The vibrancy and diversity of Mindanaoan culture take center stage in Danny Castillon Doce's new exhibit, "Colors of the South." Featuring seventeen watercolor renderings, the exhibition warmly invites the public to delve into the rich ethnography and experiences Mindanao has to offer.

Danny Castillon Doce's artwork ‘Young Once' seeks to encapsulate the wisdom and experiences of an adult Bagobo Tagabawa. PHOTOS FROM NCCA

Through his skilled hands, Doce portrays the raw essence of the region's people, nature, and culture, employing realism as his method.

As visitors step into the gallery, they are greeted by a breath of life, warmth, and communal spirit. Three renderings adorn the entrance, each depicting indigenous groups from across the island: "Innocence" portrays a Tboli child, "Young Ones" captures siblings from the Manobo tribe, and "Young Once" encapsulates the experiences of an adult Bagobo Tagabawa. These pieces draw inspiration from photographs of Jojie Alcantara.

‘Colors of the South’ warmly invites the public to delve into the rich ethnography and experiences of Mindanao.

Throughout the exhibition, Doce pays homage to the photographs that sparked his creative ideas and unleashed his artistic skill.

For instance, "Waiting to be Risen," a photo by Den Jib Siblos served as a reference, "Pulling It In!" and "Malongon Campsite" were inspired by images of Donita Andres (DOT Region XII), while "Palendag Melodies" draws from the photo of Jojie Alcantara, and "The Weaver" is inspired by a photograph by Ruel Ambat.

"Colors of the South" will run until May 31 at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Gallery located on the Ground Floor, NCCA Building, 633 General Luna St., Intramuros, 1002 Manila.

‘Colors of the South’ warmly invites the public to delve into the rich ethnography and experiences of Mindanao. ‘Colors of the South’ warmly invites the public to delve into the rich ethnography and experiences of Mindanao. ‘Colors of the South’ warmly invites the public to delve into the rich ethnography and experiences of Mindanao.

NCCA Gallery Hours are from Mondays to Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information on the NCCA Gallery, call +632 8527 2192 or email gallery@ncca.gov.ph.