Young impressionist and his works at the gallery

NAGA UNFILTERED. Brian Oliver Ramos, 18, of Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) gives viewers another perspective of Naga City more than the religious and historical background usually portrayed by most local artists. Photo by Paulo Papa

NAGA CITY --- A young artist portrayed some places of the city which are considered as unportrayed in the arts, but familiar to Nagueños, contributing economic progress, and preserving cultural identity.

Since then, Bicolano artists from different art groups and media usually portray popular places in this city such as the Quince Martires monument and old churches, that symbolize the city’s rich religious and historical background.

Brian Oliver Ramos, 18, Grade 12 TechVoc Animation student of Camarines Sur National High School unveiled his artworks at The 416 art gallery in Bagumbayan Sur last Sunday evening as his exhibit starts to portray ordinary places in the city, including the old central business district where economic activities continue to fire up as years go by.

In an interview, Ramos said that he wanted to show the viewers the real, natural, and normal life in Naga, which is far from the usual portraitures limited to churches and Marian activities.

He included in his artworks the night market in Plaza de Oragon in Brgy. Dinaga and the busy Gen. Luna Street where the Pre-War Socorro Abella Building still stands and is now occupied by a fast food restaurant and commercial stores.

He said he also wanted to portray both poverty and prosperity obtaining in the city which is different from photographs that highlight the poor and the marginalized sector amidst the city’s rising economic growth.

He expressed confidence that his works will give the viewers another perspective of the city, especially about people who are part of the daily grind, such as night vendors, fruit stall owners and workers rushing back to their homes as night falls.

Ramos’ works are now available for viewing at The 416 Art Gallery.