with the UP Sunken Garden as the background, “Tampisaw,” “Siloy Lake,” “Parada,” “Joy Ride,” “Perseverance,” a selection of balloon-themed pieces, and some florals.
Not late yet blooming.
Menchie considers herself a late bloomer in the field of visual arts. She graduated from UP College of Music in 1989 and devoted a few years to teaching piano lessons.
In 2016, at the age of 49, she dabbled in watercolor painting. Two years after, she found joy in painting with various mediums and committed to studying sessions with Maestro Fernando Sena who guided her to an art style akin to realism and impressionism (though she also occasionally ventures into expressionism). Menchie is a naturally “bright” artist as shown in her opuses - pleasing to the eye, connotes happiness, and brightens up a room. Being a crafter at heart, she also loves mixed media and uses her craft materials like gold leaf, crystals, pearls, and sea glass, among others.
Before this first solo exhibit, she took part in the three-woman show with Gallery 928 in 2021. She was also one of the 48 visual artists who joined the Mismo sa Ating Puso and a member of the Philippine Guild of Watercolorists (PGW), Philippine Pastel Artists (PPA), and the Philippine Botanical Art Society.
“Lokal Kolors is a realization of my dreams and goals in this art journey and maybe, a start of something hopeful and beautiful. It is also my way of promoting and preserving Philippine culture while at the same time supporting Filipino artisans and their craftsmanship,” Menchie noted. (PR)
Note: Lokal Kolors’ catalog can be viewed via the Gallery 928 webpage. You can also visit Gallery 928 studio on the 3rd floor of AYSN Sports, P.Tuazon cor. Benitez St., Cubao, Q.C. Menchie can be reached at menchvit@yahoo.com or at Instagram handle @menchvit.
