THE OFFICE for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños opened  ‘Salungguhit’, an arts and poetry exhibit at the Sining Makiling Gallery.

Artists Jualim Vela and Kevin Ray Valentino collaborated to showcase their art works while Dennis Andrew Aguinaldo and Genevieve Aguinaldo wrote the poems that accompanied the visual art pieces.

“Art sustains us despite the world being reduced to VUCA. VUCA stands for volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Therefore, OICA is non-VUCA.” Professor Jerry Yapo, OICA director, said.

The exhibit featured art works done in watercolor, acrylic, as well as digital arts.

Valentino said that he used the time spent in quarantine to finish his illustrations. He dedicated the exhibit to his mother who recently passed away.

Aguinaldo, on the other hand, reflected on the intricate details of the art pieces. She said that she had ‘initial misgivings’ on whether she would be able to bring justice to them through the written word.

Chancellor Jose Camacho Jr. who graced the opening program expressed his support to OICA for providing a breath of fresh air amid the pandemic.

The event was attended by Dr.  Janette Malata-Silva, vice chancellor for student affairs; Dr. Merdelyn Lit, vice chancellor for research and extension; Dr. Leonora Fajutagana, chair of the Department of Humanities; and faculty members and students of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Salungguhit will run until March 5. Exhibit hours are from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.