• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
“Echoes of Geckos” is a solo exhibition featuring the works of Bacolod-based artist Arnel Villaceran which opened at G-Space Gallery, Art District, Mandalagan, Bacolod City on May 29 and will run through June 30.
Villaceran grew up in Bantayan, Cebu but has now settled in Bacolod City. He has earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, majoring in Advertising Arts from La Consolacion-Bacolod, and has held several solo exhibitions, as well as joined group shows.
“I personally chose the Tokay gecko, or what we call ‘Tuko’ here in the Philippines, as the featured subject for this exhibition for its often-overlooked nature, yet vibrant character when closely observed. Tuko are generally harmless creatures, though they can occasionally appear aggressive. They produce a distinct sound like ‘tuko’ from which their name was derived,” the artist said.
Tuko are nocturnal animals—active at night. In relation to his art practice for this exhibition, Villaceran makes most of my artworks at night while working full-time during the day, ensuring that the works themselves are produced within a nocturnal process. He also recalled that the house where he grew up in Bantayan had several tuko and that his present home, where he and his wife now live, has also been inhabited by tuko since the very first day they moved in.
“I want to share my artworks with people so they can visualize and experience being surrounded by different characteristics and identities of the Tuko. I know that people are aware of the existence of Tuko, in our homes, and its important role in our ecosystem. I hope that this gentle animal will be appreciated by people not only for being a natural pest controller but also as a creature that shares our personal space,” Villaceran added.*
