• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Saudi-based, multi-awarded Negrense visual artist Larry Carumba opened his first solo art exhibition in the Philippines, at the White Space Gallery at the Art District, Brgy. Mandalagan, Bacolod City Saturday.
The exhibit titled Naturalism, showcases Carumba’s limited 30 original and his last collection of round pieces in acrylic.
Present at the opening of the show that will run until October 21, were Carumba’s sister, Leny Hibionada, and his niece, Dr. Diane Hibionada-Sumugat, with her daughter Sophie Audrelle Sumugat.
Carumba, who hails from Victorias City, is a renowned artist with a divine talent for naturalistic art, showcased through his unique Naturalism concept. His works not only capture natures’ beauty but also conveys a hidden message of individual uniqueness and environmental awareness. His meticulous attention to detail, dedication to Naturalism, and numerous awards in art competitions solidify his exceptional standing in his generation.
He is a recipient of Asia’s Pinnacle Awards (2023): Philippine Asia’s Outstanding International Visual Artist; Dubai 2020: Illustrado 300 Most Influential Filipino in the Gulf; UAE Dubai (2019): The Filipino Times Award-Exemplary Filipino: Bahrain – TOOFW (2016): Ten Outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers-Gulf Countries Award for Visual Arts, among others.
Carumba, a Business Management graduate of the University of St. La Salle, has been an OFW/corporate secretary in a medical company in Saudi Arabia for three decades, speding 18 years on self-study of his craft and developing the naturalistic concept of painting. He previously held a solo art exhibition in Saudi Arabia.
“I came home to receive the Pinnacle Award. So I took the opportunity to hold an exhibit in Bacolod to expose my name to the local market,” he said adding that he is dedicating his paintings to the flora and fauna of Negros and to the Negrenses as well.*
