The development of an artist’s oeuvre is intimately linked to understanding the underlying pillars that support his weltanschauung, or worldview. His artistic orientation is concurrent to the permutations of his life’s experiences and the innate spirituality and emotional qualities of his works can drive the viewer to the very core of his being. It is therefore wholly fitting that Ferdinand Cacnio’s latest exhibition at the Galerie Joaquin in Singapore is entitled "Visual Diary". Ferdinard’s sculptures, which will be on display from December 12 to December 23, reflect not only his own successful background in graphic design but also touch upon an authentic relationship with metals and other materials that epitomizes his professional academic qualification in civil engineering.
In "Visual Diary", we are witnessing a gifted artist interpreting and interacting with the world as he sees it. The stylistic elements of Ferdinard’s works are indicative of an eye for contrasts and juxtapositions that seem to merge, even blur, until what remains is a recording, a journal, a diary of elements that is at once ambitious in scope and remarkable in achievement.
One may be tempted to approach the exhibition with an eye toward Ferdinand’s breathtaking Dancer series. The mastery of metals, after all, is on full display as the polished finishes in works such as "Flamengo 1" are graceful renditions of feminine curves that are blanketed by the sweeping, jagged contours of the subject’s costumes. Done in layered, welded bronze, the lack of seams is a testament to Ferdinand’s methodical skill. But also on display are works from his Sapatusin (Shoes) series - and it is here that the designer’s eye is seen. The lines and forms used, while ostensibly resembling footwear, elevate his works to beyond what is representational - they show the artist’s determined attempt to correlate his views of interrelated forms to what they most closely resemble.
Ferdinand’s Shoes series identify the desires of daily life and bringing these desires into an endearing piece of sculpture. Woman loves and enjoy buying shoes. This has become part of their lifestyle, In this unique exhibition, Shoe become a collectable artwork , giving different light and varities to the joy of collecting shoe.
While the shoe portrayed the desires and the lifestyle, the dancers swayed into movements liked a gracious weightless metal. Ferdinard studied movement of dances and bring them to life. The connection of desire and appreciation of beauty, is being presented in Ferdinand’s sculptures, which he have fun with the subject in the shoe as well as the movement of the dance.
Regardless of the series, they are all feats of distinctiveness and aesthetic balance. Each viewing angle is in itself a completely different experience. One can approach the works almost as if they are non-linear narratives - every vantage point being just one part of a bigger whole, yet paradoxically complete as it is. Every one of his works speak their own language and carries an unique authentic identity.
Ferdinard’s mastery of both composition and construction has been recognized before: he is a recipient of an award from the Art Association of the Philippines and is highly-regarded by a multitude of critics such as Dr. Alice Guillermo, Dr. Ana Labrador, and Dr. Reuben Cañete. This exhibition demonstrates his astonishing artistic ascent and presents a talent that cannot be ignored.
