For Art’s Sake
By Julius D. Mariveles
(excerpts reprinted from Sunday Lifestyle,SS July 20,1999)

aaaThe eyes, or so they say, are the mirrors of the soul.
aaaBut expect the artists among us to take that philosophical adage a step higher as they allow the other people to take a glimpse of their minds, their thoughts, their consciousness – through the power of the paint, canvass and bits of clay.
aaaThis is apparently the essence of the exhibit entitled “Premonitions”, which intends to raise the common tao’s usual notion of art, and that is, it is nothing more than an aesthetic design whose monetary value increases upon the artist’s death.
aaaBut to Revo Yanson, art is apparently more than that.
aaa“We are trying to uplift the art consciousness of the people. The usual concept is that art is a wall décor, but through this exhibit, we are trying to uplift the concept that art can be used as a tool or medium to let them undergo a visual experience…Ginadala ka into the mind of the artist,” Revo said.
aaaRevo, along with Joe Geraldo and Neil Benavente, Intends to bring their would-be spectators into a new realm and share with the people their visions which appear unconsciously and which they immediately interpret through their paintbrushes.
aaa“Art, aside from being a visual experience, should also be for a cause,” Yanson said.
aaaIndeed stepping into the basement of Balay Negrense in Silay is like stepping into another world.