Venice -The City of Canals.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Bidayatan or The Beginning (inaugural Feb. 3 till Feb. 15, Wyndham Dubai Deira) was appropriately titled, it being the first art exhibition hosted by newly-formed Hayat Arts, the organisation co-founded by artist sisters Safa and Sarah Peshimam. Twenty two artists from many nationalities showed thirty two works of art on the occasion, among whom was Edcel La Rosa Cabalan from the Philippines (he went on to win the first prize for his artwork).

Cabalan is a visual arts awardee of Harvest of Honours (Ani ng Dangal 2022) of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts under the Office of the Philippine President and also a recipient of the Outstanding Minglanillahanon 2023 in the field of arts and culture.

Currently based in Dubai as an architect, he says he always had a keen eye for the beauty of the world around him, but it was only during the pandemic he discovered a new medium to express his artistic imagination and emotions: watercolour painting.

 Edcel La Rosa Cabalan's artworks are exhibited all across the globe.

Watercolour painting has provided an extension for Cabalan for freezing moments he feels are worth keeping. From scenic imagery to familiar objects of routine life to features of modern and Renaissance architecture, his impressionist watercolour paintings coalesce with bright strokes, ideal colours and bring out the moods he wants to convey. His artwork has been accepted and exhibited in various galleries, both online and physical, locally and internationally, in places such as Georgia, Vietnam, Mauritius, France, Spain, Italy, India, UAE, USA and the Philippines.

Safa Peshimam has this to say about the artist. “Edcel Cabalan is a distinguished artist who skillfully transforms worthy moments into exquisite watercolour paintings which eloquently capture the beauty of everyday life and the magnificence of architectural marvels.

 Safa Peshimam is the co-founder of Hayat Arts

Renowned for his free-flowing expression, he not only graces galleries worldwide, but also radiates warmth as a supportive and amiable individual. He leaves a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience his remarkable artistry!”

Cabalan answers Gulf Today’s questions

How different and how same are architecture and art?

There are differences between art and architecture, even though both are related to science. Architecture is a three-dimensional physical construct and always has certain practical forces behind it, while Art represents creative freedom and the breaking of norms. In Art, an artist feels free to express his artistic side without limitations.

How does your architectural background help you as an artist?

My architectural background has helped me to practice painting, particularly on the urbanscape theme. Given the technical skills of an architect, it is much easier for an architect-artist to paint, if he pursues subjects related to buildings. The perspective and accurate proportions in this case will be efficiently achieved, along with expressing the intricacies of the subject.

Do you draw the places and buildings from having been there and seen them or is it by looking at their pictures?

I am fascinated by places with dominant, detailed buildings. I have only actually visited around twenty per cent of the places I painted, by far. The rest are based on photos of what I would like to paint.

You seem to like traditional and heritage constructions. Do contemporary buildings find a place in your work?

Since I am mostly interested in buildings with more details, the traditional and heritage types of buildings have bigger places on my easel. Though there are some contemporary buildings that are included in the scene, they do not dominate the view.

Which is your favourite colour? Why?

Since my subjects are on the theme of heritage and traditional buildings, my favourite colours are shades of brown, maroon, greys or any other that are associated with historical buildings.

Who are the artists you find inspirational? Why?

I have many artists who I look up to, but the watercolour artists who have influenced me the most are Joseph Zbukvic and Alvaro Castagnet.

Their method and style of painting urbanscape themes has caught my attention the most. (Zbukvic is known for focusing heavily though mutedly on historic sites and creating atmosphere, while Castagnet’s paintings capture the soul of a place through vividly painted everyday scenes and almost abstract gestural swathes of pure colour).

Please tell us about the art scene in the Philippines.

The art scene of Philippines is very broad and dynamic and many artists there have partly influenced my work. Figurative portraits to urban scape to contemporary themes are found in the artistic arena of the Philippines. A wide range of murals have also been highly recognised, as for example, in the ceilings and walls of churches. 

What is your opinion of the Emirati art world?

The Emirati art world is very fascinating and diverse. Its symbolism and historic calligraphy themes have impacted not just the UAE, but the whole world. Besides the development and flourishing of contemporary arts, there are lots of emerging artists who are also carving their legacies here.

Do you have regular working hours or is your art making spontaneous?I don’t have regular working hours. Since I am a full-time architect, most of the artworks are done in the evenings. I work spontaneously on urban subjects - anything that catches my interest. Painting is one method of relaxation after a long day of work!  

What is your message for young, emerging artists?

The message that I can share with emerging artists is “do whatever makes you happy and paint with your heart.”